Downsizing in seven steps

Downsizing is an increasingly appealing choice for retirees and couples with older children who want a more manageable lifestyle. Many families are also choosing this option as a way to deal with the cost of living crisis.  

If your Rockhampton property is becoming too big or expensive to manage, moving to a unit or apartment is an excellent way to make life easier.

To take the stress out of the process, here is a simple. seven-step guide to downsizing your Rockhampton home:

Seven steps to downsizing in Rockhampton

1. Make the decision

Think about how practical your home is now that the children have flown the coop. Are there unused rooms? Is it getting too hard to clean? Are power bills higher than you would like?

If your home is getting too big and expensive to maintain or you’re tired of trying to keep up with the demands of a massive property the choice to downsize is obvious. 

Sometimes, honest discussion with your family can help point you in the right direction. You may decide it’s time to be closer to them or they may say they will be less worried about you if you’re in a smaller place. 

2. See what’s available 

With the decision made and your family on board, you should have a look at what properties are available.

Rockhampton has a lot of options, from smaller Queenslanders to simple units and luxury apartments. If you’re keen to renovate, you may want to consider an older home that is in need of some love… this can be a way to improve value while keeping yourself busy. 

The riverfront lifestyle is also growing in popularity, with a convenient location and a closely connected community. Don’t rule out apartment or unit living; once you get used to the lock up and leave lifestyle it can be so enjoyable and relaxing.  

3. Talk to an agent

Downsizing is not only buying but also selling a home. Both of these processes are complicated and you will need the help of an expert if you want to achieve a good price without stress and confusion. 

Reach out to a few local Rockhampton real estate agents for a valuation and a discussion about the steps to sell and downsize. 

4. Start preparing your home

If you have lived in your home or on your property for a long time, there will probably be some work involved with preparing to sell. The process involves decluttering, tidying, cleaning and making repairs. 

A good real estate agent in Rockhampton will guide you through the process and connect you with people who can help. 

5. Advertise, showcase your home and accept an offer

Your property will be listed as for sale for a few days before the first open home takes place, then you can expect buyers to come for a look, either at set times or by appointment.

This can be a bit stressful as you will have to keep the place looking its best and have it ready for two or three viewings, or perhaps more. Your agent will be hard at work during this time encouraging potential buyers to put offers in. 

When you do have an offer, your agent can let you know if it’s worth accepting and help you figure out how much money you will have to put towards your next place. You can also discuss the settlement period; it’s standard for a transaction to take six weeks to settle but you may ask for longer so you can find your next place. 

6. Start shopping and make an offer

With an offer accepted, it is time for you to do some shopping and put in an offer of your own. Your selling agent may even have a place in mind for you, and can give you some advice about negotiating. 

7. Move and start enjoying your new life!

Now it’s time to move! Give yourself plenty of time to pack your things and don’t forget to contact electricity and internet providers so everything is connected when you move in.

The real estate experts at The Agency CQ can help you downsize. Get in touch for an appraisal to start the process.