Seven Questions for Downsizers to Ask Themselves Before Going to an Open House

We all do it.  We finally feel ready to make a move,  the time is right, We then assume the next logical step is to get online and find some open houses to go to. 

Resist that urge.

Yep,  I tell my downsizing clients to NOT start looking around at homes immediately!

Why?

Because I want my clients to “look under your hood” so-to-speak and ask yourself some very important questions first. I want you first to define and picture the life you want to live and a home that will match it.

Most agents don’t approach downsizing this way, but I do,

This “self-analysis” will dig deeper than “how much square footage would you like?” Your honest and revealing answers will lead you to the right home purchase — for you, for your lifestyle, and for your budget.

Please don’t think that this brainstorming and self-exploration is something to scoff at … just ask my previous clients. It worked for them and it will for you!

Your answers to the questions below will help you avoid a personal and financial disaster when it comes to real estate.  You don’t want to rush in blindly when moving from a home that you’ve loved to one that better fits your current needs.

That’s why if you slow down and take the time to think and really evaluate your life and the “what” and “why” for a new home, the rest of your downsizing experience (especially the house-hunting part) will be that much more rewarding and stress-free.

You’ll actually get everything you want … and maybe even things you didn’t think you could have (or didn’t think about before)!

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Step Foot in an Open House:

1.)  What will your life look like in a lower maintenance home? 

Answering this question will help you determine what purpose your home will serve, most specifically your wants and needs at that stage of your life.

2.)  What about your current daily life do you love and are not willing to give up?

For example, do you love being able to walk around your neighborhood? Do you love going to your local coffee house every day and enjoy local conveniences? Do you like having a walk-in closet?  What is your actual reality day-to-day that you don’t want to sacrifice if you can help it?

3.)  What are your hobbies and how will they impact your daily life?  

Confused? For example, would you prefer to live in a less expensive home so you have the funds to travel the world or even for a favorite hobby … (think travel, photography, etc.)?

Or, do you want to live close to an important outside interest (think horseback riding, ballroom dancing, etc.)? Or, do you want space for your hobbies (think painting with canvases and easel, crafting supplies, or refurbishing antiquing finds, etc.)?

4.)  Do you consider yourself a “location person” or a “house person”?

SO important! Some people get more excited about the local amenities than the features inside their home? Usually people tend to be more one than the other. Which are you? What do you tend to gravitate toward?

For example, would you rather be near grocery stores and other conveniences, lots of quiet green space, or perhaps a close community setting  is something that excites you?  Then location could be more important to you. If so, many locations have distinct personalities and you want to find one that works for you.

On the other hand, if having an awesome chef’s kitchen, and a Jacuzzi bathtub gets you all excited rather than any particular neighborhood, than you are more of a house person

5.) What is there about your current home that you would like to change or be different in your next home? 

Most likely you are wanting a home that is smaller or easier to maintain but what are the things that bother you every single day about your current home? For example, it could be the lack of closet space or having to go to the basement to do laundry. And, on the flip side, what is the absolute most important, can’t-live-without it, deal breaker thing you MUST have? (We all have one.) Do you really, really want a master bedroom suite, one-level living or a wood-burning fireplace?

6.)  Describe your ideal scenario when it comes to your downsize and why.

This is the time to dream BIG!  After asking yourself all the questions above, now’s the time to take your brainstorming to pen and paper.  Get out a piece of paper and write down everything you could possibly have if you could have it all (within reason) in your next perfect home.  Don’t hold back! Write down things you might think are out of reach. 

7.) What would you be willing to you compromise on in a home?  

It’s hard to start with what you are willing to give up, but after listing out all the things you DO want from the questions above (and don’t hold back on this part—list everything!)  Circle three things you could possibly live without on that list. 

Congrats on answering all of these questions and hopefully it sparked some additional self-analysis that will help you in your downsizing transition! As always, I love being your go-to resource for all things home and real estate.