Is 2023 the Year for Baby Boomers in Boise, Idaho to Downsize?

Many baby boomers in Boise, Idaho are approaching retirement age and starting to think about what the next step should be. As the cost of living continues to rise, many baby boomers are exploring their options for downsizing their homes - whether it’s for financial reasons or simply for a change of pace. In this blog post, we’ll explore why baby boomers in Boise should consider downsizing in 2023 and the steps they can take to make the process easier.

Benefits of Downsizing Your Home

• Financial savings from lower monthly housing costs
• Having fewer belongings to maintain and organize
• Easier access to medical care and other amenities
• Opportunity to live closer to family or friends
• Reduced stress of keeping up with larger homes

Analyzing Your Current Living Situation

Before baby boomers consider downsizing, they should first analyze their current living situation. This includes evaluating what their priorities are and determining if they can maintain their current lifestyle while on a reduced budget. It's also important to consider how their location affects their quality of life; for example, if they are away from family or friends or if moving closer will help them access medical care more easily. Finally, it’s important to take stock of the possessions that will stay with them in the smaller home and those that can be safely put into storage or donated.

Preparing to Downsize Your Home

Preparing to downsize your home can be a daunting task. It's important for baby boomers to take into account the changes they will have to make in order to make the transition easier, such as sorting through their belongings and deciding what to keep, sell or donate. Additionally, creating a plan for how to arrange furniture and other items in the new space can help reduce stress during move-in day. It also helps to involve family and friends in the process by asking for help with packing, lifting, and unpacking before finally settling into the new home.

Homeowners can also benefit from hiring professionals to assist with downsizing their homes. Moving pods and estate liquidators can help simplify the process of sorting and reducing personal property, while auctioneers can assist by appraising and selling valuable items. Ultimately, preparing ahead of time can save a lot of stress during the move- out process.

Finding the Right New Home in Boise, Idaho

Baby boomers relocating to Boise should consider their lifestyle and needs when choosing a new home. It's important to identify the ideal location, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type of heating/cooling systems, as well as any necessary safety features for seniors such as handrails and wheelchair accessibility. Other aspects to consider include proximity to local amenities such as shopping centers, hospitals, doctor offices, and available public transportation options.

Baby boomers should further take into consideration whether a single-level home or a 55+ community is something they desire. Seniors may find that living in a single-level home is more desirable due to the potential for privacy and independence. Single-level homes often require less maintenance with no stairs to worry about, making them a good choice for seniors who may have mobility issues or difficulty climbing stairs. They also tend to have larger living spaces and often provide additional outdoor space that can be used for gardening or other activities.

Finding a home in a 55+ community can provide a sense of community, with easy access to shared spaces, recreational activities, and services designed specifically for seniors such as transportation, recreational classes, and events.

Selling Your Existing Home

Once you've made the decision to move, the next step is to find find a Boise real estate agent that understands your needs and provides the guidance necessary to get your existing home sold. The key is to look for an experienced professional with a solid track record of working with mature buyers and sellers. They should be familiar with the local market trends and know how to price your existing property correctly. Look for an agent that offers a top-notch marketing program with professional photography and great advertising exposure, which can help accelerate the process of finding a qualified buyer quickly.

Overview

When considering downsizing, it is important to evaluate your needs and budget. Downsizing does not have to be a sacrifice of independence.  Taking the time to carefully plan and consider all of your needs before making a decision can ensure that downsizing ultimately leads to an improved quality of life. If you are considering downsizing and need assistance, the agents at Callison Group Real Estate can help you create a strategy and find the home that suits your needs.