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Downsizing - When Is It Time to Let Go of the Family Home?

As we head into the holiday season and begin preparations for family gatherings, homeowners often find themselves reconsidering their needs. Grandparents may find that rather than their children and grandkids coming to see them, it’s much simpler for them to jump on a plane to visit their grandkids for the holidays. Those with adult children may find that their kids would rather use their time off to travel and explore the rest of the world. For those heading into retirement themselves, the holidays may just be the opportunity to begin checking off items on their own bucket lists. All of these situations considered, there comes a time when some homeowners begin to wonder, do we really need all this space? Read on for three signs it may be time to downsize.

1. Maintaining a home of its size is no longer a priority

You used to love to pour over paint swatches and home decorating magazines. You had dreams of remodeling the kitchen or guest bathroom. You would rearrange your furniture a few times a year. Now, you have rooms that you no longer go into - the kid’s room that hasn’t had a kid in it for at least a decade, that you were going to turn into a craft room or a home office has just become the place where you store your holiday decorations instead of taking them all the way to that inconvenient to get to storage closet or attic. You’re paying a landscaper to keep up the yard where you used to hold barbecues and family birthday parties, but now you’re not even sure if the grill even still works. Your kitchen is full of special dishware and appliances that were once the must-have item, or at least, you think they are still there, since you haven’t actually used them in several years. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to think about downsizing.

2. You’re Spending Less Time at Home

Your house used to be your sanctuary. It was the place you’d make meals, get work done, reenergize after running errands. You used to have people over, cook dinners, host parties. Now, it’s basically your closet and place where you rest your head in between traveling, spending time with friends, indulging in your favorite hobbies, sports or other pastimes. You're spending more time with your grandkids on another coast or want to plan a months’ long journey to see some of the sights on your bucket list. You’d rather eat out then cook at home or spend longer periods at what you’d once considered your vacation home. Is it time to stop holding onto old memories and start making new ones?

3. The Neighborhood No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle

There was a time when you knew all of the neighbors on your street. The kids would come over and play hoops in your backyard and you knew exactly whose number to dial when your child hadn’t come home by curfew. Once upon a time you had a neighborhood book club or would all get together for a Halloween block party. While out walking your dog, you’d stop and exchange stories about which kid was starting in the football game this week or what teachers gave too much homework. You used to know every dog within a 2-mile radius and be able to dial the owners when one escaped the backyard. Now your kids are grown and you smile and wave at the young couple with their adorable elementary school kids across the street, but it no longer matters how good the school district is. You’re tired of having to drive so far to your favorite grocery store or restaurant and the commute to work seems hardly worth the drive. Your friends have moved closer to the beach or city centers that offer restaurants within walking distance. Whatever the reason, if your neighborhood no longer fits your needs, it may be time to sell.

In whichever way your needs are changing, I can help you find the lifestyle that works for you. Whether you are looking for the resort life, a family neighborhood, beach days, or an equestrian property, let me put my neighborhood expertise to work for you.