WE need to downsize. My Spouse/Partner says, ‘No Way’. HELP! (Part 3 of 5)

If you’re just jumping into this Blog series, I encourage you to go back and read Parts 1 and 2.  I’ve been sharing about my experiences as a residential Realtor® working with the Over-55 homeowner.  It is not uncommon that in a household of two, one of the two is not eager to leave a well-loved home.  Despite the encouragement of adult children, doctors, and other friends who have already walked the “downsize road,” there is still reluctance or even defiance.

In my last Blog I offered suggestions for countering resistance points 1 & 2 as noted in the first Blog on this topic.  Today we are going to look at #’s 3 & 4.

3) My home is my castle: fear of living somewhere owned by someone else and living by someone else’s rules.   This is a tough one because unless you choose to move to a smaller, safer single-family home (which, for some, is an option) it’s true.  If you choose to move to a condo or patio home community, there will be strict rules governing the use and enjoyment of the outside of your home. If you move to a retirement center, you will have virtually no control of your living environment.  You can decorate and make the interior of your apartment like your home, but you don’t own it. There may be restrictions to what you can do or what you can or cannot bring into the space.  You often can’t control noise and hall-neighbors. Even dining times and schedules can be dictated.  You may or may not still have the freedom to drive your own vehicle depending on your health and ability.

The way to look at this challenge is the trade-off’s: I don’t control the exterior living areas around my new home, but I also don’t have to pull out the snow blower in December.  You can’t control noise and hall-neighbors, but you HAVE noise and neighbors: new friends and freedom from isolation you may have felt in your home.  You must go to the dining hall during times dictated, but delicious and nutritious food is planned, shopped for, and prepared for you, taking this expense and chore ‘off your plate.’

Many times, these communities offer recreation and opportunities to engage in hobbies that were not available to you in your home.  Your independence can be channeled into a myriad of choices: how do I want to spend the new free hours I have every day.

4) Fear of giving up traditions that revolve around a loved home.  This one is easy.  The traditions are loved because the people they involve, not the room in which they occur.  Traditions can be recreated in a new space.  Often, I’ve been told by downsizers that they love the new traditions that develop because Mom and Dad gave space for adult kids to become the orchestrators of holidays and events.  Sit back and enjoy.   You’ve earned it.

Next week’s blog will look at how to combat resistance points #5: Fear of the unknown.

This blog is written by Kathy Chiero.  Kathy is the Team Lead for The Kathy Chiero Group of Keller Williams Greater Columbus Realtors.  Thinking of Buying or Selling?  Find us www.OurOhioHome.com