Retirement: How to Know When You’re Ready to Downsize
Retiring often comes with several lifestyle changes, and one of them is deciding on whether to downsize your home. When you are facing retirement, it’s a great time to consider moving into a smaller house if you weren’t ready to do so earlier.
There are a variety of reasons why people are downsizing their houses for retirement. People often want to reduce costs and maintenance or move closer to family or friends. It can also be a great opportunity to free up some extra money for hobbies or traveling.
When do people usually retire and downsize?
When it comes to retirement planning, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. While the decision to downsize should take individual circumstances into account, most people choose to retire between the ages of 60 and 70, with Medicare eligibility starting at the age of 65.
Since aging homeowners likely would have paid off their mortgages on larger homes by this period, it should be easier for them to afford a smaller place.
Additionally, many retirees look for a house that doesn’t need as much maintenance. With a smaller home and yard, retirees can avoid the physical exertion required from upkeep like mowing lawns or shoveling snow.
By downsizing for retirement, seniors are able to enjoy living in a space that fits their lifestyle better and can save them money in the long run through decreased upkeep and maintenance costs.
Why do people want to downsize when they retire?
Downsizing your home for retirement can offer several advantages. People tend to downsize for a variety of reasons, such as reducing their overall cost of living and simplifying their lives.
Other people may want to downsize because they want to move close to a retirement community that offers senior living amenities like golf courses, beach clubs, or gyms. Many just want to move closer to family. Downsizing can also provide two crucial benefits—peace of mind and financial freedom. By downsizing, you can liberate equity in your property and release funds that can be used later during retirement.
Sell your old house to fund your new home.
When you’re looking to downsize for retirement, you should take into consideration the current equity on your house. Equity is the amount of money you have invested in your property, which can be used toward the purchase of your next home.
Depending on your savings, you will also need to take loan interest rates into account. If you need to take out a mortgage loan on your new house, be sure to research different lenders to make an informed decision.
What size house should you move into when you downsize during retirement?
Choosing a home to move into when you downsize is a big milestone during retirement.
When it comes to the size of the home, think about the type of lifestyle you want to live during retirement. Do you prefer a low-maintenance property with minimal upkeep, or do you want a larger home that offers more recreational space? Think about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need, as well as what amenities are important to you—a private backyard, two-car garage, or dedicated workspace.
What are the best ways to sell your house when you want to retire and downsize?
While you are downsizing your home for retirement, one of the most important decisions you will make is how to sell your current house. Fortunately, there are several options available to you.
Selling via a real estate agent
One of the most common ways to sell a house is through a traditional real estate agent. The advantage of this option is that it provides you with professional assistance throughout the entire process, from determining home prices and preparing for showings, to fielding offers and completing paperwork. It also takes much less effort on your part.
Selling through an online marketplace
Another option for selling your house is through an online marketplace such as Zillow. You can list your property, set the terms of sale, and manage all activities related to the transaction from start to finish without having to involve a real estate agent or broker. However, keep in mind that it’s important to research local regulations and laws before proceeding on your own as you may need help from professionals when it comes time for closing.
Selling for sale by owner (FSBO)
You could also sell your home yourself, known as selling it “for sale by owner.” This method allows you to have complete control over the process while still maximizing exposure and market potential. To do this successfully, you will need some knowledge of the local housing market and legal aspects involved in home sales, as well as being prepared to handle inquiries from potential buyers directly.
Why are cash home buyers the best option for retiring home sellers?
When you want to downsize during retirement, cash home buyers like us can provide the perfect solution. When working with Align Realty, you can expect:
- A free consultation. When you contact us, one of our local property buyers comes to your property on your schedule for a free visit!
- A speedy sale. We can close transactions faster than traditional methods, giving you access to the capital you need sooner.
- No commission or additional fees. We do not require agents or brokers and are able to offer higher prices than other selling methods. We don’t charge extra fees, such as legal expenses or other commissions.
- No repairs or staging required. Align Realty does not require repairs and does not have any expectations of a ‘staged’ property. You don’t even need to clean before you move out! With us, it’s much easier to move on quickly and get more value for your property.
- Leave anything you don’t want. If you’re downsizing, there will probably be a few things you’ll want to get rid of. When you sell to us, you can leave anything you don’t want to move, and we’ll take care of it.
- Flexible closing schedule. We offer flexibility when it comes to closing, which can be arranged according to your needs. By selling directly to us, you can often close in as little as 2 weeks! But if you need more time, we are more than happy to oblige.
Align Realty is a great option for those who want a quick and hassle-free sale when downsizing their houses for retirement.
Contact us today at for a free, no-obligation consultation and get a fair, all-cash offer on your house!
