Question 1

Q: What do REALTORS® charge?

Accepted Answer

A: Well, REALTORS® usually charge a commission, which is a percentage of your home’s selling price. Think of it like this: each REALTOR® works out their fee based on the special services they offer and the home they’re helping to sell. Some REALTORS® might charge a bit less, but they might also ask you to do more of the work, like showing your home or handling some of the paperwork. On the other hand, specialized REALTORS® (like me, your Seniors’ Real Estate Specialist!) might charge a little more because we offer extra valuable services, such as helping with downsizing or even covering some moving expenses. It’s all about finding the right fit for your needs and getting the best value for your unique situation!

Question 2

Q: How long do people usually think about moving before they actually do it?

Accepted Answer

A: Well, that’s a bit like asking how long it takes to bake a perfect pie – it varies! But from what I’ve seen, most folks spend about 6 to 12 months just thinking and getting used to the idea in their minds. This is what we call the “emotional move.” Once you’ve made that mental leap, the actual physical move can happen surprisingly quickly, sometimes in just 30 to 45 days or even sooner! It’s all about getting your heart and head on board first.

Question 3

Q: What if my kids live far away and can’t help me move?

Accepted Answer

A: Ah, the modern family! It’s totally understandable if your children are out of province. That’s where a wonderful person called a move manager (sometimes known as a moving coordinator) comes in handy. They are like your personal moving assistant, handling all the details so you don’t have to. If you can’t find one nearby, don’t fret! There are other ways to get help, and we can explore those together. The key is not to feel like you have to do it all alone!

Question 4

Q: Where do I start with sorting my possessions?

Accepted Answer

A: Sorting can seem overwhelming at first glance, so we recommend you begin with just one room, one closet, or even one dresser. The trick is to only look for items you plan to take with you. If you open a cupboard or closet and think, “I don’t want any of that,” then simply leave it alone and move on! A common idea is that every single nook and cranny needs to be gone through, but that’s not always true. Often, estate sale companies will even let you do a quick scan of items you might have missed right before they set up for the sale. As you sort, keep the items you want to move with you separate from those you want to sell by simply leaving the ones to be sold right where they are! Use sticky notes to label furniture, closets, cabinets, and other areas with notes like “sell,” “move,” “donate,” or “family to take.” You can find even more helpful tips in Step 4 of our “Downsizing Made Easy” guide.

Question 5

Q: Doesn’t a house show better with furniture?

Accepted Answer

A: This is a very common question for folks trying to decide if they should move before or after selling their house. Every real estate professional will have their own thoughts on this, but here’s what’s most important: your safety and convenience. These are excellent reasons to go ahead and move before putting your home on the market. Think about the time and stress involved too. When your home sells, you might have as little as three weeks or as much as three months to move out and clear out any remaining personal items. Trying to manage all those details in a short amount of time can be really overwhelming. That’s why moving before the sale is often the much calmer and happier choice!

Question 6

Q: What do estate sale companies charge for their services?

Accepted Answer

A: Estate sale companies are a bit like snowflakes – no two are exactly alike when it comes to their fees! Many of them base their charge on how much money they expect to make from selling your items. For example, if you have a car to sell along with your other treasures, they might lower their percentage because they expect to bring in more money overall. The fee can also depend on whether the sale happens right in your home (which is called an “on-site” sale) or if they need to move your items to another place to sell them. Generally, you can expect their fee to be somewhere between 25% to 35% of the total sales. More experienced and high-end companies might charge a bit more, but they often bring in better results!

Question 7

Q: What if I don’t have enough stuff for an estate sale?

Accepted Answer

A: That’s a great question! Sometimes, an estate sale company might look at your items and say, “You have some valuable things, but not quite enough for a full individual estate sale.” Don’t worry, you still have options! They might suggest bringing in items from another estate to make the sale bigger and attract more buyers. Or, they might offer to take your special items to another location to sell. Another idea is that they might want to take particular items to their gallery to sell on consignment, or even market your valuable pieces online. If your remaining items aren’t antiques or collectibles, sometimes it’s even better to let an auction company take them to their auction house for a sale, or they might offer a modest amount to buy them directly from you. The goal is always to find the best way to turn your unwanted treasures into cash!

Question 8

Q: Why should I use a REALTOR® with experience working with downsizing and senior living community moves?

Accepted Answer

A: That’s a fantastic question! Think of it this way: a REALTOR® who specializes in helping seniors and their families (like me, your Seniors’ Real Estate Specialist!) has a special understanding of what you’re going through. Moving from a home you’ve lived in for a long time comes with its own unique set of challenges, both practical and emotional. These specialists have a whole network of trusted helpers and resources – like move managers, organizers, and even handy folks – to assist with all the little details that come with such a big move. Beyond just the paperwork and selling your home, we truly appreciate the emotional side of this journey. We’ll take the time needed to help you and your family work through all those feelings, rather than just rushing on to the next sale. It’s all about making sure you feel supported and understood every step of the way!

Question 9

Q: What if Paul recommends I move before selling, but I need the money from my home for moving expenses?

Accepted Answer

A: This is a very common situation, and it’s completely understandable! Many homeowners use the money they have tied up in their current home (we call this “equity”) to pay for their next house, for an entrance fee to a senior living community, or for moving expenses. If you need to move before your current home officially sells, tell Paul. The goal to sell your home is not to add to your stress or negatively impact your finances. There are helpful financial option. Banks, credit unions, or mortgage lenders can offer special loans that let you use the equity from your current home to help pay for your move to another home or senior living community. Once your current home sells, the money from that sale is then used to pay off this temporary loan. Paul can also work with senior living communities to explain your situation and work out options for you while your home is on the market. Paul will have creative options to ensure you can get to your end goal without adding more debt.

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