Downsizing myths debunked

Downsizing
Rethinking downsizing due to generational trends (infographic from nar.realtor).

Downsizing was once thought of as a rite of passage for empty-nesters and retirees.  It was considered the next stage of homeownership after enjoying the big house and puttering in the yard.  But everything you thought you knew about downsizing is probably stereotyped and incorrect. Housing and generational trends has everyone rethinking their downsizing plans.

Results of a recent survey that was conducted on behalf of Del Webb, a developer and builder of active adult communities, revealed that a majority of 50 to 60-years-olds are not planning to downsize (pultegroup.com).  A majority of the survey’s respondents who are planning a future move indicated that they don’t intend to move into a smaller home. 

Many older adults are actually are looking for a larger house! In fact, 71 percent who plan a future move want a single-family home, and 63 percent desire a home with three or more bedrooms.  These results may be due in part to multi-generational and cohabitation housing trends.  Many of the 50-year old’s who took part in the survey indicated they planned to buy a home that can also house their parents.

Jay Mason, vice president of market intelligence for PulteGroup, the nation’s third largest homebuilder and owner of the Del Webb brand, stated in the press release, “Rather than staying put, today’s 50- and 60-year olds are thinking ahead to their next big move.  While millennials seem to make the headlines, there are over 140 million Generation X and baby boomers in the United States, many with the means, confidence and desire to stay active in the housing market.”

Mason described a majority of GenXer and baby-boomer respondents as “looking for a different quality of life when considering their next move.”  Of those planning a move, 87 percent are leaning towards a suburban or rural area. More specifically, 60 percent described their next home as a “quiet, tranquil place where they can slow down and get some peace.”

Downsizing is a housing trend that is building momentum in younger generations as well.  Many home owners who thought of having a large home and yard are rethinking their lifestyles.  By reducing the time and costs of maintaining a large home and yard, they are able enhance their daily lives.

A major consideration is that downsizing doesn’t always reduce housing costs.  It is possible that the newer condo (or house) you’re considering to purchase may actually cost more than the sale price of your current home.  Besides the actual cost of the home, there are also associated costs of homeownership.  For example, the property tax of your new home could be more than what you’re currently paying.  Additionally, it is likely that your new home may have the additional cost of an HOA or condo fees.

Downsizing also doesn’t mean that you have to buy your next home.  A Realtor Magazine news article (More Older Home Owners Choose to Rent; magazine.realtor; January 12, 2016) cites US Census data that indicates half of the home owners aged 55-64 are either staying in their current homes, or deciding to rent instead of purchasing another one.

Are you thinking of downsizing?  Downsizing requires planning, not just about where to live but also considering the disposition of your current home.  To help you decide if downsizing is in your future, consult with your CPA and/or financial planner to help you understand the costs of downsizing.  To understand the current housing market and sale prices in your neighborhood, consult a local Realtor.

Original located at https://dankrell.com/blog/2019/06/24/downsizing-myths-debunked/

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2019

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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

Downsizing is the new real estate trend

Looking to lower expenses, homeowners are looking to downsize

by Dan Krell, Realtor &copy 2009
www.DanKrell.com

When you think of downsizing, you might think of empty nesters trading down from a suburban home to a smaller, more convenient condo. The downsizing stereotype has long gone by the wayside as downsizing isn’t just for older adults; downsizing has become the focus of anyone wanting to pare down their expenses.

Looking for ways to save money in the current economy, many home owners are re-evaluating their expenses- including their mortgage. The rally cry of “bigger is better” is no longer heard from home buyers. Even home owners are discovering that “less is more;” the less the mortgage payment, the more cash they have at the end of the month for such items as savings, travel, or paying down debt.

The benefit of downsizing is not just the potential of lowering your monthly mortgage obligation; the property tax, maintenance and utility bills are typically scaled down along with the home. In order to gain the financial benefits of downsizing, finding the right home to meet your needs is important. When searching for your new home, considerations in size, style and location will not only affect your financial picture but your lifestyle as well.

Your first thought might be to look into condos because of the low maintenance and convenient living. Nevertheless, the low maintenance and convenient amenities come at a price in the form of a condo fee, which can sometimes negate the savings of downsizing. Additionally, downsizers often experience “size shock” due to the limited living area and scant storage that a condo offers.

Other downsizing options may include a townhome or a smaller single family home. You might find these options more appealing because there is no condo fee associated with this type of housing (although there may be a HOA fee). Even though you are seeking to reduce your “housing footprint,” these options seem roomier than most condos; however, these homes typically have higher maintenance and utility costs than a condo.

Another consideration of downsizing is that you will most likely have to downsize your possessions as well. The first step, as with any home sale, is to reduce your clutter. Going through all your items in storage and throughout your home to dispose, sell, or donate items that you do not use and will most likely not use. A widely accepted de-cluttering tip is to identify and discard items you have not used in a year or more. Items once thought of as collectibles and keepsakes may now seem just a token of a forgotten time. As you soon realize that items such as pieces of furniture, forgotten collections, and tacky beach gear won’t make the trip with you to your new home, you will most likely feel the ambivalence of holding on vs. freeing yourself from the past.

It is important for you to discuss downsizing with your financial adviser, accountant and/or financial planner to see how it fits into your larger financial picture. After looking at the numbers, you may realize that downsizing may not be for you because there may not be enough savings from downsizing, you may not be able to net enough from your sale, or you simply owe more on your mortgage than the value of your home.

This column is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of June 8, 2009. Copyright &copy 2009 Dan Krell.