By Terri Shayne Misek

There are several reasons why you may need to sell your family home. Maybe the stairs have become too hard to climb,
the thresholds are a hazard, or the house is just too big to manage.

It’s time to think about downsizing if:

• You no longer need the amount of space you had when the kids were home
• You’ve retired and want to cut back on expenses
• You want a more carefree life
• You want to do more traveling
• You no longer want to take care of the yard or the pool
• You are having trouble getting around and stairs are challenging
• You’re ready to make your load lighter

Fortunately, there are many options for over 50 housing.

If you are thinking about downsizing, it may be wise to consult a certified SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) who can help you make an informed relocation decision, and provide
information about the many senior housing options available.

A SRES will work with you to ensure that your next home meets both your current and future needs. They can also share their network of qualified resources such as elder law
attorneys, financial advisors, move managers, and other professionals who can be extremely helpful during your transition.

One of the biggest challenges of downsizing is deciding what to do with your stuff!

Your SRES can recommend a senior move manager or organizational specialist who can help you decide what to keep, where to donate to benefit others, and how to honor the special things you decide to hold on to. Downsizing can be an overwhelming process if you’ve been in your house for many years. Don’t rush; the timing needs to be right for
YOU.

Terri Shayne Misek is a Senior Real Estate Specialist who specializes in
helping seniors transition from their current home to a future home they’ll
love. She’s active in her local community, and co-leads a widows group in
Longwood. For more information about Terri and her services, visit her website: www.SeniorRealEstateFL.com.