Graduating to an Empty Nest This Year? It’s Time to
Downsize and Upgrade
If your youngest is leaving
the nest this year, it’s time to think about downsizing. But downsizing doesn’t
mean downgrading. Moving out of your empty nest gives you a wonderful
opportunity to rethink your needs and upgrade to a nicer home.
Selling your empty nest
For many of us, downsizing and
upgrading involves letting go of some of our stuff. A 1,500 square-foot home
simply cannot hold as much as your current 5,000 square-foot one. Your new home
might not have a formal living room or dining room, and likely won’t have as
many bedrooms, either.
So even if you’re only casually
thinking about downsizing, start planning for the things you’d like to let go of now. A little planning (and time) will make the process a
little easier. Decide to whom you’d like to give sentimental and valuable
pieces of furniture or family treasures. Have game plan for parting with or
keeping kids’ clothing, school projects, and other keepsakes. Consign or give
away the extra furniture, china, books, and other items you aren’t attached to.
An added bonus to letting go
now is that it makes selling your empty nest easier. With decluttering done,
it’ll be easier to show off your home’s space. Consider making some modest
upgrades to appeal to today’s buyers. Investing some money in updated kitchen
and bath fixtures and neutralizing décor can increase your home price and
decrease the time your home stays on the market.
Buying your new (smaller) nest
Now is also a great time to
think about what you’d like in your new home. Do you want a single-family home or the maintenance-free
convenience of a townhome or condo? Do you want to live in the city or stay in
the ‘burbs? Are you looking forward to walking more and driving less? Make sure
your new home is close to the amenities you need. Maybe you’d like smart appliances
that connect to Wi-Fi or am environmentally friendly home.
When you’re shopping, keep
your current furniture in mind. What will fit and what will you need to let go
of? Oversized furniture that works well in a large home may overpower a small
one. Be sure to think about your lifestyle, too. Will you need an open concept
so you can entertain family and friends? Maybe you’ll want an extra couple of
bedrooms in case your fledgling kids need to land back in the nest.
Downsizing from your empty
nest does not mean downgrading. Work with a Realtor® who will listen to your
needs and find the perfect new nest for you. To get started on your home
search, contact Trent Shipley at Keller
Williams Realty Integrity NW today.
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