Downsizing? 3 Reasons to Choose a REALTOR® Image

Downsizing Your Home? 8 Reasons to Choose a REALTOR®

November 12, 2021 7:00 am Published by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group

While downsizing may be the right choice, it’s not always an easy one. After all, you’ve spent a good many years in your current home, and it can be difficult to leave so many fond memories (and possibly possessions) behind. If that weren’t enough, you must also begin the search for a new home better suited to your lifestyle while attempting to sell your existing property at the same time.

The good news is you don’t have to do it all on your own.

Here are eight reasons to work with a REALTOR® when downsizing your home:

1. They’ll Be Your Rock

A good REALTOR® understands a home is much more than four walls and a roof – and parting ways with something that has played such a significant role in your life to date can be nothing short of emotional. For this reason, having an objective third party on your side can make all the difference. Not only will your agent help you weather the inevitable ups and downs of the journey ahead, but they will also keep you focused on the positives of the situation (and your ultimate goal to live a simpler, more relaxed lifestyle).

2. They’ll Help You Find the Perfect Home…

Whether you’re looking for a smaller, more manageable single-family home or a maintenance-free condo, duplex or townhome that will allow you to age in place, your REALTOR® will help you find the right property for your needs. They’re also an invaluable asset for negotiating with home sellers (ensuring you get the best deal possible) and shouldering the seemingly endless amounts of red tape that accompany any real estate transaction (more on that below). All you need to do is move in.

3. …In the Perfect Neighbourhood

When it comes to downsizing, the neighbourhood you choose will be every bit as important as your new home in terms of accessibility, location and more. For example, would you like to move closer to friends or family? Or settle in a gated adult-only community with plenty of onsite amenities? Perhaps you’d prefer a low-maintenance townhome or duplex near the airport or one of Edmonton’s popular golf courses? As local Edmonton experts, your REALTOR® will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Find the perfect home in the ideal community with our free All-In-One Guide to Choosing the Right Edmonton Neighborhoods.

4. They’ll Price Your Home CORRECTLY

Pricing your home correctly (the first time) is the single most important step you can take when listing. Of course, you want to get the most possible for the home in which you’ve invested so much love, time and money. However, overpricing your home, even by the smallest amount, will scare away potential buyers (fewer buyers = more time on the market = money lost).

Why not get it right the first time by enlisting the help of an experienced agent? In addition to establishing your home’s true value with the help of a FREE Market Evaluation, they’ll also suggest ways in which you can squeeze every last dollar from your home sale.

5. They’ll Sell Your Home Quickly and For Top Dollar

Though it will be hard to leave your old home behind, you’ll feel a little better knowing that, with a REALTOR® on your side, you’ll get the most money possible for the property you loved so well. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your home will sell quickly – you needn’t worry about the downsizing process dragging on because your home is stuck sitting on the market.

6. They’ll Do the Heavy Lifting For You

There’s a lot more to selling a home than simply staking a “FOR SALE” sign on the lawn. From marketing strategies to MLS listings, your REALTOR® will take care of the nitty-gritty for you. This includes organizing private home tours and open houses (on your schedule), attracting the right buyers to your home at the right time, tackling the piles of paperwork associated with the sale, negotiating with buyer’s agents and much more.

7. They Are Top-Notch Negotiators

Speaking of negotiating, did you know practiced Edmonton REALTORS® come backed by a career’s worth of negotiation skills? Understanding that every dollar counts when downsizing, your agent will work hard to get you the most money for your current property while securing the best deal possible on your next home. In addition to both selling and asking price, they’re also pros at negotiating:

Closing costs
Repairs and updates
Possession dates
Miscellaneous fees and expenses
Etc.

8. It’s Better Than Going It On Your Own

The decision to downsize can be stressful enough without taking on the countless tasks associated with selling your home (and/or buying a new one). Furthermore, a typical For Sale By Owner Home (FSBO) will sell for less than an agent-assisted transaction. FSBO listings also don’t allow buyers to view the home without feeling uncomfortable or pressured, as you are always present. For this reason, FSBO properties may also be overlooked by other agents, minimizing your pool of potential buyers overall.

BONUS: They’re Well Connected

Last but not least, your REALTOR’S® vast network of connections will prove extremely helpful throughout your downsizing process. Whether you’re in need of junk removal, storage services, a reputable moving company, or other Edmonton real estate-related professional (lawyer, home stager, mortgage broker, etc.), your agent will be able to refer you to the right experts for the job.

If you’re considering downsizing but find yourself unsure of where to start, we invite you to take advantage of any (or all) of our FREE downsizing information and resources: