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 Would they notice the charm and character, or would they be put off by what’s outdated or in need of repair?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!

Having a good credit score is crucial for financial health in Canada. It influences your ability to get loans, mortgages, and even affects job prospects in some cases. Improving your credit score may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can make significant progress. Here are some proven steps to help you enhance your credit score, based on guidelines from reputable sources like the Government of Canada, Equifax, and TransUnion.

1. Understand Your Credit Score

Before you start improving your credit score, it’s essential to understand what it is and how it’s calculated. Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 900. The higher your score, the better. Factors that influence your credit score include your payment history, the amount of debt you owe, the length of your credit history, new credit inquiries, and the types of credit you use.

2. Check Your Credit Report Regularly

It’s important to check your credit report regularly to ensure all information is accurate. Errors on your report can negatively impact your score. You can get a free credit report from the major credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion, once a year. Look for discrepancies and report any errors to the credit bureau to have them corrected.

3. Make Payments on Time

Payment history is the most significant factor affecting your credit score. Late payments, even by a few days, can have a substantial impact. Set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure you pay your bills on time. Consistent, on-time payments will steadily improve your credit score over time.

4. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Credit utilization refers to the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits. It’s recommended to keep your credit utilization below 30%. For example, if your credit card limit is $10,000, try to keep your balance below $3,000. High credit utilization indicates you might be over-relying on credit, which can lower your score.

5. Pay Off Debts

Reducing the amount of debt you owe can significantly improve your credit score. Focus on paying off high-interest debts first while maintaining minimum payments on other accounts. Creating a debt repayment plan can help you manage your payments more effectively.

6. Don’t Close Unused Credit Cards

It might seem like closing unused credit cards would help your score, but it can actually hurt it. Closing a credit card reduces your overall available credit, which can increase your credit utilization ratio. If you don’t use a card often, keep it open but use it occasionally to keep it active.

7. Limit New Credit Applications

Each time you apply for new credit, it results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. Too many hard inquiries can lower your credit score. Be selective about applying for new credit, and only do so when necessary.

8. Diversify Your Credit Mix

Having a variety of credit types, such as credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, and mortgages, can improve your credit score. This demonstrates that you can manage different types of credit responsibly.

9. Consider a Secured Credit Card

If you have a low credit score or no credit history, a secured credit card can be a good option. It requires a security deposit, which serves as your credit limit. Using a secured card responsibly can help you build or rebuild your credit score.

10. Be Patient and Consistent

Improving your credit score is a gradual process. It requires consistent effort and time. Stay committed to making smart financial decisions, and over time, you will see positive changes in your credit score.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by the Government of Canada, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Improving your credit score can open up more financial opportunities and provide greater peace of mind. By following these steps and staying disciplined, you can achieve a healthier credit profile and secure a brighter financial future.