Thinking about downsizing is a big decision. For many homeowners, it comes after decades spent in a home filled with memories—a place where you raised your children, celebrated milestones, and built a life. Maybe, like my own mother, you've lived in your home for 50 or 60 years. That house isn't just four walls—it's comfort, stability, and the foundation of your story. It’s also, in many cases, your largest financial asset.
I’ve been through this myself. And yes, I’ve even experienced disappointment—well, technically, it was my husband. But we learned a valuable lesson, and today, I want to share that with you.
The Emotional (and Financial) Weight of Selling
For many boomers and seniors, the family home represents more than just real estate. It's the cornerstone of your financial security. You worked hard. You paid off your mortgage years ago. And while pensions help, for most, the equity in your home is the nest egg you're counting on to fund a comfortable retirement.
So it’s completely understandable that, when it comes time to sell, you want to get top dollar. Maybe you even have a specific number in your head—one that makes your retirement plan possible. But here’s where things can get tricky.
The Temptation to Overprice
It’s easy to be tempted to “test the market” and list your home at a higher price—just to see what happens. My husband tried it too. But in today’s market, pricing too high out of the gate can do more harm than good.
That’s because buyers today are incredibly well-informed. With just a few clicks on their phone or computer, they can access recent sales, price histories, market trends, and comparable listings. They know what homes like yours are actuallyselling for—often within hours of the deal closing.
So if your price is significantly above the rest, here’s what happens:
-You get filtered out of search alerts
-Serious buyers don’t even see your listing
-Others adopt a “wait and see” approach
-Your home lingers on the market
And soon, people start asking: “What’s wrong with this house?” That’s not the kind of momentum you want.
Buyers Won’t Finance Your Retirement
This may sound blunt, but it’s important to say: buyers won’t pay more for your home just because you need a certain amount for your retirement. They’re not going to finance your future. They’ll move on to a property priced realistically for the market.
When I work with sellers, I always come from a place of honesty and care. My role is to be your trusted advisor—not just to sell your house, but to protect your interests and your emotional well-being along the way. And sometimes that means having a hard conversation early, rather than setting you up for stress and disappointment later.
The High Cost of Hopeful Pricing
Here’s what I’ve seen happen all too often:
A seller agrees to list high, hopeful it will bring in more. The home sits. Showings are few and far between. The feedback is focused on price. And after a while, price reductions start. Each one chips away at your confidence. Every piece of feedback feels personal—because this is your home, your pride and joy.
What started with good intentions becomes a rollercoaster of stress and uncertainty.
And the truth is, even after reductions, that original high price can create a lasting stigma. Buyers remember. They wonder what’s wrong. And often, sellers end up settling for less than what they could have achieved had they priced strategically from the beginning.
Honesty Is the Best Strategy
I don’t enjoy delivering disappointing news about value. But I’d much rather be upfront with market data now than let you endure weeks or months of silence, uncertainty, and emotional strain later. My job is to provide clarity, not to tell you what you want to hear just to win your listing.
Pricing your home correctly from day one—based on real data, comparable sales, and market trends—is the best way to:
-Attract the right buyers
-Build early momentum
-Avoid the “what’s wrong with this one?” stigma
-And ultimately achieve the best possible sale price
Let’s look at the numbers together. Let’s be honest about what today’s market will bear. And let’s create a plan that respects both your home’s value and your goals for the next chapter of life.
Ready to Talk?
Whether you're just beginning to think about downsizing or you’re ready to make the move, I’m here to help guide you with honesty, experience, and care—every step of the way.
You’ve built a life in your home. Now let’s make sure your next move is one that protects everything you’ve worked for. Contact our team today and let's get started on achieving your real estate goals!
📱 902-471-8497
✉️ brendak@brendak.ca
🔗 www.brendak.ca
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