Downsizing: Could The Latest Trend in Real Estate be For you?

The most significant trend in real estate in years is DOWNSIZING. You worked so hard to own your home, it’s hard to imagine moving on—much less to a smaller abode. But while downsizing your home may involve major lifestyle changes, there are a lot of advantages to moving into a smaller space. So if you’re thinking of selling your home and finding a more carefree, liberating life, then this free seminar was designed precisely for you. We’re bringing together a panel of industry experts who will provide valuable advice and helpful tips on topics that include how make your home market ready, the value of staging your home, whether or not remodeling is a good idea and a good value, and what to look for in new properties such as condominiums.

On Wednesday, March 1 at 2:00pm the Larchmont Public Library presents panel discussion and seminar featuring industry experts who will provide answers to your questions and demystify the process of downsizing.

THE PANEL INCLUDES:

• Michele Silverman Bedell, SRES – Owner/Broker Silversons Realty LLC, has more than 25 years of real estate experience in Westchester & surrounding areas. Her experience includes selling & listing new construction, single/multi-family dwellings, land, cooperatives, condominiums & commercial properties.
• Jennifer Askwowitz- Jennifer (Hudi) Askowitz, Broker at Silversons Realty. Jennifer joined Silversons Realty in 2006 bringing with her a breadth of business experience & marketing expertise from her career in client management & advertising. She has helped many clients find their perfect home in one of the many beautiful communities in Westchester or in exciting New York City.
• Richard Weiss, Esq.- Richard has been licensed to practice law in the State of NY since 1977 and specializes in real estate. He is a member of the NY State Bar Association & NY County Trial Lawyers Association and has represented buyers/sellers of residential & commercial properties including the sale of co-ops & condos.

The average American home has grown from under 1,900 square feet some 20 years ago to more than 2,400 square feet, according to 2013 U.S. Census data. Families who bought five, ten, or even 15 years ago or more might find many rooms unused as their children have grown and moved out. While the baby boomers continue to hold on to many of those larger homes, according to recent reports, experts predict an uptick in downsizing as the oldest boomers enter their mid-70s.

Downsizing remains one of the most effective ways to lower housing and energy costs. Advantages to downsizing include lower mortgage payments, lower utility bills, less to clean and easier to maintain and less yard maintenance.

“We continue to move away from the McMansion chapter of residential design, with more demand for practicality throughout the home,” writes Kermit Baker, chief economist at the American Institute of Architects. “There has been a drop-off in the popularity of upscale property enhancements such as formal landscaping, decorative water features, tennis courts and gazebos.”

Home downsizing is really about making do with less. But many people would say that less is more. Rather than devoting your time and energy to supporting and maintaining your home, you may find yourself devoting more of your time and energy to enjoying it and to the pursuit of other activities such as travel.

Even if you’re not ready to downsize, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of this free seminar so that you’ll be as informed as possible. You’ll be a lot better prepared and will know what to do when the time does come.