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DIVORCE AND YOUR HOME

TIPS FOR EMPTY NESTERS

It might be time to downsize or move into another home more suitable for your glorious years of retirement. Like thousands of home-sellers, you may be discovering that after years of non-stop child traffic in and out of your doors, toys on the floor, music floating throughout, that suddenly you can hear a pen drop. Your roofs are filled with pictures and memories of this wonderful time in your life, but there are many empty rooms gathering dust. These freer years are exciting! If you find yourself in this situation, you’re in good company. There are many wonderful opportunities for you to create this new chapter in your life.

CREATE YOUR VISION

Having a vision of your new life can be difficult or overwhelming. However, if you try to envision your new life, this makes the transition into a smaller home much easier. Keep your reason for downsizing in mind. Perhaps you want to travel – or be closer to grandkids – maybe you just don’t want a huge home anymore. Whatever the reason, having a detailed plan with the right vision makes the move less challenging.

HAVE A PLAN

Your agent can help you plan what works best for your current circumstances. You’ll want to create a checklist of all the items you want in your new home – square footage, room size, bedrooms, etc. There are so many factors that you’ll want to line out and it’s best to be ready so you can get busy looking for homes.

DECLUTTER & PACKING

This can seem like the most daunting step during this process. Focus on one room at a time (or even a room a week) and start with the room you use the least. Starting with large items will make you feel like you’re making good progress. Items you use every day should be kept in an easily accessible location so you can find them without hassle. Sort smaller items into a few different piles – Trash / Donate / Keep / Give to Friends or Relatives. You can also have a Sell pile. As you declutter and pack, it’s good to stay as organized as possible.

ENLIST AN EXPERIENCED REAL ESTATE AGENT

Your ideal agent needs to have experience with sellers who have downsized and a team in place to assist you in the process. This agent will use their support team to make sure your home is marketed and sells for the highest return. It’s also important to enlist an agent who does not leave you feeling rushed.

CHOOSE YOUR HOME TYPE

Your new home comes with many choices. Consider making your selection based on your needs for the future – a smaller house, a one floor patio home, a townhome or condo, or an adult lifestyle community.

FINANCIAL & BUYING OPTIONS

Your Real Estate agent should be able to provide you with a list of multiple financial options and resources that minimize your costs and allow you to make this transition financially. Many downsizers are afraid they don’t have the money for their next home, but an experienced agent will go over all your options so that you feel secure in your transition.

DETAILS TO CONSIDER

Create a downsizing notebook to help you remember all the things you should do after you move. Here’s a short list of “to-dos” for after your move:

• Change Your Postal Address

• Switch Utilities

• Switch Security System

• Cancel and Order Homeowner’s Insurance

• Notify Investment Accounts, Bank, and Friends and Family

• Make a List of Local Service Providers

• Notify Insurance Companies of New Address

• Unpack

CELEBRATE!!!