Leonora Wollner on downsizing

Comment from Leonora Wollner, Co Founder of Searchwells Property Finders

“Downsizing is a relatively new property buzz word.  It can often free up capital as well as free up your day to day life as you look to buy a home suited to your current needs.

Selling the family home takes sensitivity and planning to ensure you get exactly what you want for your future.  Consider  the character, two floors or single storey,  furniture you want to keep and how large you want your garden to be.  Do you want to be located close to others? Are you  going to take up a new pastime?  Is there room for family gatherings? Is the garden too big or is it too isolated?

A downsize  needs to be practical as well as charming.  Best of all try hard to find something that is newly refurbished – so you don’t have to worry about the property. Check electrics, boilers and how warm the house is as well as its structure.  And, if you don’t like some aspects, make sure you’ve got the funds to change them.

As always, take care in selling you existing home.  Get several valuations, look at local prices and price fairly to achieve interest. Get a (good) buyer first – then you know what’s in the bank. Don’t be tempted to over- value  as this will put your new home plan on hold and, let’s face it, you probably want to get on with the next stage of your life now that you’ve decided to move!  Do it this way and it’ll reduce stress levels considerably.  Start to give furniture to the family or send it to auction. Clear out and take a long look at what works for your new life plan.  Be prepared and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

A good property finder will help you manage your sale as well as find and acquire the best next property for you.  They should be able to advise on all aspects of the move – right down to new house furniture plans, installation of new boilers and the moving day itself.  With today’s busy lifestyles, many older clients don’t like to ask their families to help and would rather get a sensitive outsider to help move them- even across country – someone who’s on their side throughout the whole process.

Downsizing isn’t always about finding a home that is totally different to the one you’re used to.  It’s often about finding a similar property that requires less effort and cost to keep going, with fewer rooms and maybe a smaller garden.  This can be so revitalising to clients – especially if their current home has become a bit of a burden.

Please don’t  hesitate to contact me should you want more advice.  I’m happy to talk!”

Leonora Wollner.  Co-founder/Director Searchwells Property Finders.  www.searchwells.com 07974 358144.