Not all seniors are old.
My client Linda is a strong, successful single mom from Mountain View right here in Silicon Valley. For years, Linda dedicated herself to raising her four amazing children in a spacious, comfortable home. As her kids grew older and life took its natural course, each eventually left for college. A few years later, just as Linda had become accustomed to the quiet of her empty nest, they started trickling back home with new partners in tow. Linda’s once vibrant, now quiet, family home exploded into a hub of chaos, with almost a dozen people—and their belongings—scattered seemingly everywhere.
Linda, in love with her family but recognizing the need for peace during her retirement, decided to downsize. The first challenge was to convince her adult kids to clear out all their stuff. It wasn’t easy, but eventually, they got on board and made their way toward the next chapters of their lives. Then Linda and I went to work decluttering and downsizing her own belongings.
Sorting through aging furniture and well-loved sentimental items, we sifted through her old memories, keeping one eye on giving her a fresh start. Meanwhile, my team was giving the home’s exterior a facelift and letting the light inside through sparkly clean windows. Indoors, they replaced carpets and made a few minor repairs and updates. Linda was understandably nervous about the construction expenses, but we assured her it was an investment in her future. (Keep reading to see if her investment was worth it!)
The Glow-Up: The home’s transformation was incredible! With everything up-to-date and in line with today’s buyers’ preferences, Linda’s nervousness turned into anticipation as we put her house on the market. Within two weeks, the market spoke! Multiple offers poured in, exceeding Linda’s wildest expectations! Her once bustling family home became a hot commodity, and her decision to invest in upgrades paid off in spades.
With a heart full of joy, Linda sold her long-loved house and transitioned into a smaller, more manageable home nearby. And because she’s over 55, she enjoys a property tax rate that is very close to what she paid on her previous home. Linda’s significant return on her investment set her up for a comfortable retirement.
Linda has fallen in love with the coziness of her new home and has created a personal haven all her own. Her adult kids, now independent, still share precious moments with her in her new place (but they leave their chaos in their own homes).
Today, Linda thrives in her revamped life. We stay connected through social media, and I get to witness her happiness unfold. Linda is proof that sometimes, letting go of the past opens doors to a much brighter future.
Cheers to new beginnings and Linda’s journey through resilience, transformation, and the beauty that comes with embracing change. Here’s to her next chapter!
Warmly,
Julie
P.S. If you think downsizing in your senior years will be like every other move, you may be in for a big surprise—especially if you try to tackle it alone. I’m Julie, and I’ve dedicated part of my business to helping seniors embark on this newest phase of their lives without undue stress or drama and with maximum return on their treasured homes. Through Wyss Group’s senior arm, SilverNest Estates, downsizing seniors are treated to the same great concierge service clients have come to expect from me and my team, plus the benefit of specialized senior-specific support and expertise AND 10% off listing fees.
Do you know someone looking to buy or sell real estate? Send them our way—they’ll be in good hands!