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Writer's pictureElisa Cool Murphy

Shake It Off: Downsizing Tips to Thrive at 59+

Updated: Nov 18, 2023

Including 6 Things Most People Forget to Do When Preparing to Sell



A Guide to Embrace Freedom and Fun in Your Next Chapter

According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners who are also 59 to 77-year-olds have just taken the lead as the top group of home buyers in the nation, leaving those millennials in the dust! And guess what? Y'all are the top sellers, too, making the 59+ age group the powerhouse of the American real estate market.


It's time to show the world that movin' on up to a new chapter means less hassle and more enjoyment, doin' things your way!


So let's dive into six essential things most home sellers forget to do when getting their homes ready for sale.




1. Less Clutter, More Fun: "Let It Be" or "Let It Go?"

Ah, the thrill of decluttering, not! Turns out it's all about mindset. It's time to turn, let it be, into let it go!


It can help to think of it as though you're clearing the path for your next big adventure. You aren't just downsizing; you're creating space for all the exciting things you wanna do.


Keep those special treasures and essentials, but say goodbye to the unnecessary stuff. Who needs all that weighing you down when it's time for you to fly?


When all else fails, remember you're creating space for all those new hobbies and fun, which you'll have more time for when you free up your day from all the chores you have right now.




2. Inspect Like a Pro: "Find out who you are, and do it on purpose."

Y'all know we love a little Dolly wisdom! As Dolly herself would say, "Find out who you are, and do it on purpose."


So, when it's time to sell, it may also be time to get that home inspection, do it with confidence and purpose. The devil you know can be better than the one you do not. Face the beast, especially if you've spent a lot of years in one place.


Just like Dolly, own the process and make sure everything's in tip-top shape for your next chapter. Do it well, do it right, and do it on purpose!



3. Face the Pricing Music: "Climb Every Mountain"

Your home is a treasure, and you wanna get the best value out of it! For many folks, the sales proceeds of their current home fund the next! We hear, "I need x when I sell my home to pay y for the next one," all the time.


Unfortunately, that's not how homes are valued. If we could get every seller a million dollars, you best believe we would. But we don't set the value, you don't, and unfortunately, your next chapter doesn't either. The market does.


By understanding how the market will perceive your home's value, you can set your expectations and the perfect price faster than you can sing do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do! We can help; it's what we do!



4. Embrace the Art of Negotiation: "Walk Softly"

Negotiatin' like a pro? Oh, yes! Y'all are masters at this game.

A quick refresher on us. Be prepared to walk softly, one step at a time. This often means removing feelings from the situation so you can more openly and confidently discuss all details. The more open you are in sharing your thoughts and receiving professional advice from your realtor, the better you'll feel come negotiation time.


Walk softly and put away the big stick. The best deals happen when both the seller and the buyer walk away feeling like winners. It's all part of the fun! And, besides, you need both signatures on all documents come closing time to get that cash!




5. Showcase Your Home's Personality: "Don't Mess With Mr Inbetween

Your home has its own vibe, its own personality, and its own unique style. Let's show it off!


Putting your home on the market is a bit of a coming-out party. You want to put her best foot forward and present her right. That means accentuating the positive and eliminating (or doing a good job redirecting the gaze from) the negative.


Latch on to the affirmative by highlighting those features that make your home truly special and one-of-a-kind. Let potential buyers see how much fun and enjoyment they'll have in this amazing space. Not a designer? Don't worry; at Team Cool Murphy, we're certified in home staging.



6. Adventure Awaits: "To Boldly Go"

Selling your current home means unlocking a world of possibilities. It's like steppin' into a new dimension where fun, freedom, and self-discovery take center stage.

Say goodbye to responsibilities and hello to the life you've always dreamed of living. Here are a few Captains Logs that you can find easily on Amazon from explorers who have been there and done that before:

  1. "Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go" by Marni Jameson

  2. "Moving For Seniors: A Step-By-Step Workbook" by Dr. Ilyne S. Fishman

  3. "The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+" by Suze Orman

And that's a wrap, folks! 🎬

Here at Team Cool Murphy, more than half of our home buyers and a whopping 75% of our home sellers in 2023 are aged 59 and above.


We love working with buyers like y'all; after all, you raised us. We love and support homeowners who are ready to embark on a new journey and embrace the freedom that comes with it.


That's why many of our resources are tailored just for you, making your home buying or selling experience a breeze.


Call us at (504)321-3194 or email us at cool@coolmurphy.com for a quick chat, and let's make your next chapter the most fantastic one yet! You've earned it, and we're here to help you every step of the way. 🎉



 

Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.


Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.



Contact Her -



Facebook: @homeinneworleans


IG: @coolmurphynola


YouTube: @coolmurphynola


phone: 504-321-3194

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