Tips on Downsizing...it's never to early to start!

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of being a presenter at the Down Sizing workshop held at the Bethlehem Central High School. Nina Sher of Hunt Real Estate is the creator of this very informative workshop for folks that are looking to downsize. Nina spoke about how to price your home correctly in the current real estate market. Discussed the options in the area for condo’s and retirement communities. Cheryl Shaw from CS Property Improvement, a professional home stager, spoke about the importance of decluttering and staging your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. My presentation was showing examples of affordable kitchen and bathroom updates that have the best return on investment. Here’s a few tips I would like to share with you.

Most of the folks I spoke with had already started the daunting process of decluttering and cleaning out their “stuff”. It can be an overwhelming task for sure. Earlier this year I had personal experience of moving my mother. It’s a very emotional chore that takes time and energy. It’s never to early to begin the process.

It’s also crucial to get informed, have a plan, a budget for repairs/updates and a timeline. Get advice on preparing your home from a person that is not emotionally connected to you or your home. An unbiased professional that will not hesitate to recommend the flowered wall paper in your bedroom that you LOVE has to go! Paint is the most dramatic and affordable way to update your home. Get advise on the best neutral paint colors and finishes to use that will compliment the style of your home and appeal to potential buyers.

Have updated finishes in the kitchen and bathroom. Nina, Cheryl and I all agree they are the key rooms that buyers are looking at. As potential buyers are checking out your home online and scrolling through pictures, you have only three seconds to make a good impression and set your home apart.

I always enjoy talking with folks about their homes. Downsizing is a major transition that takes careful planning. As I learned from helping my mom, moving and decluttering is a lot of work. But now in her new home and surroundings, she can begin to enjoy other experiences. That makes it all worth it!