Moving to an Independent Living Community? 5 Tips to Sell Your Home

Congratulations! You've researched and toured countless independent living communities until you finally found a community that fulfills all of your needs. The next big step before moving in is selling your current home. Although this can be a stressful process, there are ways to make this transition more manageable. We compiled a list of tips to help you sell your home easily and with peace of mind.

Declutter and Pack Belongings
Have you been putting off sorting through those items that have been collecting dust in your home? Well, now is the perfect time to start. Before you stage your home, you'll want to declutter and organize your items to ensure your home looks spotless. This will also make moving much smoother.

Decluttering your items may be a sizable task, but you can make it easier and more fun by inviting friends and family to go through these items with you. Start by making a senior living packing checklist to keep track of what you'll need to take to your new home. Next, you're ready to "rightsize" your home. Decide on what you want to keep, donate, sell, or pass down to someone. If you find yourself with things you want to keep but don't necessarily need to bring with you to your senior living community, you can put them in storage elsewhere.

After decluttering, the next step is to pack and move your remaining belongings. You may be able to get help from family and friends to move your items, but if not, hire a moving company to save yourself the stress and strain and to ensure everything is transported safely.

Upgrade Outdated Features
Before putting your home on the market, you may consider upgrading outdated features and making necessary repairs to create the best first impression for buyers. Home buyers are willing to spend extra money on desirable home features, like granite countertops, energy-efficient windows, and hardwood floors, so making some minor renovations might be a smart decision.

If you have an older home, examine what features may turn home buyers away. For instance, you may consider getting rid of outdated popcorn ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting (especially if the carpet is in bathrooms), and linoleum flooring to boost your home's appeal. Updating your kitchen and bathroom with modern appliances and designs can attract buyers as well.

If you have an older home with charming and unique features, you don't necessarily have to get rid of them to sell your home. Just give them a minor touch-up to enhance their beauty. A simple way to update your home is to give your walls a fresh coat of light, neutral-colored paint, like a warm off-white or soft grey.

Although some renovations can be expensive, they can help expedite the selling process and even increase the resale value of your home. If you need help funding these changes, consider using a home equity loan for financial assistance. This loan option is beneficial for these changes as you can deduct the interest for home improvement projects and receive the money in one lump sum.

Increase Your Curb Appeal
The first thing potential home buyers see when touring homes is the exterior, so you'll want to make a welcoming first impression with your curb appeal. For starters, you'll want to make sure your lawn is well maintained.

Mow it as needed and reseed any sparse areas of grass. If your yard is lacking color, consider planting seasonal flowers that complement your home's exterior. Touch up any overgrown trees and shrubs you may have as well. If the exterior feels dull, consider breaking out the power washer or hiring a power washing company to brighten it up.  Similarly, if the list for landscaping, yard maintenance, and repair tasks is too long, consider enlisting friends and family members for assistance, or hire a landscaping service to help spruce things up.

Hire a Real Estate Agent
Let's face it — selling your home can be a time-consuming and emotional experience that you won't want to go through on your own. That's why finding a trustworthy real estate agent that's invested in you and your home is crucial in the selling process. Hiring an agent will ensure your selling experience goes as smoothly as possible, as they can take on the stress of juggling offers and showing your home to potential buyers. While they handle the logistics of the selling process, you can focus on organizing your belongings and preparing for your move to an independent living community. Research local, highly-rated, and senior-friendly agents to find your best fit.

Bid Farewell to Your Home
The hardest part of selling your home is saying goodbye, especially if this is your family home. You've undoubtedly created countless lasting memories there, so understandably, it will be a bittersweet goodbye.

One way to make parting with your home less painful is to have a house-cooling party, which is the opposite of a house-warming party. Invite family and friends over to have one last visit while recounting the great memories you made in your home. Another option is to write a short sentimental letter to the new owners. Writing a letter will give you a chance to find closure in the thought that they'll love your home just as much as you did.

Bottom Line
Selling your home can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! With the help of friends, family, and experienced professionals, you'll be able to sell your home quickly, and with ease, so you can focus on enjoying your golden years in your new home sweet home.