People buy and sell homes for many reasons. Perhaps they need to relocate for a job, or maybe they simply want a change of scenery. However, according to the National Association of Realtors®, if you are 50 years old or older chances are you are selling your home to downsize.
“For many people it is as simple as one day realizing that there are rooms in your home that you never go in, or that keeping the house clean has become a full-time job,” said Dave Duncan, President of the Snohomish County-Camano Association of Realtors®.
Some of the benefits that come with downsizing are:
Saving money. Not only is a smaller house less expensive to purchase, the ancillary costs of the home are also reduced. You will likely use less electricity to heat, cool or light a smaller home. Less house also means less to maintain, meaning costs for repairs, gardening, etc., will go down as well.
Less to clean and maintain. If you decrease the size of your living space, logically you decrease the space you need to clean. Downsizing can also force you to re-examine your ‘stuff’ and how much of it you actually need, helping you to declutter.
More free time. With less to clean and take care of comes more time for other things. For those starting their retirement, this is more time to start a new hobby, spend time with your family or to simply relax and enjoy.
If you are considering or in the process of downsizing, the most important thing you can do is hire a Realtor®. Realtors® can provide valuable counsel, discuss listings, show you homes in person and negotiate on your behalf.
The Snohomish County-Camano Association of Realtors® is “the voice for real estate in Snohomish County.” If you have questions for The Expert about Real Estate email us at info@sccar.com.
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