Selling your home and moving to a new place are not likely to be at the top of your list of things you like to do. Actually, you have probably been dreading making the decision to sell your home. You are all too familiar with what is involved… A WHOLE LOT OF WORK!
Once the decision has been made to sell your home, you have all the “feels”. Emotions are running rampant through your mind. You are excited with the anticipation of something new, may be saddened at the idea of leaving your home of many years, anxious about where to begin, and how to get started, all the while having feelings of being overwhelmed.
There will likely be several conversations about the schedule or agenda. You may want to include your close family members and friends. They know you well and will have valuable thoughts and suggestions. Collecting thoughts and opinions from others, is not for everyone. Keep in mind, these choices are yours to make. Next, draft your schedule. Then, if you choose, you can present the schedule to family and friends to keep them informed.
A Schedule: Do you have a time frame in mind to make the move? This may be by the end of the year, the end of summer, or within the next three months, but having a schedule is valuable.
Consulting a Realtor: If you have a Realtor you know and trust, make the phone call to schedule an appointment. If not, visit with others who have sold their home recently for a possible recommendation. Personal references are huge. There are Realtors who specialize in selling homes for the aging population. Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES) are Realtors who have additional training to assist those age 50 or greater with the sell of their home.
Repairs: Throughout the years you have made home improvements and repairs. However, as we age, some of those things become more difficult or too costly, so the tasks have been put on the back burner. Your Realtor may offer suggestions of small tasks that would increase your home’s worth and get you the best dollar amount for your home. Consider hiring a repair person for tasks/repairs. Ask friends and family for contact information to assure you hire someone that comes highly recommended.
These suggestions give you a good start in the process.
Keep your eye on the prize, a new start to create more memories, is in your near future.
By Susie Ray, Marketing Director of The Arbordale, a 55+ active living community in Urbandale, Iowa. Learn more about having a comfortable and convenient summer season at TheArbordale.com.
