Successful Downsizing
An Englishman’s home is his castle, or so the saying goes, and leaving the family “stronghold” once children have flown the nest can be a difficult and heart-wrenching decision. Many years worth of family treasures (all stuffed into a full-to-the-brim loft), along with countless precious memories can make this move a daunting task – both physically and emotionally.
However, Sue Carne of the County Homesearch Company believes this need not be the case. “Downsizing can often be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life. Retirement should be a time to enjoy hobbies, friends, travel or even just the peace and quiet of your own home and garden.”
Deciding that the time has come to stop cleaning empty rooms, release equity and enjoy life in a more manageable sized home can be a controversial one. Other family members often have strong opinions about what parents should do, and understandably dislike having the idea of “home” and all that it represents taken away from them. Not only that, having lived in the same house for quite a long time, those considering downsizing may often feel nervous about all the choices to be made and the “process” involved in achieving a successful move.
Your Best Interests
It is important to remember that estate agents are employed and paid by people selling their homes. It is their responsibility to get sellers the best price possible. What you may not know, is that buyers can also employ an expert to lend their extensive local knowledge and expertise to a search. Relocation agents such as Sue Carne from the County Homesearch Company regularly act in the best interests of buyers, providing help on a practical and emotional level. Sue explains that the most important part of her job is understanding exactly what her client is hoping to achieve. “Knowing what is important to somebody, really understanding how they want to live and helping them to think through what they may need or want in the future is key to ensuring a successful move. Although they may be in good health now, having access to local doctors, dentists and other amenities can be important in the future. Making sure they don’t downsize too far is also a consideration, as future grandchildren may want to be able to come to stay during school holidays, and a second sitting room may be vital if your partner insists on watching sky sports all day or you’d like a space to indulge in hobbies!”
It’s All In The Detail
Sue specialises in finding dream homes for clients in Sussex and Kent. She has many years of local property experience and can often secure the ideal property before it ever appears on the open market. This local knowledge is gold-dust to anyone relocating from another area – knowing about flight paths, road noise, traffic hotspots and other potential pitfalls takes a great deal of pressure out of the decision. She will generally preview a long list of property on a client’s behalf and report back with photographs, maps and relevant information about neighbouring properties. Where necessary, Sue along with her husband and business partner Graham, are happy to act as chauffeur and area guide. They are delighted to reveal their area’s best kept secrets and hidden gems, and a day out viewing will often include lunch at a country pub!
Once you have found, and lost your heart, to the right property (and it has the requisite, sizable loft!) Sue really comes into her own and manages the entire purchase process. Employing someone to act on your behalf can ensure that you do not pay too much for a property, and that you have independent advice about solicitors, architects, removal companies or any other services that might be required. Sue leaves nothing to chance, and you can create a brand-new “stronghold” safe in the knowledge that future precious memories and family treasures will soon grow to fill your new space.
Sue Carne: The County Homesearch Company (Sussex and Kent) Ltd
Posted on the 30th January, 2012
