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Real-Life Tips to Selling, Downsizing

& Moving

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Vicki Smith admits the idea of downsizing, selling and moving from her home of 40+ years was overwhelming at first. She and her husband were ready for a new home, yet worried about how all the pieces would come together.

Then they found the patio home they wanted in Twin Towers community neighborhood in Cincinnati. The excitement immediately set in.

It’s sort of like buying your first home.

“I felt a sense of relief. It’s time to move. It’s time for a young family to take our house and make it their own,” Vicki says. “We have a whole new look at life, and we’re so excited.”

A New Look at LifeA patio home at Twin Towers Life Plan Community in Cincinnati

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1Do a little research on the housing market.

Be aware of what is going on in the housing market where you live. For example, it’s a seller’s market in Cincinnati right now due to a lack of homes for sale. Someone who is considering a move in the future may want to reconsider the timeframe to take advantage of a favorable market.

Don’t try to do it all yourself.“A lot of people think they can do it themselves, but that’s often not the best case. Selling a house today is not like it was years ago, and unfortunately, I have seen people practically give away their house because they just didn’t know,” says Tom Canning of Canning Comey & Shepherd Realtors of Cincinnati.

5 Do’s & Don’ts to Selling Your Home

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2Do a pre-sale evaluation.

Even if you don’t know exactly when, there’s no downside to having professionals evaluate your home before you post the “For Sale” sign. They can give advice on how to most effectively prep your home for selling. “Part of our job is to help you prepare so you can get the best possible price for the house,” says Tom, who has been a Realtor for more than 45 years.

Don’t wait on the buyer.Many people try to perfectly align the timing of selling their home and securing the home they want. In reality, that doesn’t always work. If you have found a home or apartment you want, ask about putting down a deposit to secure the home while you’re in the process of selling your current home.

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3Do look at renovations as an investment.

You want to ensure a return on investment for any renovations you do. Take a look at what trends buyers want today. You may be surprised at what makes a difference and what’s not worth the costs.

Don’t over-improve. Huge projects such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks and expanding room sizes may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge improvement project, get some good advice.

4Do downsize.

Get a better return on your time by making it a two-for-one. Downsize your belongings to make your home instantly appear more spacious and ready for buyers.

Don’t keep too much.Buyers don’t want to see all your stuff. Use your new home and the lifestyle you plan to live as a guide on what to keep and what not to keep.

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5Do the small stuff that counts.

Prepping your home for a sale doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Sometimes, it’s the small tips that make a big impact, such as scaling down the number of photos hanging on walls. This helps buyers visualize themselves in the home.

Don’t sweat the big stuff.Prepping your house for market shouldn’t be a worrisome and endless “to-do” list. Seek expert guidance, don’t be afraid to ask for help and take it step-by-step. Just like other big decisions in life, the pieces always have a tendency to come together.

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10 Tips to Downsizing Stress-Free

The No. 1 question — and obstacle — when it comes to downsizing is: “Where do I start?”

It doesn’t matter where. The trick is: to get started.

Lynne Steel, owner of Sweet Home Cincinnati, a moving assistance service, advises people to start downsizing as soon as possible, even before your house is on the market. Here are Lynn’s Top 10 Tips to downsizing stress-free.

1. Take it slow. One hour a day, one drawer at a time.

2. Get help. Whether it’s an expert, family or friends, don’t attempt it all by yourself.

3. Talk to people who have moved. Get their advice on where to donate and sell.

4. Establish groups. Give, donate, trash and keep are good starts.

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5. Keep what you love. “When you are surrounded by the things that truly mean something to you, it immediately feels like home,” Lynne says.

6. Know your new space. Get measurements and floor plans to know what will fit.

7. Imagine your new life ahead. If you no longer want to cook every day, do you need a full set of pots and pans?

8. If it’s too much or family members are causing stress, have a third party take the lead.

9. Expect it to be emotional. It’s a trip down memory lane that can be wonderful and heart-wrenching all at the same time.

10. Focus on what lies ahead. There is a freedom that comes with downsizing.

“Moving and downsizing is the start of a new life, a new adventure.”

– Lynne Steel, Sweet Home Cincinnati

“Moving and downsizing is the start of a new life, a new adventure.”

– Lynne Steel, Sweet Home Cincinnati

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Tips from the “Real” Experts on MovingFor Vicki Smith, downsizing and preparing for her move into her new independent living patio home at Twin Towers went better than she envisioned. She started early and took it slow.

“One drawer or one closet at a time” is how she and her husband started about nine months before their move. She also took time to research and find as many places as possible to donate, recycle or repurpose items.

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“I wanted to give away as much as possible to places where it would do the most good,” Vicki says. “I love to see something donated rather than thrown in the trash.” They donated to St. Vincent De Paul, through an online auction service called Everything But the House, to hospitals, clothing and textile recycling organizations and more.

Vicki says “Round 2” of downsizing started when they actually started packing. Before she put any item in a box, she took a second look at, “Do I really need that? If I haven’t worn that in 15 years, will I ever really wear it again?”

She admits downsizing and moving can be overwhelming and emotional but encourages others to stick with it. It suddenly feels good to rid yourself of all the stuff around you and to say, “I don’t really need that,” Vicki says.

You find yourself gaining a sense of relief and excitement for this next adventure in your life. You’ve rid yourself of the burden of taking care of stuff you don’t need and can now focus more time on living life.

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Ask Twin Towers senior living community for their referral list of organizations where to donate and that can help with

downsizing, packing and moving.

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About UsNestled high atop College Hill just minutes from downtown Cincinnati, the picturesque Twin Towers Life Plan Community makes post-career living beautiful. Whether you live in one of our independent living patio homes or apartment homes, you have the options and opportunities to create the home and lifestyle you want.

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Twin Towers5343 Hamilton AvenueCincinnati, Ohio 45224

513-853-2000