Did you know that if you don’t adapt to today’s real estate market, you could potentially lose thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—without realizing it? And once those opportunities are gone, they’re gone for good.
If you’re over 60 and thinking about selling your home in the Fraser Valley, this is your chance to get it right and sell for top dollar. In this post, I’ll walk you through the crucial changes in today’s market that you need to know. These insights could make all the difference when selling your home.
Moving is Tough—Especially When You’re Over 60
Let’s face it, moving is never easy, but when you’ve lived in your home for decades, it can feel even more overwhelming. Your home is where you’ve raised your family, made memories, and shared countless moments with friends. The emotional attachment is real, and I completely understand—it’s hard to even think about letting go.
But here’s the deal: today’s real estate market is nothing like it was 20 or 30 years ago. If you try to sell the same way you did back then, you could be leaving a lot of money on the table. What worked in the past doesn’t work anymore, and that’s why it’s crucial to adjust your approach.
A Story of Change: Bill’s Experience
Let me share a story about a client I’ll call Bill. Bill and his wife had lived in their home for nearly 30 years. Like so many of you, they had built a lifetime of memories in that house. But when it came time to sell, they found themselves overwhelmed by just how much the market had changed.
Bill thought the strategies that worked decades ago would still get him the best price. However, that wasn’t the case. He needed to adjust his approach—and fast. I’ll return to Bill’s story shortly, but first, let’s dive into the 10 most important things you need to know if you’re over 60 and thinking about selling your Surrey home. These tips made all the difference for Bill, and they could do the same for you.
1. Buyers Today Are Not Like You
Let’s be honest: today’s buyers are different. They’re younger, more tech-savvy, and they know exactly what they want. If your own kids were to walk into your home today as buyers, what would they see? Would they notice the charm and character, or would they be put off by what’s outdated or in need of repair?
Buyers today are likely to notice the latter. Start by fixing those little maintenance issues now. Buyers don’t have the time or energy to deal with repairs, and too many visible problems could cause them to either offer less money—or worse, walk away entirely.
2. Pricing It Right From the Start
Speaking of money, pricing your home correctly from the start is more important than ever. Buyers today don’t waste time, and if your home is priced too high, they won’t even give it a second look. They’re comparing prices online, and they know exactly what’s fair.
Bill’s story comes into play here. When we first listed his home, he wanted to price it higher than I suggested, thinking he could negotiate down. But that strategy doesn’t work anymore. After a few weeks of no showings, we had to adjust the price, and then things quickly started to move.
3. Inspections Can Make or Break the Deal
Once you’ve got your pricing right and some interest from buyers, be prepared for inspections. Even if your home is in great shape, inspectors will always find something—that’s their job. Expect this and don’t get emotional when buyers ask for a few repairs.
Sellers can sometimes get too emotionally invested at this stage, but it’s important to keep your emotions in check. A few small repairs can keep the deal moving forward and avoid derailing the sale.
4. Managing the Emotional Toll of Selling
This isn’t just about a house—it’s about where you raised your family, made memories, and built a life. The emotional side of selling can be tough, but it’s important to focus on why you’re moving. Maybe it’s to downsize, move closer to family, or simplify your life. Keep that front and center to help you get through the emotional challenges.
Take your time packing—one room at a time. There’s no need to overwhelm yourself by doing everything at once.
5. Decluttering: No One Wants Your Stuff
As you’re packing, it’s time to talk about decluttering. The reality is, nobody wants your stuff—not your kids, and not the buyers. It’s hard to let go of things you’ve kept for years, but trust me, the less clutter you have, the better your home will show to potential buyers.
If you need more guidance, I have an entire video dedicated to decluttering that you can check out.
6. Staging and Professional Photos Are Non-Negotiable
When it comes to showing your home, staging and professional photos are a must. Buyers are scrolling through listings online before they even think about visiting a home in person. Your first showing is happening virtually on their phone or computer, so your home needs to look great in those photos.
Consider staging your home to make it more appealing to buyers and give the walls a fresh coat of neutral paint if needed.
7. The Right Real Estate Agent Will Save You (or Cost You) Thousands
Hiring the right real estate agent is critical. Don’t just go with someone you know, or someone who’s been in the business forever. You need an agent who understands today’s market and has the tools to sell your home in a competitive environment.
Back to Bill’s story—after adjusting his price, we had multiple offers within two weeks. Sometimes, it’s about trusting your agent and adapting your strategy to the current market conditions.
8. Timing Is Everything—But Don’t Wait Too Long
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to wait until spring to sell your home. If the market is right, list it when you’re ready. In fact, listing in fall or winter can be advantageous since there’s usually less competition.
9. Start Early and Ask for Help
When it comes to moving, start early and don’t try to do everything yourself. Professional movers or senior move specialists can make the process easier. If you have family nearby, don’t hesitate to ask for help—they’ll likely be happy to assist.
10. Don’t Let Stress Cost You Money
Finally, don’t let stress cost you money. Selling your home can be stressful, but it’s important to manage that stress. Sometimes, accepting a fair offer and moving on is better than holding out for months, hoping for a higher price.
Wrapping Up
Selling your home when you’re over 60 can feel daunting, but with the right strategies and a good real estate agent by your side, you can navigate the process smoothly and sell for top dollar. If you have any questions or want to discuss selling your home, feel free to schedule a call with me. I’m here to help!
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