Preparing To Move
Tips for seniors who are preparing to buy or sell
a home
There are a number of steps to consider in preparing to buy or sell a
home. If you approach the process by breaking it down into logical steps,
you won't be overwhelmed.
Making the Decision to Sell
Plan for this event as you would for any important matter. Consider
how your life has changed? How your financial status has changed? Where
do you plan to be in 5 years?
At this point it's very important at this point to do a financial evaluation. Think of your current home as an asset. What is your home worth? Ask your Realtor to prepare a Competitive Market Analysis for you. This will allow you to estimate what the selling price of your home might be.
Determining Options for Your New Home
Whether you're going to buy or rent a new home, consider what features
of your current home no longer meet your life needs. For example, is your
home too large? Too small? Is it too costly to maintain? Has the style
of the home become inconvenient for daily living? Has the location of
the home become inconvenient?
Then consider what is important to you in a new home. Is it proximity to family, friends, or business? Access to transportation, stores, or medical facilities? Access to recreational activities? Do you want one floor living? Maintenance free living? Security and safety?
Explore new home alternatives that meet your life style needs with your Realtor.
Timing
There is no magic formula for determining the exact amount of time
it will take for you to sell your home and move into a new one. Talk to
your Realtor about the factors that may influence the timing. For example,
is your property in good condition? Will it appeal to a wide range of
buyers? Will you be competing with other similar properties that are on
the market at the same time?
Ask yourself the following questions and discuss with your Realtor. Is there a specific date by which you must be in a new home or do you have flexibility in terms of timing? Do you need to sell your current home before you find a new home? Or do you want to be settled into a new home before you sell your current one?
Preparing Your Home for Sale
The keys here are to "downsize" (even if you are moving
to a larger home) and "fix up".
Sort through your possessions. Focus on one room at a time and determine which items you will be keeping. For the remaining items, determine which ones you will give to family members or friends, which ones you will dispose of through estate or tag sales, and which ones you will donate to charity.
Identify any major repairs or updates that need to be made to your home. Your Realtor will be able to assist you in determining those items that are likely to affect the salability of your home.
Take care of those minor repairs. Loose railings or torn screens give buyers the impression that a home has been neglected. These little things generally cost little time or money to fix, but they make a world of difference in how buyers view a home.
Itemize the cosmetic changes that you need to make to your home. For example, fresh paint or new carpets show the buyers that a home has been well cared for and is ready to move into.
Remember that a well groomed home creates a favorable impression. Keep up the exterior maintenance of your home. "Declutter" the interior.
Consult the Professional
Your Realtor can help you every step of the way. Don't be afraid to
ask questions.
We share a common goal: To sell your home at the best possible price while minimizing the disruption to your life.