YOUR DOWNSIZING BLUEPRINT
Are you at a point in your life where you feel like your house is too big, you have too much stuff and not sure what to do? Does all of this feel overwhelming and stressful? I am here to help. I specialize in working with families and individuals looking to down size. Whether you are thinking of moving soon or in a few years this system will help you work through all the steps to make this as stress free as possible. I also work with adult children who are helping aging parents make a move, whether they are local or across the country.
Every situation is unique and I will work with you to meet you where you are. This process is inclusive and transparent to help you from the initial conversations to final settlement.
First things first:
IS MOVING THE RIGHT THING FOR YOU?
is aging in place an option?
This can be a very lengthy discussion/decision but it may be one you want to consider. I have worked with many folks who ultimately decided staying where they are, for at least the time being, was the best thing for them. I have lots of contacts for helping you age in place if that is what you feel is best for you at this time.
Where is your ideal next home?
Having something/someplace to look forward to, is a huge incentive to go through the work to make this move. If you have a specific home, not just a location, that will also help with deciding what to take and what to sell/donate or throw away.
What is your timing?
The key to making this a successful move is coming up with a personal game plan. Some of my clients have taken years to go through this process while some others have done it in a few short months. Neither option is better or worse, it is just what works best for you. Since you know what best motivates you, you have to be the one to map out this plan. I can work with your schedule whatever it might be.
What are the pitfalls of not making a decision?
Not making a decision is ultimately making a decision, it’s is just not owning the choice to stay put. The problem that arises from not planning is you are then stuck with whatever comes your way. It can also be much more difficult to make a move as your health and physical abilities deteriorate.
DO YOU NEED THE FUNDS FROM YOUR CURRENT HOME TO FUND YOUR NEW HOME?
There are a variety of strategies to help you make this less stressful. We can talk about each of these in more detail when we meet.You can take out a loan and use the equity in your current home You can borrow against or withdraw funds from your retirement account. You can check with a lender and see if you can get a loan for your new home while still occupying your current home
HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO DO TO PREPARE THE HOUSE FOR SALE?
We will take an inventory of the current condition and determine what has to be done and what is optimal for highest sales price.
HOW MUCH HELP WILL YOU NEED?
Do you want to go through the process on your own or do you need someone to help you through impasses? There are companies who specialize in people who are downsizing. They have some great creative ideas on what to do with all the things you have accumulated.Do you want to take what’s important and leave the rest for me to coordinate? Is finding an investor your best plan of action?
LISTING THE HOUSE
Pricing, staging, issues with pets, negotiating the sale. These are just a few of the things you and I will talk about when the time comes.
FINDING YOUR NEW HOME
If you are staying in the area we can start your search.
If you are moving out of the area I can refer you to top agents in your new location.
If you are considering assisted living I have folks who can help you find just the right place.
THE FINAL STEPS
Coordinating the timing between selling, buying and moving.
Hiring movers -- is this a multi-step process?
Will you want to have an estate sale?
What will happen to the items you are leaving behind that don’t sell?
MARILYN EMERY
MarilynEmeryHomes@gmail.com 301-370-9905
DOWNSIZING MADE MANAGEABLE