Downsizing Your Home

1. Start by Decluttering

When moving to a smaller home, you won’t need or have room for everything you own. Over the years, items accumulate, and it can feel overwhelming to sort through it all. Start early by downsizing your belongings.

Keep only a few decorative items per room.
Donate, sell, or give away furniture you don’t need.
Clear out storage areas like the garage and basement.

2. Stage Your Home for Potential Buyers

With fewer items, you can now arrange your furniture to showcase each room's potential. Create open, airy spaces that feel welcoming and help buyers visualize how they might use the room.

Remove personal items like family photos.
Add a few plants to bring life and color.
Neutralize your color scheme with soft grays or beiges.
Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds.

3. Make Essential Repairs

To speed up the sale of your home, address any repair needs before listing it. Walk through your house with a critical eye, noting anything that needs fixing. Minor repairs, such as broken fixtures, cracked walls, or leaking faucets, can make a big difference to buyers.

Inspect for broken fixtures and leaky faucets.
Patch up cracks in walls or ceilings.
Ensure all doors and windows open and close smoothly.
Fix any visible damage that could deter buyers.

4. Price Your Home Competitively

Setting the right price for your home requires careful consideration. Local real estate market conditions—whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market—play a major role. A competitive price is essential to attract serious buyers.

Work with a real estate agent to set a fair price.
Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for guidance.
Consider your home’s age, size, and condition.
Adjust the price according to neighborhood trends.

5. Market Your Home Effectively

Once you’ve set a competitive price, it’s time to ensure potential buyers see your listing. Most home buyers begin their search online, so a strong digital presence is essential.

List your home on popular sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.
Hire a professional photographer for high-quality photos.
Promote your listing on social media channels.
Consider hosting an open house with your agent.

6. Stay Patient and Positive

Downsizing is an exciting new chapter, but selling your home may take some time. Patience can help you avoid accepting a low offer just to close quickly.