Retirement often brings a big question:
Do I still need this much house?
For many longtime South Jersey homeowners, retirement is the point when they begin thinking about downsizing, moving closer to family or leaving New Jersey altogether.
Recently, I helped a longtime Hainesport, New Jersey homeowner who decided it was finally time to make that move.
She had retired and wanted to downsize and move out of state to be closer to family.
Interestingly, this was not the first time she had thought about selling her home.
Sometimes the First Time Is Not the Right Time
Years ago, she had her house on the market but eventually decided the timing was not right for her.
And that is okay.
Selling a longtime home is a big decision, especially when it means leaving the area, downsizing and starting a new chapter somewhere else.
Sometimes homeowners need more time before they are ready.
When she contacted me again years later, something had changed in her favor.
Her home had increased in value by tens of thousands of dollars.
Waiting had ultimately worked out well for her financially.
More importantly, this time she was ready.
How Do You Prepare a Longtime Home for Sale?
At our first meeting, we walked through the house together and talked about what she could do to make the property as appealing as possible to buyers.
My goal when I meet with a seller is not to give them a giant list of expensive projects.
It is to identify the things that are most likely to make a difference.
One of my first recommendations was to declutter and remove some furniture from several rooms.
Why?
Because buyers need to be able to see the house, not everything inside of it.
A room with too much furniture can feel smaller than it actually is.
Removing extra chairs, tables, cabinets, decorations and personal items can create more open space and allow buyers to better picture their own furniture in the home.
For someone who has lived in a house for many years, decluttering also serves another purpose.
It starts the downsizing process before the move.
Does Decluttering Really Help Sell a House?
Yes, it can make a significant difference.
You do not need an empty house.
You also do not need every room professionally staged.
What buyers usually respond well to is a home that feels:
Clean
Bright
Open
Well cared for
Easy to walk through
Large enough for their needs
Removing excess furniture can make rooms appear larger and help highlight the home's best features.
This is especially important when selling a home to buyers who are comparing several properties online before deciding which homes they want to see in person.
The photographs have to make them want to walk through the front door.
Timing the Hainesport Listing Was Part of the Strategy
Preparing the house was only one part of our plan.
We also thought carefully about when to put the property on the market.
We listed the home right before the weekend.
That gave buyers who were actively looking for a home in Hainesport and Burlington County the opportunity to see a fresh new listing just as they were planning their weekend house tours.
The strategy worked.
There were multiple showings over the weekend, and the seller received an offer in less than one week.
That is why selling a home is about much more than putting a sign in the yard and uploading photographs to the internet.
Preparation, pricing, presentation and timing all matter.
Are You Retired and Thinking About Downsizing?
I work with many homeowners who are entering this stage of life.
Some want a smaller house.
Some no longer want to maintain a large yard.
Some are moving into a 55 plus community.
Some are moving to another state.
And many are moving closer to their children, grandchildren or other family members.
One of the biggest concerns I hear is:
Where do I even start?
The answer is usually not by packing the entire house.
The first step is understanding what your current home may be worth and what needs to be done before you sell it.
From there, we can create a plan.
Should I Sell My House Before Moving Out of State?
Every situation is different.
Some homeowners sell first and then move.
Others find their next home before listing their current property.
Some move temporarily while waiting for their next home.
Others need the money from their South Jersey home before they can purchase their next property.
There is no one right answer.
The best approach depends on your finances, your destination, your comfort level and how much flexibility you have.
This is why I encourage homeowners who are thinking about retiring or moving out of state to start the conversation before they feel pressured to move.
Planning ahead gives you more choices.
What Should I Do Before Selling a Home I Have Lived in for Many Years?
If you are thinking about downsizing, these are some of the first things I would consider:
Find out what your house is worth in today's South Jersey real estate market.
Decide which belongings you truly want to take with you.
Begin decluttering one room at a time.
Identify furniture or household items that can be sold, donated or given to family.
Have an experienced local Realtor walk through the house before spending money on improvements.
Decide which repairs could actually improve the home's value or marketability.
Start researching where you want to live next.
Create a realistic timeline for selling and moving.
You do not have to do everything at once.
A good plan can make the transition much less overwhelming.
Thinking About Selling Your Hainesport or South Jersey Home After Retirement?
If you have lived in your home for many years and are starting to think about downsizing, retiring, moving out of New Jersey or moving closer to family, I would be happy to help you figure out the next step.
I have helped South Jersey buyers and sellers for more than 31 years throughout Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties, including homeowners who are downsizing, retiring, relocating and moving out of state.
You do not need to have everything figured out before calling me.
You do not even need to know exactly when you want to move.
We can start with a simple conversation about:
What is my home worth today?
What should I do before putting it on the market?
Should I declutter, make repairs or sell it as is?
When is the best time to list?
How can I coordinate selling my home with moving out of state?
Sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin.
If retirement has you thinking that your current home may be more house than you need, I would be happy to walk through it with you and help you create a plan for your next chapter.
Michaela L. Hartery
South Jersey Realtor
Serving Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties
Helping South Jersey homeowners downsize, relocate and move forward for more than 31 years
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