When Cathy and Ian first thought about selling their long-time family home, they did something most people don’t: they called us two years in advance.
“I didn’t want to be last-minute, running around saying, What do we need to do to get our house ready?” Cathy recalls. “I wanted to spend our money wisely and do it in an organized way.”
That early call changed everything.
Step 1: Early Planning, Smart Spending
Together, we walked through their home with fresh eyes. Which updates would actually boost market value? Which were simply nice-to-have? By making those decisions long before the sign went on the lawn, Cathy and Ian:
- Avoided expensive, low-ROI renovations
- Spread projects (and costs) over two years
- Lived in a home that steadily became more market-ready
“Your help was invaluable,” Cathy says. “Every recommendation saved us time, money, or both.”
Step 2: The HOAC Advantage
As members of our Homeowners Advisory Club (HOAC), Cathy and Ian gained full access to our trusted network of contractors, painters, cleaners, and stagers.
“Unbelievable,” Ian laughs. “Every time we needed someone, the Directory gave us the answer. And every single one of them delivered.”
No frantic Google searches. No guesswork. Just proven professionals who showed up and delivered – one of the core benefits of the HOAC.
Step 3: Navigating the Emotional Side of Downsizing
After 20+ years in their cherished home, the move was about more than bricks and mortar.
“I had my vision for the next house; Cathy had hers,” Ian explains. “It took time to find something we both felt was special, and that patience paid off.”
Because they weren’t under pressure, they could wait for the right fit. When they finally walked into their perfect downsized home, they both knew it immediately.
Step 4: A Smooth, Confident Sale
By the time their home hit the market, 80% of the work was already complete. Our team simply polished the final 20%, dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s, so they could list with confidence and zero last-minute panic.
“We were able to move at our own pace,” Cathy says. “That made the whole transition so much easier.”
The Takeaway for Future Downsizers
Cathy and Ian’s journey proves a simple but powerful truth: The earlier you start, the calmer and more profitable the process becomes.
By partnering with our team early and tapping into our HOAC network, they turned what could have been a stressful, emotional sprint into a well-planned, positive life transition.
Thinking about downsizing? Start the conversation today, even if your move is years away. Your future self (and your future sale price) will thank you.
