Choosing to downsize is more than just moving into a smaller space, it’s about curating a simpler lifestyle that fits your current needs. Whether you’re retiring, looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance home, or wanting a fresh start after your children have moved away, downsizing might be the best option for you. Before making the move, here’s everything to consider.

Why Downsizing Could Be the Right Choice

Increased Cash Flow & More Financial Flexibility

Downsizing can offer significant financial benefits, starting with a smaller mortgage, which frees up extra cash for other needs or desires. Home insurance costs also tend to be lower, as the size of the home typically influences insurance premiums. Downsizing to less square footage can also lower property tax bills. Finally, a smaller home also leads to decreased utility bills, as the cost of heating and cooling a smaller home requires less energy expenditure.

More Time, Less Maintenance & Stress

Bigger homes call for more maintenance. Downsizing can help cut down time spent on household chores such as cleaning and vacuuming, which will give you more hours to do something more enjoyable. Homeowners who have successfully downsized often feel happier because they are no longer overwhelmed by the demands of a larger home. Less responsibility, less housework, increased cash flow, and flexibility equals reduced stress.

A Greener Lifestyle

After downsizing, homeowners commonly buy less since they don’t necessarily have the room for it. Reduced consumption not only leads to a more minimalist lifestyle but also cuts down on waste. Less waste plus less energy expended to heat and cool the space means a smaller environmental footprint and keeps your home green.

What You Might Miss When Downsizing

While moving into a smaller space has benefits, there are trade-offs to consider. A smaller home means less storage space, meaning you’ll need to give away or donate furniture, books, kitchen supplies, and other belongings that may not fit. Less space and fewer rooms can also make the home feel cramped, especially if you’re a long-term homeowner used to larger square footage.

Remote work may also become more challenging in a downsized home. Finding a quiet, dedicated workspace can be difficult, and close quarters may make it harder to stay productive. Additionally, hosting overnight guests or bigger holiday dinners might be out of the question for a smaller home. Adjusting to a downsized lifestyle can take time for those accustomed to more space, requiring new habits and a fresh approach.

Questions to Ask Before Making the Move

Before downsizing, it’s crucial to reflect on how less space in your home will impact your lifestyle. Think about your attachment to your current home’s size. Do you need extra rooms for guests or a second bathroom for convenience? Will moving into a smaller home feel too much like a step backward? Or will it bring the sense of freedom and simplicity you’ve been looking for? Ask yourself these important questions to ensure you’re making the right choice:

• What are my must-haves in a smaller home? Think about what you might miss from a more spacious home, or factors like location, accessibility, and storage solutions.
• How will my daily routine change? Consider how a smaller space might impact your hobbies, work setup, or ability to entertain.
• Does this move align with my long-term plans? Imagine the next 5, 10, or even 20 years, and start to question if a smaller home meets your future needs.
• How much will it cost to downsize? Factor in moving expenses, costs associated with selling, new furniture purchases, and the amount it will cost to store or sell belongings you no longer have space for.
• What will I do with sentimental or bulky items? Consider whether you’ll keep, donate, sell, or store them, and how much space you’re willing to dedicate to cherished belongings.

If you believe downsizing is the right option and are ready for the next step, you’re probably asking yourself, “Should I sell first or buy first?” When you’re prepared to discuss your options, connect with a Windermere agent by clicking the button below.

A home inspection can be a useful tool for buyers, sellers, and anyone looking to protect their investment and get the greatest possible value from their home.

Identifying Issues Early

When you’re selling a house, a pre-sale inspection can be incredibly beneficial. By identifying any potential problems your house may have, an inspection can give you an opportunity to address them before your first prospective buyer arrives. A pre-listing inspection can give you an edge as a seller, particularly in a competitive market. Potential buyers are likely to find the kind of detailed information an inspection provides reassuring—and are encouraged to give your home a closer look.

When Should You Get a Home Inspection?

Beyond routine maintenance and pre-sale inspections, there are several circumstances in which a home inspection could greatly benefit a homeowner. Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself to determine if an inspection makes sense:

• Was your home inspected when you bought it? If not, consider scheduling one, even if the home was new at the time of construction.
• Are you an older homeowner looking to make upgrades to stay in your home? If you are, it makes sense to hire a professional who can inspect difficult-to-reach areas and point out maintenance of safety issues.
• Are you buying a home that’s under construction? You may want to hire an inspector early on and schedule phased inspections to protect your interest and ensure that the quality of construction meets your expectations.
• Do you have a baby on the way or small children? An inspection can alert you to any potential safety issues that could possibly affect a growing family, such as mold, lead, or structural problems. If mold or lead is present, be sure to rely on technicians or labs with specialized training in dealing with these conditions.

What Home Inspections Do Not Cover

For a variety of reasons, some homes will require special inspections that are not covered by a typical home inspection. A specialty inspection might include a sewer scope, septic system, geotechnical conditions (for homes perched on steep slopes or where there are concerns regarding soil stability) or underground oil storage tank. If you have any questions about whether your home needs a specialty inspection, talk to your real estate agent.

Choosing a Professional

If you decide to hire a home inspector, be sure they’re licensed in your state. They should be able to provide you with their license number, which you can use to verify their status with the appropriate government agency. It’s also helpful to ask for recommendations from friends and family members. Even among licensed and qualified home inspectors, there can be a difference in experience, knowledge, performance and communication skills, so learn what you can before you hire a home inspector to ensure that you get the detailed inspection that you want.

Understanding Your Home Inspection Report

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report covering any issues found. Focus on major concerns like structural and electrical and consult your inspector or a specialist if anything is unclear. You can ask your inspector to walk you through the report and help prepare you for the next steps.

What to Ask Your Home Inspector

When hiring a professional inspector, ask these important questions to make sure they are qualified and the right fit for the job.

• What does your inspection cover? Insist that you get this information in writing. Then make sure that it’s in compliance with state requirements and includes the items you want to be inspected.
• How long have you been in the business? Ask for referrals, especially with newer inspectors.
• Are you experienced in residential inspections? Residential inspection in a unique discipline with specific challenges, so it’s important to make sure the inspector is experienced in this area.
• Do you make repairs or make improvements based on inspection? Some states and/or professional associations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in an inspection. If you’re considering engaging your inspector to do repairs, be sure to get referrals.
• How long will the inspection take? A typical single-family dwelling takes two to three hours.
• How much will it cost? Costs can vary depending upon a variety of things, such as the square footage, age, and foundation of the house.
• Can I be there for the inspection? Will you go over the inspection report with me? This could be a valuable learning opportunity. If your inspector refuses, this should raise a red flag.
• Are you a member of a professional home inspector association? What other credentials do you hold? Ask to see their membership ID; it provides some assurance.
• Do you keep your skills up to date through continuing education?An inspector’s interest in continuing education shows a genuine commitment to performing at the highest level. It’s especially important in older homes or homes with unique elements.