Once the children have moved out, a large home can become a burden for aging parents. Who really ants to spend all of their free time cleaning unused bedrooms and extra baths when there are so many wonderful new activities to explore? This is one reason many seniors decide to sell their homes and downsize to a more modest living arrangement. It may also make financial sense for those living on a limited income. Another reason seniors may choose to downsize to a smaller home is the concern about health and mobility issues associated with aging.
*Considerations when Choosing a New Home*
The perfect home for most senior citizens will be located in a safe neighbourhood within easy access to family members, grocery stores, doctors, and other important amenities. It will also be low-maintenance, with excellent insulation and limited landscaping. As one grows older, other considerations for easy living include the following: Wide doorways to allow easy movement with a wheel chair or walker.
• No elevated thresholds to cause a tripping hazard>
• Lower counters that are within arm’s reach • Ramps rather than stairs at all entrances
• Safety rails beside shower, baths, or toilets
• Excellent lighting in every room and hallway
• A single level floor plan
These are just a few important factors that will help as aging causes mobility to become more difficult. Making a checklist of personal priorities and preferences can be very useful when choosing a new home.
*Ideas for Selling the Current Home*
Before any transition can be made to a safer, smaller home, most seniors have to sell their current house. With today’s economy, this can be tough, but just a few creative ideas for home staging may speed the process a bit.
The following suggestions will make a house much more attractive to a buyer and make a quick sell more likely, especially if the home is occupied when the potential buyer views it:
• Remove excess furniture, especially any that is noticeably damaged, to give more floor space.
• Clear surfaces almost completely, leaving only a few decorative items to make the home feel comfortable. Vases of fresh flowers and lifestyle magazines on show can make a home more visually appealing to buyers.
• Organize closets so that, at first glance, they appear to be roomy.
• Put away most family portraits for the moment so buyers can imagine their families living in the home.
• Use inexpensive slipcovers for to give a clean, modern appeal to worn furniture. This can make stained or outdated upholstery look as if it has just been purchased.
• Put the highest recommended wattage bulbs in all light fixtures and add lamps to dark areas.
• When repainting rooms, stick to a neutral hue so that new owners can add their own splashes of color.
• Update the handles or knobs on cabinets for a more modern feel.
• Remove all clutter and debris from the front lawn, mow the grass and cut the edges.
• Buy a new mat for the doorway.
None of these suggestions are very expensive, but they will make a real difference in attracting a buyer. Most of these projects can be completed in just a few hours, but they may save months in terms of reselling a home. First impressions really will cause a buyer to take a second look.
These suggestions should help make the process of downsizing and selling the family home easier and less stressful. By buying a home more suited to their needs seniors can make the most of their golden years.
By Caroline Smith
www.getslipcovers.com
