In my 28 years in as a Realtor, I have been blessed to help thousands of families make the transition to their new homes. I have made the observation that patterns or similar emotions and outcomes occur prior and during the selling process. Many times the process of moving occurs too late, and crisis management dictates the outcome.

 

My senior (seasoned adults) clients to a greater degree have taught me so much and have made me aware of those emotions and outcomes that seem to repeat. I thought long and hard to really pinpoint the patterns so that others may be made aware or cautioned in some cases before entering the selling market.

 

First on my list is the statement or expression of an overwhelming, debilitating sense of dread when one thinks of moving out of one's home of many years, and trying to 'fit' all of the stuff into smaller quarters. 'What am I going to do with all of the stuff' is the mantra. I point out that first one must assess reality and take a good look at the space one currently utilizes. I find that many folks are truly living in certain areas of the home 99% of the time. For instance, measure the square footage of the areas you occupy most of the time. It may be a living room or den, kitchen, bath, and bedroom. When you add up that square footage, it may total less than 800 square feet of living space! This is shocking, because the total square footage of your home may be 2400 square feet in some cases. Now take a look at the apartment you are thinking of renting, and that may be 900-1100 square feet. You actually gain square footage in your new setting! It is amazing when you look reality in the face.

 

Second on my list are the attempts to try to make a move without utilizing the help of friends and family, as well as avoiding the hiring of services ready to assist in the move. I've seen more hospitalizations and injuries during the moving process because of stubborn attempts to stand on ladders, lift more weight than necessary, and create unmanageable stress to the point of illness. My best advice would be to never say no when anyone offers to help in downsizing and moving. We may have been taught to do it ourselves whenever possible, but when physical constraints preclude us from lifting, standing for long periods, walking stairs, and other demands on our bodies, we have to be smart and avoid those tasks and ask for help! There are so many wonderful services today ready and able to assist with packing, estate sales, cleaning, lifting, and moving our personal property. Now that home sale prices have escalated for so many years, there is enough equity to pay for some of these services, and make the move enjoyable and easy verses a stay in the hospital.

 

Other repeating patterns are the following:

These are but a few of the repeating situations and feeling I witness over and over. Knowledge and information gathering for the senior is always the antidote for crisis management. Don't be afraid to shake those habits and fears that hold you back from making decisions that could improve your life and add to your freedom and enjoyment in the coming years!

 

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist and Certified Senior Advisor. You can reach Bruce and his team at 262-242-6177, or email at Bruce@BrucesTeam.com