Categories downsizing

Downsizing Feels Great Even if You’re Not Planning to Move

 

Let’s face it: When a move is on the horizon, one of the first things you realize is how much stuff you have, and when moving day arrives, more stuff seems to pour out of every closet and cupboard in the house. For many of us, it is hard to let go of our things, but when faced with the prospect of dragging everything to a new home, downsizing starts to sound like a good idea. The good news is that there are many reasons to go minimal, and trust us when we tell you that downsizing feels great, even if you’re not planning to move.

So, where do you begin? Everyone’s home and level of clutter is different, but no matter the size of the task at hand, it’s best to start with a game plan. We suggest you break your downsizing project up into little pieces. Start with one room every weekend, for example. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed by the daunting size of the job. Hold yourself accountable, and by chipping away at it one piece at a time, you will be amazed at how quickly you finish.

Next, evaluate the things you own, and ask yourself if you really need them at all. Take into consideration how often you use the object: Every day? Every week? Once a year? Or are you hanging on to it just in case the Queen of England comes over for dinner? When you really get into the bottoms of drawers and the backs of the closets, chances are you aren’t using most of the things you find anyway. Cleaning house can also uncover duplicate items that you don’t need, borrowed objects that can be returned, and even things that have fallen apart from neglect, making it easy to let them go. If you haven’t used something in over a year – like sporting equipment – consider letting it go and borrowing or renting it next time.

As you begin to clear things out, consider your options for getting rid of it. Before you throw things in the dumpster, see if there may be a local charity that will put your stuff to good use. Most of them will come pick it up for you as well! If you have the time, garage sales are a great way to clear away clutter and you can make some cash at the same time. Plus, there are several apps that work great for selling old stuff. Remember: even giving things away for free will rid you of the hassle of moving them yourself.

Now that your home is clean and clear of clutter, here are a few reasons that lightening your load actually feels great. For starters, a decluttered environment feels more peaceful because it prevents us from becoming overstimulated. An abundance of clutter in the home creates too many visual cues that trigger thoughts or memories. We aren’t talking about the good memories like the picture of your family vacation; we are talking about the pile of bills lying on the counter. In essence, creating a home with fewer distractions and less clutter allows the mind to enjoy fewer distractions and less clutter. You will be able to focus better and be present.

Minimalism offers you the time, space, clarity, and freedom to enjoy your everyday life. You can also apply beautiful contemporary minimalist design to your freshly cleared-out space. Take it a step further and do a remodel; open floor plans are one of the most popular minimalist designs right now and lend themselves perfectly to a clean, clutter-free living space.

If you are planning to move, or if the downsizing bug has you thinking about moving, then there is an easy clutter-free way to get through the moving process: Sell your home to an all-cash buyer. We are Gulf State Homebuyers, and we can downsize the hassle on your next move. Imagine selling your home for a great price without having to do all the inspections, repairs, upgrades, remodels, and marketing that typically come with selling your home on the market. We can do exactly that because we buy homes as-is and in all conditions. We will even purchase your home if it has been damaged by an accident or disaster. All you need to do is schedule a free home appraisal, and we will make you an offer that very same day. Our offers are highly competitive, especially when you consider all the time and money you save by selling the home in as-is condition. So downsize your clutter and downsize your move; it will feel great!

Categories downsizing, Tips

5 More Reasons Why SENIORS Are Selling Their Homes!

Continued from our last weeks blog.

There are many reasons seniors should consider selling their homes and switching to a house that is more suited to fit their needs. Last week we discussed 5 reasons seniors should sell their homes. They were: 1) Move to a smaller home and travel; 2) Stop wasting time on maintenance; 3) Get upgraded with the most recent tech solutions; 4) Sell your home and move to your dream location; and, 5) Move to a walkable community. We felt that there were so many good alternatives for seniors that we needed to bring you more reasons that they should move to a new home. Let’s explore 5 more reasons seniors would be better off selling their home.

  1. Get two homes for the price of your old home!

When you own your home in retirement you have a lot of options. Though you may have been tempted to up and move to a tropical paradise, perhaps family, friends, and neighbors were too important to leave behind. So, why not give yourself the best of both worlds by buying a smaller, more manageable home close to friends and family, and using the extra money to get a vacation home or apartment in the destination of your dreams. Now you can be building equity in a second home away from home rather than spending half your vacation budget on a hotel.

  1. Go to warmer weather!

If you don’t feel tied to your current home now that all the kids have moved away, moving to nicer weather is a real possibility. Seniors get more uncomfortable in cold weather as they age, which is why warm destinations like the deserts of California, Nevada, and Arizona, or the tropical climates of Florida and Hawaii, have become national hotspots for retirees. Since we are not the first to come up with this brilliant idea many of these communities are already built with active seniors in mind. They offer a huge variety of activities and events catered to enjoying the warm weather to its fullest.

  1. Find a fixer-upper! (For active seniors!)

Let’s face it! Seniors are just more active and healthier than they used to be. Hobbies and light work around the house are not only recommended, but often enjoyed by people in all stages of retirement. It helps them keep their days busy and their minds and bodies active. That is why selling your home and moving to a fixer upper could be right for you. If this sounds like you, then it is a great way to enjoy the hobby you love and affordably get into the neighborhood of your dreams at the same time.

  1. Move closer to family!

This may be opposite of the retirement in the tropics that we mentioned before, but the truth is that family is important. Over time families can get spread apart as they follow careers and spouses to new areas. With your new-found freedom in retirement there is nothing stopping you from moving to be closer to them. Having family nearby is great for a number of reasons, like getting to spend more time with grand kids, saving money on travel expenses during the holidays, and getting help with doctor’s appointments. Interacting with family also does wonders for senior’s mental health, providing them with a valuable sense of connection and wellbeing that long-distance phone conversations simply can’t provide.

  1. Move to a senior community!

This may sound obvious, but many times people overlook the benefits of moving to a senior community. However, moving to a senior community can be the all in one solution you are looking for in retirement. These can be as big as a small city built entirely with seniors in mind. Not only are the layouts of these communities walkable and usually golf cart friendly, they are loaded with every form of entertainment imaginable. Retirement communities offer an endless calendar of events to supplement the golf courses, tennis clubs, equestrian facilities and other luxurious amenities available to keep their residents active. You are sure to find a neighborhood full of new friends with all the comforts you need as you age just a stone’s throw away from your new home.

If you are a retired senior or approaching retirement, and you are interested in learning more about your options for selling your current home and moving, contact us today! We are all-cash home buyers located in Baytown, and we are interested in helping you live your best life in retirement!

Categories downsizing

Is it Time to Downsize Your Home?

 

Previously we discussed the Benefits of Downsizing and outlined how downsizing can save you money, help the environment, and reduce your levels of stress. However, many people are reluctant to make the move because they just do not know if downsizing is right for them! To assist with the uncertainty that many of our client’s face, we have outlined a few questions that you can ask yourself to help you decide if downsizing is right for you.

What is your financial situation

The most prominent reason that people downsize is to reduce their costs. If you are experiencing a financial strain or would just like some extra spending cash, then downsizing could be the solution for you. There is no question that a smaller home requires less money spent on maintenance and bills, so downsizing to assist your financial situation is always a smart move.

Would you like to travel more?

Living in a large home can be time consuming and costly. Between maintenance and cleaning, many individuals and families find themselves contributing the majority of their nights and weekends just to their homes upkeep. What many do not consider is that although they have a large, beautiful home, their home is actually impacting their ability to travel.

One secret that is making its way to headlines is that by downsizing your home you may actually be increasing your chance to travel. Homeowners will not only save time and money on downsizing, but can now use that extra time and money to go on weekend excursions or world explorations.

Is the size of your family changing?

Most individuals downsize after their children head off to college – this is an obvious reason since the children will no longer be occupying a room. However, there are other changes in family dynamics that may indicate that it is time to downsize. First, there is divorce – the situation that no family wants to endure, but when it happens, downsizing can be beneficial not only in restructuring the home, but also in providing a fresh start. In addition, the loss of a loved one, say an elderly parent that you have been caring for, could be the trigger for a move. If you have been saving space for anyone in the family who is no longer living with you then you are in the position to benefit from downsizing.

Do you want to improve your mental health?

Here is the less expected question to ask yourself, but it is a crucial one for those who want to live a long and happy life. In recent years, the concept of “tiny homes” has been on the rise. Not only do these homes assist homeowners in reducing expenses, but in fact, they also help them improve their mental health. When you live in a home that only accommodates your needs, you will be less stressed about utilizing the unused space in your home. Additionally, with a smaller home, most individuals tend to spend more time outside when their living area is just that – for living. Lastly, downsizing equates to owning less stuff. The American belief that “things” help improve your life is a false belief – studies have actually proven that by reducing the amount of “stuff” you are attached too, the more satisfied and happier you can be in life. If you question this concept, think about the Buddhist mentality – letting go of everything to improve your life has been around for centuries, and now homeowners are adapting the concept to their everyday lives as well.

Are You Ready to Downsize?

If you have read these questions and identified a benefit to a potential change then it may be time to talk to a professional about your options. However, if you decide to sell, the process can be long and tedious (specifically if you work with a real estate agent.) So before you jump in and sell on the market, consider speaking with an all-cash buyer such as ourselves – Gulf State Homebuyers.

We buy homes in the Houston area for all cash at competitive prices. We close quickly and create opportunities for our clients to smoothly transition into their next phase of life. We buy homes as-is and in all conditions – this includes damaged homes and houses facing foreclosure. Plus, our process is simple!

If you want to learn more about how we can help you downsize, save money, and reduce stress, contact us today for a free consultation.

Categories downsizing

The Benefits of Downsizing

 

Since the beginning of history larger homes have been associated with greater wealth.  And in today’s society, bigger homes are still desired by those eager to display their status to their neighbors. However, as millennials are becoming a more dominating factor in the US economy, we are starting to see a transition from desired large homes to the concept of tiny homes.

Tiny homes may be a bit extreme for many, but the notion of downsizing should be something that all people consider. No longer do we live in society driven by “bigger is better,” but instead we are moving into an eco-friendly, minimalistic thinking way of life. Additionally, downsizing has actually proven to bring a multitude of benefits to homeowners, not only financially, but also socially.

1 – Downsizing Saves You Money

This one may be obvious, but downsizing your home can save you tons of money each year. If you own a larger home, you could benefit from the sale and gain a profit by transitioning into a smaller home. If you are a new homeowner, you could leave the renters trap of a large apartment or house and find a home that is suitable to your needs. Additionally, downsizing will save homeowners money on home related expenses, including: maintenance, upgrades, taxes, insurance, electricity, and more.

If you are transitioning to a smaller home because of financial restraints, then the move can help you avoid the unwanted lifestyle of living in debt. If you are transitioning to a smaller home for other reasons, then you may be fortunate to have extra cash each month, providing you the opportunity to spend that cash on something as exciting as travel. You can stop missing out on those annual vacations!

2 – You Can Help the Environment

As mentioned, we are transitioning to an eco-friendly society. Even if you yourself are not an intense advocate, you can at least make a minor impact by reducing your footprint on the earth. By downsizing to a smaller home, you can reduce the energy you use on a daily basis.

3 – Downsizing Can Reduce Your Stress Levels

You may not be aware, but recent studies have identified a correlation between downsizing and stress reduction. Individuals with larger homes tend to feel more overwhelmed by household chores, costly maintenance, and renovation projects required on the home. It is necessary that they commit more of their time to home repairs; additionally, families living in larger homes tend to feel more isolated and depressed due to the increase space between them and loved ones in their home. Downsizing to a home that can reduce your responsibility and bring you closer to your family can ultimately improve your mental health.

Is It Right for You

Understanding your internal motivation to downsize is necessary to make a smooth transition. Here are a few reasons many of our clients have found it the optimal time for them to downsize:

  • Children and going to college and getting homes of their own. Many parents today want to preserve their children’s youth in the childhood bedroom. However, it is these Millennials and Generation-Y’s that are the strongest advocates that “smaller is better.” Letting go of their rooms can also allow older parents to spend that money on themselves (since they did just raise children for 18+ years!)
  • Divorce or loss of a loved one. Losing a partner is never easy. And often leaving the home that you two were together in can be both a financial beneficial decision and emotional one. Moving into a space that is yours, and appropriate for only your needs, can help clear up mental blockage and help you save money.
  • Realizing that your home is just too big! Maybe the family structure is remaining the same. But take a look around and ask yourself: “Do we need all of this space?” If the answer is “no,” consider a move! You can then experience all of the benefits of downsizing!
  • Are you tight on cash each month? This is one major factor when considering whether or not to downsize. Again, moving to a smaller space can help save money. If you don’t let go of the material and move into an appropriate sized home, you may not have extra money each month to spend on fun luxuries.

Assessing Your Options

Identifying the true potential of downsizing can best be found by speaking with a professional. We here at Gulf State Homebuyers have assisted many clients in making this life-altering change. We have provided them the financial opportunity to, finally, get ahead with their finances! If you want to discuss further if downsizing is the right option for you, contact us today!

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