Plans to downsize and move often start with a conversation, not knowing when or where they will be moving… just a feeling that the time is coming and it is time to start thinking and talking about it.
This is the time of year when those conversations often start… in fact, I am meeting to start four such conversations in the next few weeks. Some conversations result in a move, some not. Here is an example of one conversation which started early last year, and ended in a move this year.
I first heard from the seller of the home above the first part of 2020, saying they wanted to move to one-level living but weren’t sure when. As is often the case, one of the sellers was more ready to move than the other, which requires patience and respect for both parties. In this case, it was she who was most ready to make the move but he was open to her exploring options… as long as he didn’t have to be involved at this point. She and I did a tour of potential condos to get a sense of whether they would be able to find something they liked for the price they were willing to pay. It seemed possible.
Then we met with our stager mid-year to create a punch list of things to do to get their current home ready to sell… an update plan. They decided to buy first and move out when the time came, then finish with updates and have it staged before putting it on the market.
First thing on their list was what is often the hardest part of the process… getting rid of all their ‘stuff’ that they didn’t plan to take with them. They had lived there for 19 years and raised their family there, so the house was well loved and well filled. They knew they needed to completely empty the house before putting it on the market, so it was truly a matter of ‘cleaning house’… a big job.
As they were making good progress, all three of us got together in November to talk numbers and refine their search. They then spent time driving to various options to put some reality to locations.
In December we decided to do an actual tour of various options, expecting it to be the first of many tours. As it turned out, the last condo we visited was ‘The One’! It was already sold subject to inspection, but as I tell buyers… when it is right things work out… as it did it this case.
We closed on their condo in January, put their house on the market the end of February, sold it in one weekend, and closed the end of March.
Their whole process took about a year.
They didn’t know just how long it would take when they started, but they were flexible to flow with events as they unfolded… especially important in this market with a shortage of homes for sale. Patience and not having a set timeline in mind helped the process to flow smoothly… and they are happy in their new home!
“Every day we look at each other and say we are so happy with our decisions and still a bit in shock on how fast and efficient this transition happened from the first email to you.”
“We just went away for our first little vacation this past week and it was so awesome to just lock the door and walk away. It was great to not have to worry about the mail, deliveries, the lawn work, garbage and all those house responsibilities! Loved it!”
Ready to start a transition conversation? I am happy to listen and help!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com – 612-419-0560
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