It can feel like you have a lot on your plate when it comes to downsizing. But if the sight of a big front lawn that needs mowing or a huge mountain of snow to shovel makes you want to crawl back into bed, then moving into something smaller just makes sense. Who wouldn’t want more free time and more money to enjoy their lives?
These are some of the practical aspects of downsizing. In many ways, this is the easy part. The hard part is actually making the decision to move forward. It’s one thing to look forward to a new chapter in your life. Actually getting around to do it is a different story altogether. In this post, we’ll give you a few of our best reasons to downsize in West Toronto, and hopefully give you the motivation you need to take that first step.
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Toronto: The City for All Ages, Including Retirees
West Toronto is home to a vast population of people from all ages and walks of life for many reasons. This city has so much to offer, no matter what your background is or where your interests lie. Think of what your ideal retirement lifestyle might look like. Whatever springs to mind, the West End is the perfect place to make it happen.
- Do you love shopping and great food? The unique shops, cafes, and attractions in Bloor West Village and Roncesvalles will never get old.
- Can’t get enough of beautiful hiking trails and picturesque scenery? Look no further than High Park, your ultimate escape from the city without leaving the city. The cherry blossoms in the early spring are not to be missed, but Toronto’s largest public park is a wonder to behold any time of the year.
- Do you want to be sure all of the amenities you will ever need are close by? You’ll find an abundance of professional services, medical clinics, and community support right in and near your West End neighbourhood.
If you currently live in Toronto, downsizing here allows you to explore even more of the city. If you’ve never lived here, you’ll have endless activities and great new hotspots to discover. You’ll feel right at home as soon as the city skyline comes into view.
Are you still pondering the merits of downsizing early? The posts below will give you food for thought:
- Is it Better to Downsize Before Retirement?
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Active Retirees
- 9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Downsizing
The Benefits of Downsizing Now Versus Waiting
The longer you have owned your home, the more equity you have built up over time. If you are currently mortgage free, your financial picture is enviable compared to many homeowners.
Selling your larger home in favour of a smaller one allows you to tap into your equity and free up your funds to enjoy your retirement lifestyle. For some retirees, this may mean starting up a part-time business based on your passion. For others, it means sitting back and enjoying a leisurely lifestyle, or perhaps exploring a brand new hobby.
Toronto is home to some of the nation’s best post-secondary schools, many of which offer outstanding continuing education programs for older adults. What better way to expand your horizons and meet new people than by mastering a new skill?
Whatever your vision, this process begins with preparing your home for a successful sale at the highest amount possible for the current market. When the time comes to make your next purchase, you’ll want to negotiate for the lowest price. A local real estate agent can help you maximize your results on both sides of your transaction so you enjoy the highest possible return.
Preparation is the key if you want to maximize the sale of your Toronto home. The posts below will give you some ideas on where to start:
- Unlocking the Keys to a Successful Home Sale in Toronto: Insider Tips and Tricks
- Home Renovations That Add Lasting Value
- 5 Tips to Make Your Home Irresistible to Young Buyers
Simplifying the Downsizing Process
Downsizing may sound fantastic in theory. It’s the process that can make you feel bogged down if you’re not sure where to start. Tackling the early steps can ensure you never have to feel overwhelmed, and it all begins with a plan.
It’s never too early to reach out to a local real estate agent when considering a big move. Even if your sale seems a long way into the future, time has a way of sneaking up on us all. A knowledgeable expert can help you create a long-term strategy to make selling your existing home as easy and profitable as possible, while also deciding on where you will go next. Below, you’ll find some simple steps that are easy enough to do now, but will pay off when the time comes to move.
- Arrange for a home evaluation to see how much your property is worth in the current market. You can book an appointment with our team for free right here.
- Begin sorting through your belongings and deciding what you will keep and what to sell or donate. Decluttering is the most overwhelming part of moving for many people, so it’s best to get an early start on it.
- Consider getting a pre-listing inspection to identify any areas of improvement before your house goes on the market.
- Think about what type of house and what neighbourhood you want to live in next. Be sure to take any health or mobility issues into account.
- Create a budget range for your next home. If you plan to obtain financing, a mortgage pre-approval will help.
When you’re ready to begin the search for your new home, the posts below can give you a head start:
- What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Toronto Townhouses
- Should You Buy a Pre-Construction Condo?
- 5 Questions to Ask About a Home Before Making an Offer
Remember That You’re Never Alone
The best piece of advice anyone can give you when downsizing your home is to not try to tackle it alone. Getting your house ready for the market, keeping it show-worthy, packing, decluttering, and searching for your new home are all easier when you have a team at your side.
A local real estate agent can give you the most up-to-date information and statistics so you can make informed decisions along the way. Plus, they’ll help you market your listing and negotiate for the best possible deal when both buying and selling.
Your friends and family can be there for the emotional support, not to mention helping you unpack and decide where everything goes in your new home. The process doesn’t just become less stressful, but it’s more fun as a team effort. As the saying goes, “many hands makes light work.” Nowhere is that more true than when the time comes to celebrate your new beginning in life.
Who better to help with your move than a group of West Toronto real estate agents specializing in the area? Our friendly and knowledgeable professionals are committed to making your downsizing experience a positive one. Connect with us today at info@sidorovainwood.com or call 416-769-3437 to start a conversation.
