Homes & Gardens: Downsizing?

Is the Thought of Downsizing Getting You Down?

A cosy, comfortable home -- filled with your favorite memories and treasures. You’ve watched your children grow and prosper, and when the grandchildren visit, they love to browse through the family portraits and snapshots grouped on every surface. They’re thrilled that you still have a basket of toys tucked under the coffee table -- all the stuff their mom or dad played with. The sofas are covered with the lovely Afghans that you’ve painstakingly knitted or crocheted over the years -- perfect for a nap in the afternoon.

Now you realize that it’s time to move into a smaller home, a condominium or an assisted living community.

Have the front steps become a challenge for your arthritic knees?
Does your house and yard require too much maintenance?
Would you rather be out having fun with your friends and family?

The reality is -- selling your home is not as easy as you think. The average buyer has little imagination when it comes to projecting themselves into a resale home. Even though you spent countless hours painting and decorating for yourselves, it means little to the young couple viewing your home. They may enjoy a cursory glance at your old novels and the cute family snapshots adorning the walls. They may be awed by your china and crystal collection. Sadly, it will never feel like their home. Your personal style may interfere with a buyer‘s decision to stay long enough to really study the "bones" of the house. Potential buyers may feel as though they are intruding in your private life as soon as they walk through the door.

All real estate agents know the importance of de-cluttering and de-personalizing and they’ll be the first to tell you so when you put your house on the market. Sure it’s difficult! As soon as that "FOR SALE" sign goes up on the lawn, you must start thinking of your home as "just a house". You have to start packing anyway, so why not edit and redistribute your belongings at this stage of the move plan. You’ll save valuable time if you only pack what you really intend to move. Sounds easy right? The effort of clearing the clutter can take a toll -- physically and emotionally. Moving at any time is difficult. Downsizing can be even more stressful for all family members because of the emotional attachment we have to long-time possessions. You do not need to get rid of all your treasures. There are many options for storage and display that will help you feel at ease. Aside from all the little things, it’s also time to redefine your rooms.

Make sure that the living room is warm and inviting.
Stacks of newspapers and magazines are a big no-no.
Grandpa’s old recliner plunked in front of the TV might look like a permanent fixture -- and scare away potential buyers.
What about the dining room? Yes, it does make a great hobby and craft table. You’ll have to put the puzzle pieces and stamp collection away until the house is sold.
Set the table with a few choice pieces so everyone can see that it’s the perfect place for fine dining.
Keep personal items out of sight in the bedroom and bathroom. Where to find someone with a compassionate heart and an objective eye to help you sort and edit? Feel at Home Interior Redesign is exactly what you need.
We can artfully arrange your furnishings to create intimate conversation areas and focal points that highlight the architectural selling features of the house.
We can suggest a neutral colour palette to refresh your rooms.
With fewer pieces and some clever accessorizing, your rooms will appear more spacious.
We’ll handle all aspects of your estate or yard sale -- from advertising to set-up, sale and clean-up.
We can assist with furniture placement on move-in day so that you feel settled immediately.

Realtors’ statistics indicate that a house will have the most viewings in the first three weeks that it is on the market. Get it ready BEFORE the sign goes up. A staged home sells faster, very near the asking price -- and you certainly deserve top dollar for your well loved home.

Let’s make your space look like a show place!

Sandi Gerrard

Feel at Home Interior Redesign*
416.795.9840
www.sandiathome.com

*We offer a variety of Downsizing Packages to assist seniors and their families with home staging, move-in services, and estate sales

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