Published July 22, 2021
10 Things You Want to Consider When Downsizing
Here are my top 10 tips to consider when you want to downsize.
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Today, I have some advice for those of you considering downsizing. Before anything else, I suggest clarifying why you want to downsize. Moving into a smaller home is becoming very popular, and for good reason. People are experiencing family life changes, living with health issues, and moving to be closer to their loved ones. Whatever reason you may have, here are my 10 downsizing tips:
1. Find out what size community you want to live in. Some of the 55+ are as small as 35, while others are as large as 3,500. Finding out which you prefer should be step number one.
2. Secure access to your basic needs. Think about how close you’ll be to essential aspects of your life, such as grocery stores, churches, restaurants, etc.
3. Consider how busy the area is. If you are moving into a busy area, traffic could be a huge concern. Consider how busy the area is and how you might avoid rush hours.
4. Consider different types of homes. When downsizing you’ll have a lot of home types to consider, including traditional, condo, large, small, open lawn, or tight community homes.
5. Find out who maintains the lawns. Will you be responsible for maintaining the lawns, or is it covered by your property management?
6. Find out the maintenance fees. Whether it’s utilities or lawn care, it is important to factor the maintenance fees into your cost of living.
7. How much privacy will you have? If you are considering a 55+ community, privacy can vary widely based on your choice. Sometimes neighbors will be able to see into your living space. If this is an issue for you, consider it before making a decision.
8. Determine your price range. It is always important to consider your price range before looking for a new place to live. That way, you’ll know which properties are options from the beginning.
9. What activities are happening in the community? A big advantage of living in a community is all the activities. It is important to see what book clubs, trips, movie nights, or activities will be available if you move.
10. What are the advantages of living in a 55+ community? If the option is available to you, there are plenty of advantages to living in a 55+ community.
This is just a brief introduction to what to consider when downsizing. If you have any questions about downsizing, or real estate in general, do not hesitate to contact me. I’d love to help you decide what's best for you and your family.
