Helping family with a downsize

Are you helping family through the downsizing process (or simply looking for information on where to start?)

If you’re reading this section, you’re likely involved with family thinking about downsizing. Every family’s situation is unique, but the goal is the same. Having a loved family member make a smooth transition & happy landing in thier new home!

Where do you start?

Whether you’re worried about your family’s safety, finances or feel you’re just too far away to help – this is a great place to start gathering information.

Many Seniors are surprised at how anxious a move (which would have been a piece of cake when they were young) may be making them feel and may be reluctant to share those feelings with you.

I’ve helped many seniors (including my own Mother) through this process. The first step starts with a plan (and don’t worry – once the plan is in place I do most of the heavy lifting for you!)

The independence dilemma

Many families at this stage, have a struggle with support and supporting independence. What do I mean by that? And I’ll use parents/adult children as examples, of course this could be any generational family or friend mix!

Adult children want to help – to ensure their parents are safe and well cared for, especially if they are too far away or busy to help (support). As a result, their parents feel their roles are reversed – something they are not quite ready for!

Parents may be struggling with other issues that they feel are undermining their independence, whether it is related to health, financial issues or home maintenance. They are happy to come up with a plan that satisfies everyone’s needs, but would like to do it on their own terms. They may find this difficult to talk about.

Parents may also be struggling with conflict if one partner wants to move and one wants to stay.

These discussions can be emotional - that’s why it’s good to talk to someone who has helped many other families through the process.

How preparing a plan with a purpose can help

With a deep understanding of housing options available, I can review them all so we can identify (& eliminate) one’s that don’t fit your family’s needs. This type of collaborative planning retains your parent’s independence as a decision maker as well as addressing your families concerns.

Having these conversations with a neutral party familiar with the emotional ups and downs of a move may be helpful, too.

Once you understand you have lots of options — your anxiety and stress will be lightened, many people feel they should have done that long ago!

Options we evaluate can include:

aging in place
life lease
rentals
retirement residences
a condo purchase
moving in with family

ready to learn more?

If preparing a plan sounds like a good next step, call me at 416-562-5002 for a coffee (or tea) and a chat about the planning process. Or, if you are out of area we can set up a Zoom meeting at your convenience.

Download my free e-book

Chock full of great tips on how to start downsizing!

Download now!

Not quite ready?

Then check out my 5 star Google reviews, read about my experience & real estate articles on LinkedIn, check out how I market homes I sell on my Youtube Channel or follow me on Facebook & Instagram

Sue Anfang

Cell: 416-562-5002

Office: 416-465-4545

Keller Williams Advantage Realty Inc, 1238 Queen St. E, Unit B, Toronto M4L 1C8