Seniors Association Seminar March 2010

Downsizing is a monumental task that

goes beyond just selling your real estate

It can be a challenge for both seniors and family members

who are helping with the process

It can also be an incredibly positive experience!

Understanding the downsizing process and its challenges will help you when you are

ready to move on

In this seminar:- Assessing your situation

- Emotional impact-You are in control-Family dynamics

- What do I do with my stuff?- Finding your ideal new home

- Navigating the real estate market- Where to turn for assistance

The key to a positive, stress reduced transition is

remembering that you are in control!

Assessing your situation: Should you downsize?

The downsizing checklist:

Now that we’ve determined that you should be making a

move...

I need to find a new

home

Where do I find a Realtor?

I need to sell my current

home

I have to pack my belongings

I need to sort my belongings.

What can I take with me?

What will I do with all this stuff?

The house needs paint...

There’s so much

cleaning to do

Does my home need staging? I must prepare the

house for sale

Who gets what?

What about shipping?

What do I want to keep?

Where do I start?

I need to find a mover

Are these antiques worth anything?

The emotional impact of downsizing

There are lots of emotions associated with downsizing.

Some of them can feel negative

- Loss of independence- Fear of change

- Will the space be too small?- Giving up the family home

- Fear loss of control

We go through many transitions in our lives:

- College/University- First home

- Family home

We embrace these changes as a new phase in our lives and we can do the same for

downsizing

Actively change the way you choose to look at

your transition

You have made a decision to change your lifestyle based on your current needs, not

your past needs

Remember the past fondly and choose to look forward

You are in control: Why downsizing doesn’t mean loss of independence

A tough decision can be made easier by remembering

that you are in control

29 Montgomery Boulevard

- Had mixed feelings about selling- Controlled her timeline

- Looked at several retirement homes before moving

- Involved family- Made sure she was comfortable

before selling house- Went through transition at her own

pace in her own way, which relieved the stress

- You can set your timeline- You make the decisions- You choose where to go- Make sure everything is

right for you.

Should not be working with anyone who doesn’t listen, forces, pushes won’t take

your feelings into consideration

Family Dynamics

Moving is different as we age. Family involvement

is a big part of this

Depending on the situation, family members are often

more involved in the process when we are older

Children and siblings can be a great help but they can also slow or complicate

the process

What do I do with all this stuff?: Handling a lifetime worth of possessions

“Stuff” can often be the most overwhelming part

of downsizing

Testimonial?

- Don’t know where to start- Don’t know what to take- Want to give to family

- How to choose?- How to organize?

Often have emotional attachment to possessions or see them as a comfort

Testimonial?

Let’s look at this from another angle:

As we age, our possessions can take over our living space

An overwhelming number of possessions can create a

stressful living environment

Testimonial?

Requires time and energy to clean, maintain and keep

orderly

Testimonial?

Important items can get lost in clutter

Home can become uncomfortable because of

excess items

After meeting with a client, we often leave them with “homework” that will help them look objectively at

their possessions

Look realistically at the space you will be moving into

- Will this fit into my new space?

- Is this worth the expense of moving?

- Have I used this in the past year?

- What is the functionality of this item?

- Will I need this with my new lifestyle?

Testimonial?

- We use 20% of our possessions

80% of the time- Things do not reflect who

you really are

“Lots had come in and nothing had gone out...”

Handling possessions with the future in mind ensures a stress free, relaxing place

where you can focus on the road ahead and not what

you’ve left behind

Finding your ideal new home

Many seniors put off downsizing because of outdated ideas about

seniors housing

Fear that long term careis the only option

Senior housing has come a long way and times have

changed

Myriad options mean there is something for everyone

Your perfect new home could be:

- Smaller home- Condo

- Apartment- Cottage

- Retirement residence- Residence with care options

Testimonial?

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“I couldn’t be happier with thechoice I made...”

-Living alone in a 4 bedroom bungalow

- Wanted to move to a retirement residence

-Loved facilities, social opportunities & activities- Looked forward to move

Testimonial?

Navigating the real estate market

May not have bought or sold a property in many years

Putting your home on the market is different today

Motivation for moving is often different for seniors

- Independence - Social opportunities

- Closer to entertainment or amenities

- Health benefits - Travelling with ease

Women 82

Men 77

The longer seniors put off downsizing, the more

complicated a situation can become

- Death of a spouse- Illness

- Mobility Issues

696 Highway 15

- wanted specific condo but couldn’t buy

for three years

- Started looking at retirement residence

- Didn’t want to move before house sold

- House sat on market for 2 years

May be detrimental to wait out

the market or refuse to sell based on false or hopeful

price expectations

Selling/buying a home can be stressful. The whole

experience is easier if you choose to move when you

are healthy and capable

If you are concerned about the market, there are a

number of things you can do to quicken the sale of

your home

Look at the move as a whole project and not just

the sale of your home

Work with a company who will offer honest, straightforward

advice on all your needs

Your choice. Someone who will tell

you what to do, or someone who will do

what you want.

Pick someone you trust, then trust them!

For a successful transition:

- Embrace change and be positive!- Look ahead

- Don’t work with anyone who wants to take control from you

- Seek help from experts & listen to their advice

- A transition is easier when you are healthy & capable

Ultimately,YOU are in control every

step of the way.

Where can I turn for assistance?

Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists™

Thank-you