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Downsizing your home and thus rightsizing your life has many benefits and advantages. Here are 13 reasons why you shouldn’t wait too long to make the change.
1. Financial Savings:
Downsizing to a smaller home, condo, or apartment can result in significant cost savings. A smaller mortgage payment or rent, reduced property taxes, and lower utility bills can free up funds for other expenses or savings, allowing you to achieve greater financial stability.
2. Reduced Maintenance:
One of the benefits of downsizing is having a smaller property that requires less time, effort, and money for maintenance and repairs. You can enjoy a simplified lifestyle with fewer chores and responsibilities, giving you more time to focus on things you enjoy such as traveling, hobbies, volunteer work, or family.
3. Increased Cash Flow:
If you have equity in your current home, downsizing can provide you with a cash infusion or be invested to provide a monthly income to help fund your retirement. By selling your larger house and purchasing a smaller one or renting an apartment, you can unlock the equity and use the extra funds for investments, travel, or other financial goals.
4. Declutter and Organize:
Downsizing forces you to evaluate and declutter your belongings. Moving to an apartment or condo means you’ll have to make choices about what to keep and what to let go of. This process can be liberating and lead to a more organized and clutter-free living space.
5. Improved Accessibility:
Moving to a smaller, more accessible space can make it easier to navigate, especially as you age. Features like fewer stairs, wider hallways, and accessible bathrooms can enhance mobility and independence, ensuring that your living environment remains suitable for your needs in the long term.
6. Right-sizing:
Downsizing allows you to align your living space with your current needs. Your home may have been the perfect size while the kids were at home, the reality is everyone’s housing needs change over time. If you find that your current home is too large for your lifestyle or requires more upkeep than you can manage, downsizing can help create a more efficient and functional home that better suits your needs.
7. Freedom to Travel:
A smaller house requires less time and effort to maintain. With fewer maintenance responsibilities, you’ll have more freedom and flexibility to travel without worrying about home upkeep. You can embark on vacations or extended trips with peace of mind, knowing that your smaller home is easier to manage during your absence.
8. Health and Safety:
Moving to a smaller home can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with navigating a larger property, particularly if you have mobility challenges. A more compact living space can minimize the need to climb stairs or traverse long hallways, creating a safer and more secure environment.
9. Energy Efficiency:
Smaller homes generally have lower energy consumption. By downsizing, you can reduce your environmental impact and potentially save on utility costs. A smaller footprint means less energy required for heating, cooling, and powering your home, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
10. Location Flexibility:
Downsizing can provide an opportunity to relocate to a neighborhood that better suits your preferences or is closer to family, amenities, services, and hospitals. Whether you desire a vibrant urban area, a quieter suburban neighborhood, or a home in close proximity to parks, shops, and healthcare facilities, downsizing allows you the flexibility to choose a location that enhances your quality of life.
11. Emotional Well-being:
A smaller, more manageable living space can contribute to a sense of calm, comfort, and peace of mind. Downsizing allows you to simplify your surroundings and create a cozy and intimate environment that promotes relaxation and emotional well-being.
12. Social Connections:
Downsizing can allow you to live in a community with like-minded individuals or be closer to family and friends. Moving to a smaller home or a retirement community can provide opportunities for social interactions, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
13. Fresh Start:
Moving to a new home offers a fresh start and the opportunity to create new memories and experiences. Downsizing can be an exciting chapter in your life, enabling you to reimagine your living space and embrace a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.
These are just some of the reasons why downsizing your Halifax house can be a beneficial decision. Remember to carefully evaluate your personal circumstances, consider your financial goals, and consult with professionals, to make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and aspirations.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later-in-life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
In a world that is increasingly becoming digital, it is important to reduce the amount of paper clutter in our lives. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also helps us stay organized and efficient. There are many ways to downsize and eliminate paper using online storage and other digital tools.
There are multiple benefits of going paperless.
The first is searchability. Instead of knowing a document you want is in one of 11 different boxes stored in the basement and you having to manually go thru them until you find it. If it is stored online you can use the search feature to type in the document name or keywords to quickly locate the document.
Secondly is storage, no longer will you need to box, files or binders of old papers. All your documents can be stored online, and you can throw out all the papers.
Thirdly is sharing. Most online storage tools allow you to share all or some of the documents and files with other people. You can share some folders with your spouse, others with you children. You can share as much or as little as you want.
And in addition, for accessibility. You can access your files at home, at the cottage, at your Winter home in Florida or while travelling. All you need is computer access.
Personally, I have been running my real estate practice completely paperless since about 2015.
Here are 11 strategies to help you eliminate paper as you downsize
1. Switch to online billing and statements
One of the easiest ways to reduce paper clutter is to switch to online billing and statements. Most banks, credit card companies, and utility providers offer electronic options for managing your accounts. This means that you can receive bills and statements via email, which you can store and organize electronically. By doing this, you can reduce your reliance on paper and save time and money on postage.
2. Use cloud storage for documents
Cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive provide an easy way to store and access your documents from anywhere with an internet connection. With cloud storage, you can upload and store all kinds of documents, including financial records, personal documents, and photos.
Additionally, cloud storage services offer robust security features, so you can rest assured that your files are safe and protected. If you have a Gmail email address, you already have a free Google Drive account. If you are unfamiliar with these products I have included some links to videos about how to use each of these.
Google Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTuL9A-Xqbw
MS OneDrive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM4eXdETKOY
Dropbox https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVeujljVKWc
3. Digitize important documents
If you have important documents that you don’t want to lose, consider digitizing them. You can use a scanner or a smartphone app to capture high-quality digital copies of your documents. Once you have the digital copies, you can store them in a cloud storage service or on your computer. This not only reduces paper clutter, but it also helps protect your documents from damage or loss.
I’ve been using Genius Scan on my phone for years. It works great and has a free version. You can learn more here. https://thegrizzlylabs.com/genius-scan/ And here’s a video on how to use it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z6PHHd2Exc
4. Use e-books instead of paper books
If you’re an avid reader, consider switching to e-books. With an e-reader like the Kindle, you can store thousands of books in one compact device. This means that you can declutter your bookshelves and eliminate the need for physical books. Additionally, e-books are often cheaper than physical books, so you can save money in the long run.
5. Use online services for tasks like banking and shopping
Many tasks that used to require paper can now be completed online. For example, you can use online banking services to transfer money, pay bills, and manage your accounts. You can also use online shopping services to order products and have them delivered directly to your door. By using these services, you can reduce your reliance on paper and simplify your life.
6. Use digital calendars and to-do lists
If you’re still using paper calendars and to-do lists, consider switching to digital tools. There are numerous apps available that allow you to create and manage digital calendars and to-do lists, such as Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar and Todoist. By using digital tools, you can access your schedules and tasks from anywhere and eliminate the need for paper.
I’ve been using Google Calendar and Todoist for years, both are great. Todoist will interface with a Gmail account so it’s available in your inbox. If you have a Gmail email you already have Calendar included and the same with Outlook. You can get a Todoist account at www.Todoist.com And of course, here are the videos:
Google Calendar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5yyQDbAxaU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcrQA1VnVyk
And if you want the calendar on your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyfbNtpxc9Y
MS Outlook Calendar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BU_ELSsDLc
Todoist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbf4WHrsKRI
7. Use online forms for applications and registrations
Many applications and registrations can now be completed online using digital forms. For example, you can apply for a passport or register for a class online. By using online forms, you can eliminate the need for paper applications and registrations, which can help reduce paper clutter.
8. Use digital receipts
Many retailers now offer digital receipts that can be emailed to you instead of printed. When you make a purchase, simply ask if a digital receipt is available. This not only helps reduce paper clutter, but it also makes it easier to keep track of your expenses. You can also save the receipt to online storage so you can easily find it in the future.
9. Use digital note-taking app
If you’re someone who likes to take notes, consider using digital note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote. These apps allow you to take notes, organize them, and access them from anywhere. By using digital note-taking apps, you can eliminate the need for physical notebooks and reduce paper clutter. Google Keep is a more basic note taking app and as you probably guessed it comes free with your Gmail account.
I’ve been using Evernote for years and love it. I can save notes, documents, pictures, videos and they have a cool feature that allows you to save a copy of a webpage. It has a free version. I even keep my grocery list in Evernote.
Evernote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X2338G-N60 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27jSOSy_TfY
OneNote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjnQ937cg8g
Google Keep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6R8sh4HJig
10. Store your photos online
No doubt you have many old photos which have value unfortunately over time they can fade or get destroyed or lost. One way to prevent this is to scan them and save online in Google Photos or Apple iCloud. To scan photos you will need a photo scanner like this Digital Film & Photo Scanner Multi-Function Combo Scanner with HD from Amazon
Storing them online also will allow you to share those photos with family or friends as well as sort them by type, year taken, by people etc. Here’s some videos to show you more.
Google Photos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXe68IxpqWo
iCloud Photos : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sNvh_Kp18k
Another cool option is a digital picture frame. It will store multiple pics and continually run thru them in rotation. Here’s an example of a digital picture frame: https://www.amazon.ca/Digital-1280×800-Auto-Rotate-Instantly-Anywhere/dp/B09PY8Y39N/ref=sr_1_4?
11. Throw away your Rolodex or address book.
You can store the names, phone numbers, email addresses and home address of everyone you know online. Two popular options are Google Contacts & Outlook Contacts which come with a Gmail or Outlook email account. And they will sync between your computer and mobile phone. They have unlimited ability to store as many contacts as you need and they are always at your finger tips.
Google Contacts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ0JOhGg1vE
Outlook Contacts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeRYRnL9i-w
I’ve mentioned all the free products included with a Google Account (Gmail email) so to give you an introduction to all the features of a Gmail account here’s one last video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zQGKcNIx_o
In conclusion, there are many ways to downsize and eliminate paper using online storage and other digital tools. By adopting these strategies, you can reduce paper clutter in your life and become more organized and efficient. Additionally, you can help reduce your environmental impact and save time and money in the long run. So, start taking steps towards a paperless lifestyle today!
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
Downsizing your family home in Halifax can be a daunting task, especially for seniors who have lived in the same home for many years. There are many emotional and practical considerations to take into account, and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way.
To help you avoid common downsizing pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 biggest downsizing mistakes seniors make when preparing to sell their family home in Halifax.
1. Not starting early enough
One of the most common downsizing mistakes seniors make is waiting too long to start the downsizing process. Downsizing takes time, especially if you’ve lived in your home for many years and have accumulated a lot of possessions. Starting early can help you avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed when it’s time to sell your home.
2. Not having a plan
Another common mistake is not having a plan in place for how you will downsize. Without a plan, you may find yourself unsure of what to do with your possessions or feeling like you’re spinning your wheels. Create a checklist of items to keep, donate, or sell, and involve family members or friends to help you stay organized.
3. Not considering the new living space
When downsizing, it’s important to keep in mind the size and layout of your new living space. You may need to get rid of some furniture or other possessions to make everything fit comfortably. Be sure to take measurements of your new home and plan accordingly.
4. Not being realistic about the selling price
If you’re selling your family home in Halifax, it’s important to be realistic about the selling price. Overpricing your home can make it sit on the market for longer than necessary, and you may end up with less money than if you had priced it appropriately from the start. Research the local housing market and consult with a real estate agent to determine a fair asking price.
5. Not addressing necessary repairs or updates
If your home needs repairs or updates, it’s important to address them before you put your home on the market. Buyers may be turned off by a home that needs a lot of work, and you may end up getting less money than you would have if you had made the necessary repairs or updates.
6. Not properly staging the home
Properly staging your home can help it sell faster and for a better price. This means removing personal items, decluttering, and rearranging furniture to make your home look its best. Consider hiring a professional stager to help you make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers.
7. Not prioritizing important items
It’s important to prioritize important items that have sentimental value or that you use on a daily basis. These items should be easily accessible during the downsizing process so you don’t accidentally get rid of something you need or want to keep.
8. Not properly disposing of unwanted item
It’s important to dispose of unwanted items responsibly. This can mean donating them to charity, recycling them, or throwing them away. Consider the environmental impact of your disposal methods and choose the most responsible option for each item.
9. Not considering the timing of the move
The timing of your move is an important consideration. You’ll need to allow enough time for your home to sell and for you to find a new place to live. You should also consider the time of year and how it might impact the housing market and moving costs.
10. Not involving family members
Involving family members in the downsizing process can be a great way to get emotional and practical support. They can help you sort through your possessions and make decisions about what to keep, donate, or sell. They can also provide emotional support as you prepare to leave your family home.
11. Not seeking professional help
There are many professionals who can help you through the downsizing process, including real estate agents, movers, professional organizers, and estate sale companies. It’s important to seek out and utilize the services of these professionals to make the downsizing process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
12. Not downsizing enough
One of the biggest downsizing mistakes seniors make is not downsizing enough. It can be difficult to let go of possessions that have sentimental value or that you’ve had for a long time, but it’s important to be realistic about what you can bring with you to your new home. Downsizing too little can make the move more difficult and costly.
13. Not considering the emotional impact
Downsizing can be an emotional process, especially if you’ve lived in your family home for many years. It’s important to take the time to acknowledge and address the emotions that come with downsizing, whether it’s sadness, anxiety, or excitement about the future.
14. Not considering the financial impact
Downsizing can also have a financial impact, both in terms of the cost of moving and the potential impact on your retirement savings. It’s important to consider the financial implications of downsizing and to plan for how you will manage your finances in your new living situation.
15.Not taking care of yourself
Finally, one of the biggest downsizing mistakes seniors make is not taking care of themselves during the downsizing process. Downsizing can be physically and emotionally taxing, and it’s important to prioritize self-care during this time. This can mean taking breaks when you need them, seeking out support from loved ones or professionals, and making time for activities that bring you joy.
In conclusion, downsizing your family home in Halifax can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. By avoiding common downsizing mistakes and seeking out the support and resources you need, you can make the transition to your new living situation with greater ease and confidence.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
House hunters will likely wonder about the age and upkeep of certain big-ticket features in a home like the roof and HVAC system. But they will also likely be interested in just how move-in ready the home is. Sellers can take on some prep work to get their house move-in ready to appeal to the largest buyer pool.
HomeLight, a real estate referral company, recently interviewed real estate agents to list some of the top remodeling projects before selling a home. Some of the projects that topped their list and the prices referenced below have increased since the interview:
1. Painting
Average project cost: $954 to $2,893 (depending on location, paint type, and labor)
Stick with neutral colors throughout, like whites, beiges, or soft grays. “It’s fine when there’s an accent wall or whatever; that’s different,” MaryBeth Harrison, a real estate professional in Dallas, told HomeLight. “But when every room’s a different color … that’s cheap to fix with paint.” More than half of real estate professionals surveyed by HomeLight said they advise sellers to paint their interiors before listing. Some of the most popular colors: Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray and Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter.
2. Keep flooring consistent
To install carpet: $789 to $2,794
To install hardwood floors: $2,493 to $6,754
To install vinyl floors: $800 to $2,900
Real estate pros may be more likely to recommend this house project if the home has several different kinds of flooring throughout. A more uniform flooring look—one or two types—can be more appealing to buyers. Real estate pros say that many buyers may expect hardwood floors or premium vinyl. But not all carpeting has to go. However, many real estate pros do suggest removing any dated carpet, like those in bright colors, as well as any stained or worn carpet.
3. Brighten the kitchen
Average project cost: $382 to $1,064 (depending on equipment and labor); $2 to $20 per piece of hardware. White-colored kitchens remain the most popular. They can brighten the look of the space. “What the buyers are looking for today is white and clean—they just want clean,” Harrison told HomeLight. “It doesn’t have to be stark white. But they just want a clean palette.”
Dated kitchen cabinets can be painted by a pro for a quick fix. If the kitchen has other colors throughout, real estate pros recommend painting the walls white to try to brighten the space. Also, kitchen cabinets can get an upgrade with new hardware, such as hand pulls.
4. Replace dated countertops and appliances
Average project cost: $40 to $100 per square foot for new countertops (depending on material); $1,360 to $19,050 for appliances
Dated appliances and countertops can turn off buyers. If replacing the countertop, Harrison suggests a bright, monochromatic look, such as a gray or white countertop made of granite, marble, or quartz. Butcher block countertops could be a more cost-effective option. Harrison advises against brown or multicolored granite, which she says can date a home. She also recommends not replacing a countertop if the rest of the kitchen has not been upgraded and is dated. New countertops will look out of place.
5. Hire a professional cleaner for your bathroom
Average project cost: $70 to $85 per hour for a professional
A thorough cleaning of the bathroom can make a big difference, and often a professional cleaner can do the most thorough job. Pay attention to tile grout lines and any signs of mildew.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
Moving into a smaller home can mean letting go of excess possession but it can also mean less burdens and more convenience. Deciding to downsize to a smaller home may increase your quality of life. Below are some reasons why a smaller home may be the right size for you.
Smaller homes cost less money
A smaller home means less taxes, insurance, and cheaper utility costs. It also cost less to maintain and furnish a smaller home. The thought of extra money in your bank account must make you happy. Extra income means different things to different people, it might free up enough money to do that traveling you’ve always dreamt about.
More FREE time
A smaller house is easier to maintain and keep in good repair. With a larger house you may have a schedule in place to clean different levels of your home on different days. Larger homes have more areas that are susceptible to gathering clutter. A small home takes less time to clean. A smaller yard takes less time to mow in the summer. What will you do with all this free time?
Smaller homes are generally built in more walkable areas and have access to public transportation. This means less need for a car. In addition, small houses use less energy. Think about all the rooms that are heated in a large home that rarely get used. Updating and maintenance will require fewer building materials.
Smaller homes are more intimate
No need to yell to be heard in a small home. Some homes are so large seeking out others can feel like two ships passing in the night. Family is more likely to hangout in the same room in a smaller home.
Smaller homes and smaller yards mean closer neighbors. It can provide a stronger sense of belonging and community when you see your neighbours often. A quick conversation and a morning wave just might put a smile on your face.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
Stage your house to sell and attract potential buyers and receive multiple offers. Multiple offers are the ideal situation when you desire the best price and conditions for the sale of your home. Home staging highlights your homes best features. Staging doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. A staged home makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
1. Impressive first impression with curb appeal
Make buyers excited to see your home. I’ve had buyers change their minds about seeing the interior of a home when the exterior cries of neglect and disrepair. Most buyers will first drive by a home for sale before making an appointment to view. Ensure the exterior of your home is in tip top shape. Paint the front door if needed. Make sure the fence is not falling over. Trim back hedges and clean up gardens. Ensure the exterior has working lights for evening viewings.
2. Declutter and depersonalize your home
A decluttered home looks and feels spacious, clean, and inviting. A clutter free home presents the impression that the home has been well cared for and maintained by the seller. A cluttered house is distracting to the buyer and can feel short on storage space. Remove family photographs and store collectibles to aid in depersonalizing your home. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home.
3. Thorough clean inside and outside your home
Have your whole house cleaned from top to bottom. Organize every drawer, pantry, closet and room. Buyers will look inside closets, bathroom, and kitchen cabinets. Thoroughly clean those areas. Clean your windows, trim, carpets and furniture. Carpets and furniture hold odours that you may be immune to with everyday exposure. Don’t forget to clean up your yard of any garbage or debris.
4. Kitchen staging
Make sure your kitchen is shiny clean. Declutter your counter tops of appliances and make room for them in your cabinets. All appliances should be clean and in good working order. Upgrade your lighting in the kitchen and update cabinets with modern fixture.
5. Bathroom staging
A fresh look in the bathroom can be accomplished with new towels and shower curtain. A display of flameless candles, soaps and fancy hand towels can give a bathroom a spa like impression. Make sure your bathrooms are spotless and that all plumbing is functional. Declutter bathroom counter, cabinets and shower of personal items and shampoos. Make a space in your linen closets for these items.
6. Living room staging
The living room is usually the first room buyers will enter and assess. Make sure to remove excess furniture to make the room feel spacious and inviting. Clean the entire room and all surfaces, declutter of excess pillows and blankets. Use a combination of lighting from natural light to lamps and dimmers to make a living room a relaxing place. Remove and store personal items, books, magazines, and collectibles.
7. Bedroom staging
Clean the room thoroughly from floor to ceiling. Closets should be tidy and not overflowing with clothing and articles. Invest the time in decluttering your closet and storing items you wish to keep. Depersonalize the space of photos, personal effects, and jewelry. Clean all bed linens or replace with new ones. Add lamps in the bedroom for additional lighting. Clean or replace old worn flooring. Paint the room if it hasn’t been done in many years. Remove excess furniture in the bedroom and store offsite or in a rented storage pod.
8. Repairs, replacements, and maintenance of homes equipment
Dirty walls, flooring and chipping paint can be easily fixed. Inspect your home visually for cracks that you can repair. Paint or wash walls to brighten up a room. Chipped paint and broken fixture make a home look neglected and in disrepair. Have your homes equipment maintained and inspected like heating system, cooling system and electrical system.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
