seniors association seminar march 2010
DESCRIPTION
Staying in control of your transitionTRANSCRIPT
Downsizing is a monumental task that
goes beyond just selling your real estate
It can be a challenge for both seniors and family members
who are helping with the process
It can also be an incredibly positive experience!
Understanding the downsizing process and its challenges will help you when you are
ready to move on
In this seminar:- Assessing your situation
- Emotional impact-You are in control-Family dynamics
- What do I do with my stuff?- Finding your ideal new home
- Navigating the real estate market- Where to turn for assistance
The key to a positive, stress reduced transition is
remembering that you are in control!
Assessing your situation: Should you downsize?
The downsizing checklist:
Now that we’ve determined that you should be making a
move...
I need to find a new
home
Where do I find a Realtor?
I need to sell my current
home
I have to pack my belongings
I need to sort my belongings.
What can I take with me?
What will I do with all this stuff?
The house needs paint...
There’s so much
cleaning to do
Does my home need staging? I must prepare the
house for sale
Who gets what?
What about shipping?
What do I want to keep?
Where do I start?
I need to find a mover
Are these antiques worth anything?
The emotional impact of downsizing
There are lots of emotions associated with downsizing.
Some of them can feel negative
- Loss of independence- Fear of change
- Will the space be too small?- Giving up the family home
- Fear loss of control
We go through many transitions in our lives:
- College/University- First home
- Family home
We embrace these changes as a new phase in our lives and we can do the same for
downsizing
Actively change the way you choose to look at
your transition
You have made a decision to change your lifestyle based on your current needs, not
your past needs
Remember the past fondly and choose to look forward
You are in control: Why downsizing doesn’t mean loss of independence
A tough decision can be made easier by remembering
that you are in control
29 Montgomery Boulevard
- Had mixed feelings about selling- Controlled her timeline
- Looked at several retirement homes before moving
- Involved family- Made sure she was comfortable
before selling house- Went through transition at her own
pace in her own way, which relieved the stress
- You can set your timeline- You make the decisions- You choose where to go- Make sure everything is
right for you.
Should not be working with anyone who doesn’t listen, forces, pushes won’t take
your feelings into consideration
Family Dynamics
Moving is different as we age. Family involvement
is a big part of this
Depending on the situation, family members are often
more involved in the process when we are older
Children and siblings can be a great help but they can also slow or complicate
the process
What do I do with all this stuff?: Handling a lifetime worth of possessions
“Stuff” can often be the most overwhelming part
of downsizing
Testimonial?
- Don’t know where to start- Don’t know what to take- Want to give to family
- How to choose?- How to organize?
Often have emotional attachment to possessions or see them as a comfort
Testimonial?
Let’s look at this from another angle:
As we age, our possessions can take over our living space
An overwhelming number of possessions can create a
stressful living environment
Testimonial?
Requires time and energy to clean, maintain and keep
orderly
Testimonial?
Important items can get lost in clutter
Home can become uncomfortable because of
excess items
After meeting with a client, we often leave them with “homework” that will help them look objectively at
their possessions
Look realistically at the space you will be moving into
- Will this fit into my new space?
- Is this worth the expense of moving?
- Have I used this in the past year?
- What is the functionality of this item?
- Will I need this with my new lifestyle?
Testimonial?
- We use 20% of our possessions
80% of the time- Things do not reflect who
you really are
“Lots had come in and nothing had gone out...”
Handling possessions with the future in mind ensures a stress free, relaxing place
where you can focus on the road ahead and not what
you’ve left behind
Finding your ideal new home
Many seniors put off downsizing because of outdated ideas about
seniors housing
Fear that long term careis the only option
Senior housing has come a long way and times have
changed
Myriad options mean there is something for everyone
Your perfect new home could be:
- Smaller home- Condo
- Apartment- Cottage
- Retirement residence- Residence with care options
Testimonial?
Testimonial?
Testimonial?
Testimonial?
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Testimonial?
“I couldn’t be happier with thechoice I made...”
-Living alone in a 4 bedroom bungalow
- Wanted to move to a retirement residence
-Loved facilities, social opportunities & activities- Looked forward to move
Testimonial?
Navigating the real estate market
May not have bought or sold a property in many years
Putting your home on the market is different today
Motivation for moving is often different for seniors
- Independence - Social opportunities
- Closer to entertainment or amenities
- Health benefits - Travelling with ease
Women 82
Men 77
The longer seniors put off downsizing, the more
complicated a situation can become
- Death of a spouse- Illness
- Mobility Issues
696 Highway 15
- wanted specific condo but couldn’t buy
for three years
- Started looking at retirement residence
- Didn’t want to move before house sold
- House sat on market for 2 years
May be detrimental to wait out
the market or refuse to sell based on false or hopeful
price expectations
Selling/buying a home can be stressful. The whole
experience is easier if you choose to move when you
are healthy and capable
If you are concerned about the market, there are a
number of things you can do to quicken the sale of
your home
Look at the move as a whole project and not just
the sale of your home
Work with a company who will offer honest, straightforward
advice on all your needs
Your choice. Someone who will tell
you what to do, or someone who will do
what you want.
Pick someone you trust, then trust them!
For a successful transition:
- Embrace change and be positive!- Look ahead
- Don’t work with anyone who wants to take control from you
- Seek help from experts & listen to their advice
- A transition is easier when you are healthy & capable
Ultimately,YOU are in control every
step of the way.
Where can I turn for assistance?
Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists™
Thank-you