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The Home Downsizer

Real Estate and Living Advice For the Active Boomer

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The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift For Baby Boomers

Several years ago, our family friend Chuck bought his wife of many years a dust buster. She was not pleased.  Retaliation had to wait until next year on Valentine’s Day when Chuck unwrapped a large bag of manure.  They were even.

When you get to a certain age, it just gets hard, doesn’t it?

A few years ago, my wife found me the perfect gift. But I’m not going to lie.  It was also the strangest gift I had ever received.

When I tell you, my idea for your gift will make perfect sense.

[Read more…]

February 12, 2018 Leave a Comment

How Do You Know If It’s Time to Downsize?

time to downsize

Last month I attended a New Year’s party that was filled with old friends. There were about 50 of us and everyone there was in approximately the same age range.

And what was the main topic of conversation? DOWNSIZING.

Some people had already done it and extolled its virtues. Others had made the decision to move ahead. Some others were nervous about the entire concept and asked tons of questions.

The truth is that not everyone will benefit from downsizing. And therefore, it’s not a “must” do. If you can stay where you are and can “age in place,” then I recommend you do so. But I also believe you MUST examine all the angles before you make your decision.

Here are some questions to consider in order to make an informed decision about downsizing your home.

[Read more…]

February 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

What Home Sellers Need to Know About Capital Gains Tax

home sellers capital gains

Of all the reasons to downsize your home — like having less wasted space, less junk that you never use anymore, less maintenance to do, fewer home repairs to make, fewer rooms to clean, and more time to enjoy yourself — there’s one upside that nearly everyone gets excited about: saving money.

If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, you may be expecting to make a big profit when you sell — especially if your home is entirely paid off. But there’s one big hurdle left to clear before you can make a clean break from your old home: taxes.

Specifically, there’s a capital gains tax that penalizes people who make a massive amount of money all at once. Which, if you’ve taken good care of your home while it’s steadily appreciated in value over the years, could be a problem for you when you try to sell.

This can be frustrating. Here’s how to figure out whether or not your home’s sale will qualify you for the capital gains tax — and, if it does, how to prepare for it so Uncle Sam doesn’t totally ruin your downsizing party. [Read more…]

August 4, 2016 17 Comments

The Best Wall Paint Colors of 2016

Dreamy Whites
Photo by Dreamy Whites – Browse shabby-chic style dining room ideas

 

When you’re preparing your home for sale, a fresh coat of paint can make a $50,000 difference in your sale price. (No, seriously.)

I’ve already shared my own tips about which colors you should paint your walls to give potential buyers the best impression. But there’s another wild card to consider in the color game: which colors are “on-trend” in the public eye? By incorporating these colors into your staging, you’ll subconsciously convince prospective buyers that your home is truly a modern wonder — and one they should make an offer on before someone else does.

But wait, I know what you’re thinking: “Eileen, I don’t want to paint my home tangerine or pomegranate or neon green just because CNN says it’s popular.” I hear you, and I agree. No one wants to walk into a room whose tones feel oppressive or overwhelming.

Luckily, 2016 marks a change in color trends that’s worth paying attention to, because it could have a big effect on your home’s sale price.

Let’s take a look at 2016’s new colors of the year, and then I’ll show you three ways you can make these colors (or any other trendy picks) enhance the staging of your home for buyers without going overboard. [Read more…]

July 15, 2016 Leave a Comment

Getting On The Same Page About Downsizing

getting on the same page about downsizing

Letting go of the home you’ve been making memories in for years can be hard. Some couples have lived in the same home for decades, and saying goodbye to those rooms where you watched your kids grow up isn’t always easy. (Believe me, I know.)

But you know what’s even more difficult? Trying to downsize your house when you and your spouse or partner aren’t on the same page about what you want to do next.

What happens if you want to move someplace new and he wants to stay where he’s always been comfortable? Or if she wants to be near the kids and you want to enjoy the benefits of a peer community? Or if you want to see the mountains every morning and she wants to live by the beach?

Simple: you work it out together.

Okay, so maybe it’s not THAT simple. In fact, for some couples, downsizing their home is the most complicated choice they’ll ever make together. But the key word is “together.”

Here are 4 tips to help couples get on the same page about downsizing and make big lifestyle changes without feeling like one (or both) of you are losing out. [Read more…]

June 24, 2016 1 Comment

One Year Later: Personal Reflections on Downsizing

reflections on downsizing

How you feel about your new home always affects how you feel about your old home.

If you are happy about your new home, then it will be easy (even exciting) to think about your past. But if you’re not happy with your new home, you won’t want to face the memories of your happy times in the past.

Sounds counterintuitive, I know. But it’s so very true. People have extremely different reactions to downsizing.

I’ll tell you my story and suggest some ways to deal with these dichotomies. [Read more…]

March 18, 2016 2 Comments

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Thinking About Downsizing?

This site is a resource for empty nesters and Boomers who are ready for a new perspective on life.

Not sure where to begin? Here's my downsizing story.

My Appearance on America Weekend

I had a great time being interviewed by Valerie Smaldone for this podcast. It's all about home downsizing, my favorite subject. Listen and learn.

Recent Posts

  • The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift For Baby Boomers
  • How Do You Know If It’s Time to Downsize?
  • What Home Sellers Need to Know About Capital Gains Tax
  • The Best Wall Paint Colors of 2016
  • Getting On The Same Page About Downsizing
  • One Year Later: Personal Reflections on Downsizing
  • The Time to Downsize is Right Now
  • 7 Ways To Thrive In a Smaller Kitchen

About Eileen Opatut

Eileen Opatut is a blogger and real estate agent. She’s also a Boomer and empty nester with three college age kids. In 2014, Eileen sold the home she’d lived in for 20 years and became a downsizer. The experience was a lot tougher than she ever imagined and there just wasn’t a lot of helpful information anywhere. Eileen created this blog to share what she learned -- the tips and tricks she wishes somebody had told her when she first considered downsizing. Learn More...

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While we are located in Northern Jersey, we can refer you to downsizing specialists all over the United States. And if you live in the tri-state area we can work together directly.

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