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Downsizing is a really big decision and should be made with informed guidance from the Natalie Lewin Team. The first thing to consider is that downsizing will reduce bills and expenses. In this case, moving from a larger family home to a smaller home or condo will not only reduce your monthly expenditures but it will free up more capital for you to do other things. Another reason people downsize is that they are retired empty nesters who do not need the large family home any longer. Lifestyle changes such as the desire to travel is another reason why downsizing may be right for you. If market conditions are strong for sellers, then downsizing may also fetch a strong selling price on your large family home. As people get older, they no longer feel comfortable in their large family home since it is difficult to upkeep (both exterior and interior). Another factor for downsizing may be that a retirement home is the next chapter in your life and it is no longer possible to remain in your larger home.
The Natalie Lewin Team takes the pain out of organizing your belongings through our “white glove” service designed to take the stress away. Natalie's team will come to help you declutter and pack items. You are involved so do not worry about losing previous items. Our declutterer will involve asking you questions in order to scale down belongings and only keep what is most important. Typically, we make 3 piles to streamline belongings; a keep pile, a discard pile and a donate/sell pile.
Downsizing can happen at any age, but this is typically something that people 65+ consider as their next chapter. Some younger clients who simply prefer a smaller home, may decide to downsize earlier depending on their personal situation. The important way to make informed decisions about this transition is to meet with Natalie for a consultation to determine your specific situation.
This is a false narrative because retirement communities are the exact opposite these days - they are for people with many options. There are a wide variety of homes that cater to many specific cultures and needs and who create high standards of living for retirement living. Sourcing retirement communities may feel like a daunting task but Natalie has extensive knowledge that can help you in this journey. In a meeting with Natalie, she will do a needs assessment. This will help source communities for tours and arrange liaison with your family if necessary.
Selling your home and finding a new one usually happen at the same time. Some people prefer to know that their home has sold or is very close to selling before they start looking for the next home. Others feel more comfortable finding the right home before their current home sells. Together with Natalie, we will decide what is best for you. Some possible options depend on your personal preferences, your situation and needs. Some prefer to purchase or rent a condo that has low maintenance and amenities. Other people prefer to transition directly to a retirement community and others prefer to purchase or rent a bungalow (a home on one level). Others prefer to transition to a retirement community or assisted living as their preferred option. Each option holds its own unique challenges and processes. Thankfully, Natalie has a lot of experience and can help support you as you make these very important decisions. No matter what, Natalie and her team will have a strategy to get you securely into your next home. Finding you a new home is the beginning of the new chapter. Natalie will be with you every step of the way and that your plan for your next chapter is as seamless as possible.
The first step is meeting with Natalie Lewin to get to know one another. Natalie will usually ask the 5 W's (Who, What, Where, When, Why and How) in order to understand your unique circumstances for the transition. With this meeting, Natalie will also tour your home and take some notes to bring back to her team in order to create a plan. At this meeting Natalie will discuss what is currently happening in the market and what homes are selling for. It is important you understand what your home will sell for and what kind of money you have to work with in your next chapter. Finally, Natalie will guide you every step of the way with signing the listing and buyer's agreement documents. Depending on where you are at in your journey, Natalie may talk about retirement homes. If this is your next step, Natalie will do a needs assessment. This will help source communities for tours and arrange liaison with your family if necessary. This information helps us to create a timeline and make a plan. A plan will let you know what to expect.
The Natalie Lewin Team takes the pain out of organizing your belongings through our “white glove” service designed to take the stress away. Natalie's team will come to help you declutter and pack items. You are involved so do not worry about losing previous items. Our declutterer will involve asking you questions in order to scale down belongings and only keep what is most important. Typically, we make 3 piles to streamline belongings; a keep pile, a discard pile and a donate/sell pile.
Our moving team will come to remove furniture. If there is a need for a handyman or a painter Natalie will line everything up. Stagers will come to transform your home. All of this is included in Natalie's Ultimate Transitioning to Smaller Spaces Package. We have someone come in and clean right before your home goes to market. This process is usually about 2-4 weeks and Natalie will be by your side coordinating everything you need as well as keep you in the loop of all events. Prepping your home is a very important part of selling. Buyers are used to looking at shows with homes that look like they are in a magazine. Potential buyers for your home are expecting the same and Natalie will not disappoint! The outside of your home will also look beautiful and Natalie's team will prepare this as well. Buyers should be happy when they see your home and leave with thoughts that yours is the one.
A professional photographer and videographer will come to your home and take call the glamor shots. Everything is complete with interactive floorplans, 3D tours and sometimes we do virtual remodeling if appropriate. Natalies team will even get a video of the area and neighborhood for future buyers. At this point, your home will be listed on the MLS. Your home will also be showcased on Facebook groups, social media and print marketing to all databases. Agent networking with top realtors in the neighborhood will also help put your home in front of as many qualified buyers as possible. On top of that, Natalie will do a fancy wine and cheese open house for the neighborhood as well as a mega open house and an agent open house if necessary. The moment your home goes on the market, all calls will be filtered through Natalie's office for appointments and showings.
Showings can happen back to back from 10:00-8:30 pm unless otherwise discussed. For showings, you will need to leave the home so that buyers have the space they need to feel comfortable viewing the house. We will make sure you know what's going on at all times and are able to accommodate until we find the right buyer! How your house looks online is very important. The majority of buyers are looking at your home 3+ times before making an appointment to see it. We have to make it attractive enough for them to want to see the home in person.
After your home is sold and you are ready to begin looking for new homes, Natalie will work with you step by step to determine your needs for your next chapter. Possible options depend on your personal preferences, your situation and needs. Some prefer to purchase or rent a condo that has low maintenance and amenities. Other people prefer to transition directly to a retirement community and others prefer to purchase or rent a bungalow (a home on one level). Each option holds its own unique challenges and processes. Thankfully, Natalie has a lot of experience and can help support you as you make the decisions.
If you are purchasing or renting, Natalie has access to every listing through the MLS and has extensive connections with other agents across all realtor networks. She will guide you to potential properties that fit your match and needs. Natalie will take you to the properties for tours as well as view comparable listings in the area. She will review the current sales in your preferred location in order to keep your potential offers competitive and within your own comfort level. All options will be shown to you in order to determine the best choice for you. Of course, Natalie loves having other family liaison and attend showings of possible new homes and will work with you to achieve your end goal.
Natalie will prepare the paperwork and review it with you so you understand every step. All questions are good questions and Natalie will ensure you are aware of all of the details of your potential purchase. With an extensive knowledge of purchasing, Natalie will review home inspections with you if necessary as well as any other information relevant to your purchase.
When your old home is closing and your new home is on the horizon, there are certain responsibilities left. You will need to meet with your lawyer and hand over a few things such as the Property Tax bill, rental agreements and any keys you have for the house. If buying and selling, you will pay the lawyer all fees required - this information is provided by the lawyer at the date of closing. Natalie is always a phone call away if you have questions or need help! Natalie would be honored to help you with your journey to “rightsize” to your next chapter!
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