Downsizing in Minnesota, at Your Own Pace
Moving to a smaller home in Minnesota, with a plan that times your sale and your next purchase and never rushes you.
A smaller home can mean a bigger life
When a home has more rooms than you use and more upkeep than you want, moving to a smaller one can free up your time, your money, and your energy. It is also a big decision, and a house full of memories is never only a house.
I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty, and we help Minnesota homeowners move to a home that fits the life they have now.
How do I downsize my home in Minnesota? Start with three questions: what your current home is worth, what kind of home you want next, and which move should happen first. From there, you build a timeline for preparing, selling, and moving, at a pace you are comfortable with.
Plan My Move to a Smaller Home
Should you sell first or buy first?
This is the question we hear most, and there is no single right answer. It depends on your finances and how much uncertainty you are comfortable with.
- Sell first. You know exactly how much you have to spend, and you avoid carrying two homes. You may need a short-term place to stay in between.
- Buy first. You move once, on your own schedule. You will need the funds or financing to own both homes for a time.
- Time them together. With careful planning, the sale and the purchase can close days apart. This takes coordination, and it is something we arrange often.
We review these choices with a lender you trust, so the plan fits your budget before you commit to anything.
What your current home can do for you
For many homeowners, the equity in their current home is what makes the next chapter possible. Knowing your number early lets you plan with confidence.
We prepare a free report showing what your home is likely to sell for and an estimate of what you would keep after your mortgage payoff and closing costs. Start on our home value page.
From there, we talk about what to fix, what to leave alone, and how to present your home so it sells for its full value. Our selling your home page covers that in detail.
Choosing a home that fits the way you live now
Downsizing rarely means settling. It means choosing what matters. Before we look at homes, we talk about how you want to live:
- Layout. One-level living, a main-floor bedroom, or fewer stairs.
- Upkeep. A townhome or condominium where lawn care and snow removal are handled through an association, or a smaller house with a manageable yard.
- Location. Closer to family, to the lake, to the places you spend your time.
- Monthly cost. Mortgage or no mortgage, association dues, property taxes, and utilities, compared with what you pay today.
What to do with everything in the house
For most people, the hardest part of downsizing is not the sale. It is the years of belongings. You do not have to face it all at once.
Start early, and work one room at a time. Decide what goes with you, what goes to family, and what can be donated or sold. We can connect you with movers and cleaners we trust, and with an estate planning professional if your move raises those questions, so the work does not fall on you alone.
We set the listing date around your progress, not the other way around.
Downsizing across Minnesota
We help homeowners downsize in communities across Minnesota, including Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, and Bloomington. Many of our clients stay in the area they know and love, and others move closer to family. You can see how we prepare and market a home on our how we sell your home page.
Let's talk about your next chapter
Whether you are a year away or ready now, a conversation costs nothing. We will talk through your goals, your timeline, and what your options look like. No pressure and no obligation.
Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770. What questions do you have?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sell my house before buying a smaller one?
It depends on your finances and comfort with risk. Selling first tells you exactly what you can spend. Buying first means one move but requires funds for both homes. Many homeowners time both closings close together.
When is the right time to downsize?
When your home takes more time, money, or energy than you want to give it. The best time is one you choose, before a change in circumstances chooses it for you.
How much money will I have after selling my home?
Your proceeds are the sale price minus your mortgage payoff and closing costs. We prepare a net sheet that estimates what you would walk away with before you decide.
How do I deal with everything in my house before moving?
Start early and go one room at a time. Decide what to keep, give to family, donate, or sell. Movers and cleaners can take much of the heavy work off your hands.
Are there taxes when I sell my home to downsize?
Many homeowners qualify to exclude some or all of the gain on the sale of a primary home from federal tax, but the rules depend on your situation. Speak with a tax professional before you sell.
Downsizing by neighborhood
Watch
Watch Our Free Home Seller Video Series
Short videos on preparing, pricing, marketing, and negotiating the sale of your Minnesota home.
5.0 Stars From 101 Google Reviews
In their own words, from clients across Minnesota.
★★★★★
“If you're looking for a realtor who never gets tired of driving anywhere and at anytime to show you housing options, then call Lesley. I had a lot of questions as it was my first time buying a home. She always took her time to explain everything. She responded even at midnight and was never angry even when I called her at odd hours. She was so patient and I am glad she helped me bought my first home. I will recommend her over and over.”
★★★★★
“Working with our realtor, Lesley, was a great experience from start to finish. She was very knowledgeable, helpful, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. She answered our questions and truly looked out for our best interests when negotiating and reviewing details. Buying a home can be stressful, but they made the process smooth and much easier for us. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
★★★★★
“Lesley is an amazing and experienced realtor. I have worked with different realtors in the past and I'll confidently say Lesley is top notch! You can count on her truly fighting and representing you through the whole process. She makes the process almost seem effortless due to her knowledge and expertise. Hire Lesley and you won't regret!”
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