Top 5 Questions You Must Ask Yourself Before Downsizing

---

Increasingly, homeowners are realizing that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to their living space. In fact, there are many benefits of downsizing to a smaller home. Whether the decision is voluntary or you have to move due to a job relocation or any other life event, there are significant advantages of decreasing your home size. 

This includes:

• Lower utility bills and maintenance costs 
• An opportunity to declutter and simplify your life 
• Less worry regarding housework, furnishing, and outdoor maintenance
• Greater savings and better quality of life 

Whether you are an empty nester whose kids have moved out or you’re simply ready for a change of scenery, downsizing can provide you with a refreshing change of pace and lifestyle. 

Our Top Calgary Realtors Can Make the Downsizing Process Easy and Quick

Downsizing your home can present exciting new opportunities, but it can also be a huge challenge. Luckily, our team of top Calgary realtors have over 40 years of experience and can help guide you through this big transition. 

Our Downsizing Program for Empty Nesters 

Our downsizing program has assisted empty nesters and even newly divorced/separated clients find new homes that perfectly suit their changing lifestyles. Whatever your needs, we will go above and beyond your expectations and take care of all the small details, so you can focus on enjoying this new stage in your life. 

DOWNSIZING AND EMPTY NESTERS IN CALGARY 

Are You Ready to Downsize? 5 Questions You Must Ask Yourself First

If you have a family home, it’s natural to be attached to the memories it holds. However, there comes a time when the benefits of downsizing outweigh the sentiments you may have. If you are considering moving to a smaller space, here are some questions you must ask yourself to ensure you are making the right decision:

1. Will a smaller space fit your family’s needs?
If you have children who are getting older and moving out of the house, you may not need all the extra bedrooms they are leaving behind, and downsizing could make a lot of sense. However, if you’re planning on having kids in the next few years, then staying in a bigger space could be best for your family.

2. How important is outdoor space for you?
Downsizing your home typically means downsizing your yard space, so before you make a decision, think about how important outdoor space is to you. If you have a dog or you like to garden, then downsizing might be difficult. However, if you don’t see a real need for abundant outdoor space, then downsizing won’t present an issue. You may also talk to your realtor about searching for a smaller home with a decent sized yard.

3. What are your current expenses?
One of the primary reasons people consider downsizing is to save money. Downsizing can give you greater financial and personal freedom to do the things you enjoy. Instead of spending your money on a mortgage and maintenance, you can invest it or spend it on travelling. When you are considering downsizing, calculate your current expenses and compare them to the cost of living in a smaller space.

4. Do you want more free time?
Moving into a smaller space could free up a lot of time for you to spend doing things you enjoy, such as visiting your grandchildren, travelling, or volunteering. Without a large garden or yard to tend to and less time required to do household chores, you’ll have a lot more time for yourself.

5. What kind of lifestyle do you want if you downsize?
Before you consider downsizing ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you want. Do you want a simple life focused on family and close friends? Or perhaps an active adult community would appeal most to you. Would you rather a smaller home with a yard or closer proximity to city life? Before moving on with a downsizing project, decide on the lifestyle you want so you can narrow down your best housing options.

Our Calgary Realtors Can Help With All Your Downsizing Needs 

With over 40 years of real estate experience, the Mel Star Team in Calgary can help you find your dream home, no matter your needs, lifestyle, and specific preferences. To find out more about how we can help make the downsizing transition as smooth as possible, contact us at (403) 284-6333 or fill in our online contact form.