Irina Arkhipova , SRES ®
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Think about it : Cons and Pros of Downsizing
– By Irina Arkhipova
When our kids were young we appreciated large backyards , basements , and extra rooms in our homes . After our kids grew up and left the family home , these features became less attractive , and some things became a burden to manage .
The idea of downsizing may lead to conflicting thoughts and feelings ; let ’ s examine these Pros and Cons :
Cons of downsizing :
• It ’ s a change from a familiar to an unknown . Once you move to another home , you won ’ t be able to move back .
• Downsizing your possessions is a hard one . Your family home contains lots of stuff . How do you manage it ?
• Loss of family magnet . Your home is busy only a few times per year : Children and grandchildren visit during the holidays , and it ’ s so exciting to have them over ! A new home may not do it for you .
• Loss of prestige . Sometimes downsizing can come across as “ I can ’ t afford my home ” or “ I ’ m not able to maintain my home .” It may not sound like you ’ re in good standing .
• There are expenses associated with downsizing : Cost of selling the home , getting rid of items , and costs related to moving .
Pros of downsizing :
• Downsizing may save you money on property taxes , cooling or heating your home , maintenance , even utilities .
• Downsizing could reduce your daily chores and save you time and energy for things you love to do , or would like to try .
• Minimize your efforts to maintain your property : gardening , shovelling , repairs , etc .
• Travelling may become easier with downsizing : Just shut the door and go !
• It could help to get you out of debt : If you still have a mortgage on your family home maybe it ’ s a good idea to downsize and use equity to become debt-free .
• Your new home could be more convenient and be selected to suit your lifestyle or changing needs : If it ’ s a condo – no more stairs , more security , perhaps a more social life with nearby neighbours .
Once you start noticing your home has some rooms that are only entered to be cleaned , or if climbing stairs feels harder and harder , or even if you need more financial freedom – start thinking of these cons with pros . Maybe now is a good time to downsize ? •
Irina Arkhipova , SRES ®
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
My Services and Benefits :
Full Time Full Service Market Evaluation of Your Home Staging Consultation Listing on MLS , Realtor . ca Open Houses ( Public and Agents ) Hi-Resolution Photography and Virtual Tours Advertisements via Social Media Cash Giveaway ( details to the right )
… and so much more . Call Irina today !
905-599-8887
SmartDownsizing @ gmail . com www . SmartDownsizing . ca
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260 Lakeshore Road E . Oakville , ON L6J 1J1
Office 905-844-5000 Fax 905-844-6029
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