Downsizing Your Parents Home

Do your parents still own a home that you think is too big for them, but they resist the idea of downsizing? I will give you three reasons to help convince them that it’s time to think about other living arrangements more suitable for them at this stage. I understand that trying to persuade parents to downsize is sometimes a challenging task. Often, they are emotionally attached to their homes and don’t want to let go. Perhaps they are still living in the first home they purchased together, or maybe it’s the house they bought to raise you and your siblings in. Whatever their case might be, the rooms and hallways host a lifetime of memories that can be so hard to walk away from, so it’s important to be empathetic while speaking with them about downsizing. 

Every day, I’m involved in helping senior homeowners with home valuations, providing helpful resources, and helping them determine if it makes the most sense to stay in their current home or to consider downsizing. From my many years of experience, there are a few signs that you should consider before deciding whether or not it makes good sense for your parents to move. Clients frequently come to me with the sensitive issue of downsizing, and I share with them three important reasons that will help them get the conversation started with their parents: First and foremost, safety! If your parents’ house is older, there could be major safety issues to consider. That crumbling sidewalk could be a tripping hazard. The long staircase to the second floor would be a horrible place to fall if they lost their balance. That bathtub they have to swing their legs over gets hard on the hips when you get older. And what about the neighborhood? Has it changed? Is it still as safe as when they first purchased their home? As they age, let them know you are concerned with their safety and well-being. 

The second reason is maintenance! If your parents are living in a house made for a larger family, and it’s now just the two of them, who is taking care of the property? Single-family homes require a lot of yearly upkeep, and unless your parents have the means to pay for someone to come and take care of everything like lawn maintenance, snow removal, window washing, general house repairs, weekly cleaning (the list goes on and on) now is a good time to speak with them about downsizing. A smaller property is easier to care for and makes sense for aging parents. Nobody wants to see their 70+-year-old parents working on chores in the yard or seeing their dad keep climbing on ladders – they always think they can still do it, but it’s dangerous! 

Lastly…. equity! If your parents have been living in their home for years and years, chances are, they have a big chunk of equity in their home. If they’ve consistently made monthly mortgage payments, they either owe little or nothing. They might not realize that by selling their house, they will have the money to purchase a more manageable property, such as a condo with no stairs and outside maintenance. Feel free to call me to strategize more ideas on how to get your parents to downsize. I am happy to lend my professional expertise to the conversation. 

If you need a current evaluation, please don’t hesitate to call. My team and I can be reached at # 858-336-1114, or you can email me at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at www.DonPelletier.com To see what our clients had to say about their experience in working with us. Please know that we are here to help you so please feel free to contact us anytime.