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Graduating to an Empty Nest This Year? It’s Time to Downsize and Upgrade
Graduating to an Empty Nest This Year? It’s Time to Downsize and Upgrade
Thousands of families across Minnesota will soon celebrate the graduation of their high school or college students. But once the kids fledge the nest, parents are often left with homes that no longer serve their needs. Bedrooms and rec rooms go unused and keeping up with the lawn and garden becomes more difficult without the help of kids eager to make an extra buck.
If your youngest is leaving the nest this year, it’s time to think about downsizing. But downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading. Moving out of your empty nest gives you a wonderful opportunity to rethink your needs and upgrade to a nicer home.
Selling your empty nest
For many of us, downsizing and upgrading involves letting go of some of our stuff. A 1,500 square-foot home simply cannot hold as much as your current 5,000 square-foot one. Your new home might not have a formal living room or dining room, and likely won’t have as many bedrooms, either.
So even if you’re only casually thinking about downsizing, start planning for the things you’d like to let go of now. A little planning (and time) will make the process a little easier. Decide to whom you’d like to give sentimental and valuable pieces of furniture or family treasures. Have game plan for parting with or keeping kids’ clothing, school projects, and other keepsakes. Consign or give away the extra furniture, china, books, and other items you aren’t attached to.
An added bonus to letting go now is that it makes selling your empty nest easier. With decluttering done, it’ll be easier to show off your home’s space. Consider making some modest upgrades to appeal to today’s buyers. Investing some money in updated kitchen and bath fixtures and neutralizing décor can increase your home price and decrease the time your home stays on the market.
Buying your new (smaller) nest
Now is also a great time to think about what you’d like in your new home. Do you want a single-family home or the maintenance-free convenience of a townhome or condo? Do you want to live in the city or stay in the ‘burbs? Are you looking forward to walking more and driving less? Make sure your new home is close to the amenities you need. Maybe you’d like smart appliances that connect to Wi-Fi or am environmentally friendly home.
When you’re shopping, keep your current furniture in mind. What will fit and what will you need to let go of? Oversized furniture that works well in a large home may overpower a small one. Be sure to think about your lifestyle, too. Will you need an open concept so you can entertain family and friends? Maybe you’ll want an extra couple of bedrooms in case your fledgling kids need to land back in the nest.
Downsizing from your empty nest does not mean downgrading. Work with a Realtor® who will listen to your needs and find the perfect new nest for you. To get started on your home search, contact Trent Shipley at Keller Williams Realty Integrity NW today.
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