From A Woman's Perspective: June 15th, 2024 "Common Objections to Downsizing - Part 2 of 2"

Common objections to downsizing- Part 2 of 2

 

Good morning, Marilyn. The decision to downsize isn’t an easy or quick one. This week I listed a property for sale with a client I first met in 2018! With the Covid shutdown and changes in their personal circumstances, they waited until this year to finally pull the trigger on moving from their oversized home. Between our first contact and now, my job was simply to keep in touch periodically, and to provide useful information as they navigated the process of preparing their home for sale. I was their real estate consultant long before I was their real estate agent. 

I have to say that this slow progression toward an inevitable house sale is pretty common amongst my clients. It’s a slow moving journey to navigate past their own objectives, and finally realize the benefit of moving to accommodations that better suit their lifestyle, aging and wellness needs. 

Some of the common objections to downsizing were highlighted last week. If you missed it you can check it out on our blog on our website, smartrealtysolution.com. My objective in dealing with these objections is to help you reframe your situation to realize there are always workarounds.

Take for example the objection I commonly hear: “I need room to putter around and work on projects.” This objection rests upon the assumption that a workshop or craft room couldn’t be found in a new home. If your projects are the inside type, it’s relatively easy to make sure you have a dedicated space to craft or sew or paint or build models. And if gardening is a passion, many condos have communal spaces or even committees to join that would allow you to get down and get dirty. I even know of a few condos that have woodworking shops! Seek and you shall find.

The #4 common objections I hear stems from a fear of being without the support you anticipate needing as you age. “All my friends are nearby and I rely on them.” Fair enough. I’ve spoken before about the link between healthy aging and strong social connections. Across the board, seniors fare better with a network they can rely upon. Moving house doesn’t mean you need to move away. In fact, most of my clients choose to look for a more manageable home but in the same neighbourhood. If you’re interested in knowing what’s available around you, you only have to reach out to me at 416-460-5636 to discuss your needs & wants and I can start a search for you. 

#3. The whole process of preparing the home is overwhelming. Yes, it is. But remember, you are not in this alone. With a plan, a budget, a timeline and some outside help this is eminently doable. You might not have sold a house before, but I have! In fact I’ve sold dozens of homes, and if it’s taught me anything it's that “team work makes the dream work.” How isn’t the question to ask, as in “How am I ever going to get my house ready?” The right question to ask is, “Who? Who can I bring into this situation with the expertise to make this less stressful?” And by now you should know there’s only one SMART Realty Solution. lol

The number 2 objection I hear is: “I don’t know where to go.” Finding the answer to this objection is going to take a bit of effort. Don’t wait for a sign to appear in the sky - you’re actually going to have to get out there and investigate your options. Buy a condo? Rent a smaller house? Move to a new community? These are only a few of the downsizing property options available. For most people, seeing is believing so why not connect with a Realtor who can show you what a 1200 sq ft condo looks like, or arrange to visit a Retirement Community with independent seniors suites for rent. Proactive steps toward a future downsize is a good investment in your peace of mind. When the time comes, you’ll have a better idea of what will and won’t work for you.

And finally,... drum roll, please…The #1 objection to downsizing is: “They are taking me out in a pine box!” Funny, yes but also no. I realize many seniors don’t want to leave their long-time homes under any circumstance. But have they given real consideration to what this means not only to themselves but to those who love them? I could do a whole blog on this topic alone, Marilyn, but living alone in an oversized house is choosing convenience and comfort, yes, but also increasing isolation and potential for falls, illness and possibly worse. Leaving your home to your children might seem like a good idea, but please check with your estate professionals to find out about the tax and legal ramifications. There’s a nasty word that no one likes to talk about in this scenario: Probate. Your heirs might be getting far more than they bargained for if your inheritance isn’t adequately planned for. 

IF you’re wondering how to start even thinking about downsizing, why not request our ebooklet, “Downsizing Done Right.” It’s available on our website, smartrealtysolution.com or by calling me, Sharon, at 416-460-5636. 

Or, if you’d like to join me in person in Richmond Hill, we are hosting a workshop, “Downsizing Done Right” at the McConaghy Seniors’ Centre on Yonge Street on Tues. June 18th in the afternoon. Again you can register at our website or by calling me.

Like everything at SMART Realty Solutions, this ebooklet and workshop are completely free of cost or obligation, so reach out today!

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