Most homeowners wait for the “perfect time,” but by then, moving seems far more difficult than it needs to be.
Many homeowners plan to downsize after retirement or once their children have left home, but the problem is they want to wait until the timing feels right. We’re here to tell you that that strategy often backfires. By the time they’re ready, new challenges have already set in. Injuries, reduced mobility, or high maintenance needs make the move harder and more stressful than it needs to be.
Timing rarely works out the way you expect. One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting for the “perfect” time. People focus on specific milestones, like retirement or a child’s graduation, and they overlook what’s happening right now. They stop using entire parts of the house, and they delay repairs. They avoid the basement for years, then discover leaks or mold. These issues grow slowly and become harder to manage later.
The right time is usually five to ten years earlier. Downsizing works best before it becomes urgent. Many of our clients moved while still working, which gave them time to plan, keep their income steady, and lock in pricing in 55+ communities. Some were even able to move in before age 55 because they started early and had more choices. Waiting often means fewer options and more pressure.
“The biggest mistake in downsizing is waiting until it’s no longer a choice.”
You need time to manage the emotional impact. Downsizing is not just a financial or physical move because it’s also emotional. Letting go of a home where you raised a family is difficult because the memories you have there are far too precious. If you wait too long, that emotional weight can delay or derail the process because of your attachments. Starting early gives you time to adjust and make decisions that support your next chapter.
Most sellers wait too long to renovate. Another issue is delayed home maintenance. Some sellers try to fix everything right before they list, while others skip repairs altogether. Both approaches can hurt the final sale. Making updates gradually over time is more effective because it gives you the chance to invest wisely and increase your home’s value without stress or rushed decisions.
Expecting the numbers to line up can lead to regret. Many homeowners want to sell at the top of the market and buy low. While your home value may have gone up, so has the cost of your next home. In some cases, sellers are watching their equity shrink as prices cool. Meanwhile, prices in popular 55+ communities remain steady due to demand.
There may never be a perfect financial moment, but what matters more is your quality of life. A home that fits your needs today and supports you long-term is worth the move. If downsizing is something you’ve been thinking about and you have questions, feel free to call or text us at (571) 210-1818 or email us at info@ajteamrealty.com. We’ll help you review available options and make a plan that works for your timeline.
