10 Item List for Early Downsizing Research and Reflection

Imagine the following.... You've lived in a house for 40 years, raised your children in it, and made it your own, one improvement at a time.  In the quiet week after Christmas, you realize it's time to simplify your life, and that is going to require a new home.  You decide you are definitely moving on Jan 1, let your kids know they need to pick up their old yearbooks by Jan 9, hire Pittsburgh's best listing agents (ahem) on Jan 10, pack up your things by Jan 20, turn it over to Pittsburgh's premiere galpal real estate superdo to stage and photograph on Jan 21, and list it by Feb 1.  If you think this timeline is absurd, you're right!  Once in a great while, downsizing decisions are made in the blink of an eye, but more often than not, they take time to marinate. We recommend the latter.  Here's a list of 10 to do's that you could starting chipping away at even while your timeline is unclear. 

1. Dig deeper into what might be motivating you  to downsize.
• Maybe you have been toying with this idea for awhile, but it’s coming up for you more than it used to. Are you tired of maintaining an older home?  Do you want to reduce expenses and simplify your lifestyle?  Are you looking for a more walkable neighborhood? Do you want to be closer to your friends, your grandchildren, the sun? It doesn’t have to be just 1 of these, or any of these, but try and write all the reasons down and see if you can rank them. What seems to be the biggest reason you’d like to do this?
2. Research Housing Options:
• Talk to friends of yours in different kinds of housing - we’re talking about condos, apartments, “regular” neighborhoods, or senior living communities.  What features are important to you? What level of maintenance are you up for?  What fees are they paying? Get 1 notebook for just this research and keep all your notes there.
3. Seek Advice from Experts:
• Set up a 60 minute discovery call with us to talk about a high-level range of potential resale values for your current home.  If you're planning on staying in the burgh, we will walk you through some of your housing options. We also have a solid referral network in dozens of cities nationwide, however, so that’s an option as well if you’re heading for warmer territory, for example.
4. Create a Budget:
• If you’ve been without a mortgage for some time, you should consider talking to a financial advisor about how to plan for the monthly costs of your new home. We can work with them to make some assumptions about net proceeds from the sale of your current home.  Factor in potential savings from reduced maintenance costs, but account for association fees you may not be paying currently.
5. Declutter Gradually:
• Begin the decluttering process early by sorting through belongings. There’s no time like today!  Start with things you are definitely donating, and anything that belongs to your children.  It’s time for them to fly home, or drive over, and figure out what they actually want.  Enlist their help!  Decide what to keep, donate, or sell. This can make the eventual move less overwhelming and potentially generate extra income.
6. Visit Open Houses and Communities:
• Attend open houses or tour senior living communities to get a feel for what’s available. Pay attention to location, community activities, and safety features that modern homes offer.
7. Talk to Family and Friends:
• Engage in conversations with family and friends about your downsizing plans. They can provide support, advice, and even assistance with the transition.
8. Consider Future Needs:
• Think about future mobility or health needs. Look for homes that offer accessibility features or have the potential for modifications.
9. Plan for the Move:
• Once you’ve decided on a new place, start planning the logistics of the move. Hire professional movers or enlist help from family to ensure a smooth transition while managing costs.
10. Stay Positive and Open-minded:
• Downsizing can bring about a range of emotions, but focus on the positive aspects, such as less maintenance and more time for personal pursuits. Embrace the change and the potential for a new, simplified lifestyle.

By considering the costs and time associated with maintaining older homes in Pittsburgh and recognizing the market demand for four-bedroom+ homes, we would love to help you approach the downsizing process with greater confidence and clarity - on your timeline - and working with all the people in your life, kids included. This transition can lead to financial savings and a more manageable lifestyle, and we're here to support you, not rush you.  Email or text us to set up a discovery call!