By David Houck
Qualifying Broker
Atomic Realty

Expense:

There are costs to changing homes, some may be unique to downsizing but costs will be encountered regardless of any home change, large or small.

1. The cost of getting rid of unwanted belongings: You can mitigate this cost by taking your time and doing it yourself.  If you have already given away or sold all the things of value, what is the value of your remaining time on this earth and how do you want to spend it?  Do you want to spend it making a few dollars on the remaining low value items or do you want to spend it living life and doing things you want to do?
2. The cost of cleaning your home prepping it for sale. Deep clean it. If hiring a cleaning crew ask them “what does deep cleaning mean?” Ask does it include cleaning all the cabinet shelves, all the drawers, all the windows and their frames, wiping down the walls, cleaning all the appliances inside and out, cleaning all the floors, cleaning the bathrooms. 
3. The cost of selling your home. The cost of selling a home. The reality is the total cost of selling your home generally costs from 6-10 percent of its value. If using a Real Estate company, compare what they charge and what they do. The internet has changed everything. What you pay in commission has little relation to the service you receive. 
4. Buying your new home. Often your local Broker can research and connect you Realtors in the area you are considering. They will provide you with local market information you will find useful – let your Broker help find professionals that will not waste your time. It costs you nothing and you don’t have to use them if you feel they are not a good fit. 
5. Shop homeowners insurance. Just because you move to a smaller home doesn’t mean you’ll save money on homeowners insurance. Location, crime and other external factors also matter and can increase insurance premiums, even on a smaller home. 
6.  Moving companies. Moving companies charge a lot of money and there are often hidden costs.  Don’t move things you don’t plan on keeping! It’s critical to get estimates from multiple moving companies. Ask the moving companies for all their costs and timelines. 
7.  You will still need to buy things for your new home. You will tend to spend a lot of time shopping when you first move. Be aware, when moving you will almost always spend more money than you planned. Budget for these expenses.

Are you ready? 

• Make a plan on where you want to go.
  • Online research the area
  • Visit the area
  • Talk to Realtors in the new area. Your local Broker can help you with this, at no cost to you.
• Make a plan on what type of housing you want.
  • Bigger house
  • Smaller house
  • Single story
  • Retirement Community
  • Condo
  • Apartment
  • RV life
  • Buy
  • Rent
• Make and implement a plan on dealing with your current possessions.
  • Give to family/friends
  • Sell
  • Donate
  • Throw away
  • Some people hire experts to help, while others rely on friends and family for support.
  • Deep Clean the house .

• Sell your home – Atomic Realty can help you with this – We are full service, full time Realtors that charge a sensible commission, at only $599 + 4 percent. Compare this cost to the others.

David Houck is the Qualifying Broker for Atomic Realty, with 40 years experience, a BS in math and physics and a doctorate in law. For more details on these issues and free selling and buying tips see AtomicRealty.net.