Posted by Let me be honest, moving to a new home is never just about the house. It is about the life you are building, the memories you are leaving behind, and the dreams you are stepping into. Whether you are downsizing to simplify your life or upsizing to make room for new beginnings, this transition is deeply personal. I have been through it myself, and I have helped countless others navigate it too. Let me share how to find a realtor who not only understands the market but also understands you.
Why Downsizing and Upsizing Are Emotional Journeys
Downsizing is not just about moving to a smaller space; it is about letting go of a lifetime of memories. I remember helping a couple who were downsizing after 30 years in their family home. As we walked through their house, they pointed out every scratch on the floor, every mark on the wall, and every corner filled with stories. It was not just a house, it was their life. A good realtor understands this. They know how to help you decide what to keep, what to let go of, and how to find a new space that feels like home, even if it is smaller.
Upsizing, on the other hand, is about hope and growth. I once worked with a young family who were upsizing to accommodate their growing family. They were not just looking for more bedrooms; they were looking for a place where their kids could grow up, where they could host family gatherings, and where they could build a future. A realtor who understands upsizing knows how to help you think beyond square footage and focus on how a home will serve your family for years to come.
How to Find a Realtor Who Gets It
Look for Someone Who Listens
The best realtors do not just talk, instead they listen. When I was helping a client downsize, she told me how much she loved gardening but was worried she would not have space for it in her new home. We found a condo with a community garden, and it made all the difference. A realtor who truly understands downsizing or upsizing will take the time to learn what matters most to you and help you find a home that fits your lifestyle, not just your budget.
Ask the Right Questions
When you are interviewing realtors, ask them about their experience with clients like you. For example:
- How do you help clients decide what to keep and what to let go of when downsizing?
- How do you help families plan for future needs when upsizing?
- Can you share stories of clients who made similar transitions?
Their answers will tell you whether they have the empathy and expertise to guide you through this emotional journey.
Check Their Network
A great realtor does not work alone, they have a team of specialists who can help with every step of the process. For downsizing, this might include estate sale organizers, storage experts, or even therapists who can help with the emotional side of letting go. For upsizing, they might connect you with contractors, financial advisors, or interior designers who can help you make the most of your new space.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before you start looking for a realtor, take some time to reflect on what you really want. Ask yourself:
- What do I love about my current home, and what do I want to leave behind?
- What does my ideal day look like in my new home?
- What am I most excited about and what am I most worried about?
These questions will help you clarify your goals and find a realtor who can help you achieve them.
Your Home, Your Story
So take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. Your new home is out there, and with the right guide, you will find it.
Finding the right realtor for downsizing or upsizing is about more than just finding someone who knows the market. It is about finding someone who understands your story, your dreams, and your fears. I have seen how the right realtor can turn a stressful move into a joyful new beginning, and I want that for you too.
References
National Association of Realtors. (2023). *Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers*. NAR Research Group. Retrieved from https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers
Brastow, R., & Waller, B. (2023). “The Effectiveness of Agent Specialization in Different Market Environments.” Journal of Housing Economics, 59, 101838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhe.2022.101838
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2023). “Mortgage Performance Trends”. Retrieved from https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/mortgage-performance-trends/
Kurlat, P., & Stroebel, J. (2023). “Testing for Information Asymmetries in Real Estate Markets.” *The Review of Financial Studies*, 28(8), 2429-2461. https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhv028
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). “New Residential Sales”. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/index.html