The Downsizing Two-Step

Downsizing is not always a one-step process. Recently we are seeing our clients view downsizing as a long-term process that may involve two or more moves. We are having more and more consultations with clients that involve selling their large home and then planning on buying a smaller house and then a condo. Each homeowner’s needs will vary but the bottom-line is that downsizing is a fluid process based on your needs and that may involve multiple moves.

Here is a recent client story which outlines what we are seeing as a common downsizing journey. A Bloomfield Hills, Michigan couple raised their children in a beautiful house. For 30 memorable years, their home had been the epicenter of their family life. But as time passed and their children grew up and left the nest, the couple found themselves at a crossroads.

After the last child had flown the coop and the echoes of laughter faded in the not too big family home, the couple decided it was time for a change and decided to sell. They were looking to travel more and didn’t want to be tied to their large home that was now too big for just the two of them. They bid farewell to their cherished family house and embarked on a new adventure.

Their destination? A two-story condo not too far from their Bloomfield Hills neighborhood. The couple loved the lock-and-go lifestyle of condo living. They met new neighbors and settled in nicely. Their condo was large enough for them to cook and entertain family and friends.

Life was great and got better with one of their daughters moving back to Metro Detroit and settling into a new home in Oakland Township. The best part was their daughter was expecting twins.

While condo living was great the couple was enjoying their home, eventually their hearts led them on yet another downsizing – or rather – rightsizing journey. They made the life-changing decision to leave condo living behind and embrace the comforts of a house once again. They thought they would never live in a house again and all of the maintenance and care a house needed. They chose a charming ranch house in Rochester Hills.

The ranch house was close to their daughter and their soon to arrive grandkids plus it was on one-level. As they aged, the couple would not have to navigate stairs. The open floor plan allowed them to enter family and friends just as they did in their condo. The best part was being close to their grandkids.

This couple didn’t think they would be doing two downsizing moves, but their lifestyle and desires changed. We always remind our clients not to put too much pressure on downsizing. Think about what you want and your current and near-term future lifestyle but be flexible enough to move again if your lifestyle changes.

If you are thinking about downsizing, check out The Rightsizing Method today. The Rightsizing Method is our proprietary process for downsizing or rightsizing your home on your terms and in a stress-free way.