Downsizing the family home

[ronandannette]

I don’t want to burden my children selling a 2000 sq foot home that we lived in for 40 years. It’s not fair to them. Been there, done that.

And it would be nice not to deal with yard stuff.

For example sell our house for $650,000 get a nice 1000 square foot condo for $250,000.

Have $350,000 in the bank after realtor and legal fees.

I’m not one for “stuff” and won’t burden my kids with a house of junk.

Two years ago we did basically this exact thing but the goal was more towards positioning ourselves financially for DH’s retirement than any other considerations. We sold high and moved into and fully renovated a modest but lovely apartment condo (although in this market we couldn’t quite hit your potential price point but we did basically make bank).

DH (71) was rather unexpectedly retired last year and we are so glad we had everything in order. Where we are now is where we expect to be unless or until we need a senior's facility.

It wasn’t a huge lifestyle adjustment because we’d already made that particular move 15 years ago and were already very comfortable in a multi-family environment. We already knew that mowing and shovelling is for chumps. The one piece of advice I would give is to not buy a condo straight away but to consider renting one for a bit to be sure you can actually tolerate it. We did that initially when we left our “big house” all those years ago. That way, if it’s just not going to be a fit for you, you can still go for a different type of single-family situation and save an additional sell/buy cycle and all the expense that entails.

 

[soccerdad72]

Our current plans are to sell our primary home once our boys have gotten places of their own and buy or rent something down south for the winter. Probably FL right now, just because my wife's mom is in Fort Myers and she occasionally needs some assistance. That's 2-3 years out, however, so a lot can change from now until then.

 

[MIGrandma]

DH and I are both 68, currently live in the country on a farm in the house he grew up in. We bought the house from his parents in 1980. 4 bed/3 bath. It is too much for us as we age, and we have plans to move into town within 2-3 years. Our daughter and her family plan to build a house and we plan to buy their house they are currently living in. I grew up living in town, so I’m looking forward to being back. It might be an adjustment for DH, having always lived on the farm. But having medical care in town, grocery, etc. it will be wonderful.

 

[china mom]

....

Recent health changes have made me aware I have to do a few things to make my home more senior friendly. One is a ramp to the outside in the event my back gets worse. That's relatively easy and will be completed this fall. The other will be done when I renovate my personal bathroom. Again this fall. And, I'm staying here as it works best long term for me. Family are not far away and friends drop by. And Disney is within reach if I 'have to' fly - 2 hour flight. Otherwise while I can I'll drive.

Boy do I relate to this. We bought our current house to accommodate my mother - who at the time, cold handle the three steps into the apartment. She could not lift her legs to get into the shower/tub combo so we ripped it out and put in a roll in shower (no lip at all).

As her mobility declined, we put a handicapped ramp and porch on.

After she passed, I had about 3 years of battling foot reconstructions in both feet and probably had a cumulative 6 months being non weigh bearing. The stairs to our second floor primary bedroom re still hard on me so I limit my trips up and down the stairs.

Every house I look out form here on out will either be single level or have a first floor primary. Bonus points for 36 inch wide interior doors in case I end up in a wheelchair one day.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

At the moment people aren't downsizing in high numbers if they did it in the earlier part of the pandemic and received a low interest rate. Homes have only gone up in pricing so downsizing could end up costing a lot more than staying put but that also compounds the housing shortage here.

My in-laws increased the size of their home when they moved a few years before the pandemic. From HOA-controlled suburbia to more country/rural with acreage. They immediately spent a ton of money to change things in the house redoing parts of the kitchen redoing a bathroom, they really just wanted the land but the home wasn't as much as they liked. The walk-out basement was finished but they added a bedroom down there, made a kitchenette down there and their youngest kid moved in with her husband for a few years before they moved out. We all thought it was a bad move because at their point in life more land=more caretaking mostly mowing, more house=more to take care of, plus living in a construction zone for 2 or so years. While they are more country and rural that area has gotten a boom due to a new housing subdivision located within 10 mins or so which has significantly brought up the home values (which is bad because that area was known as a low-cost rural area now is quickly becoming a higher cost suburbia area) but if they had to sell the house within the next few years that does mean the value even though it's more country would sell at a high enough number.

Conversely my mom has long-since wanted to move out of her home she's had since the mid-90s in favor of a smaller home or an apartment or condo, hers is already small IMO but she's not necessarily as interested in having the yard to mow/take care of and it's just her living there though she had rented out one of the bedrooms over the years.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

have a first floor primary.

Back when we were looking for our house plan in 2013 (we built our house in 2014) a newer trend was younger individuals looking for a main level bedroom which meant they were less looking at 2 story and more reverse 1 1/2 or 1 1/2 story. I'm not sure it was tied to thinking many decades in the future so much that they wanted more separation from any kids they may have, guests or have different usages for the upstairs bedrooms but there is that advantage from having the main bedroom being on the first floor from a mobility standpoint. In terms of the shower and tub you'd still have to do a major overhaul to make it more mobility-easy but still.

 

[TAX GUY]

We did, about 4 years ago. We went from a 3000 sq' colonial style (three levels plus the finished room above the garage was a different level) to a 2400 sq' ranch style home. Bigger footprint, all being on one level. It does have a walk out basement, that's unfinished. The new house does have much more garage space (three car attached, an 18x20 post and beam barn, a 50' storage container with a car port) and sets about 650' off the road, so it MUCH more private. Its a newer home with more comforts (like central AC, whole house generator and propane furnace. Its also significantly more energy efficient too, so our energy costs greatly decreased. We have zero regrets and absolutely love our new home. We wanted single level living in the event stairs become a challenge for us as we age.

 

[china mom]

Back when we were looking for our house plan in 2013 (we built our house in 2014) a newer trend was younger individuals looking for a main level bedroom which meant they were less looking at 2 story and more reverse 1 1/2 or 1 1/2 story. I'm not sure it was tied to thinking many decades in the future so much that they wanted more separation from any kids they may have, guests or have different usages for the upstairs bedrooms but there is that advantage from having the main bedroom being on the first floor from a mobility standpoint. In terms of the shower and tub you'd still have to do a major overhaul to make it more mobility-easy but still.

Not necessarily. For my winter house in Florida search, I am finding a lot of first floor primary bedrooms with a separate tub and shower. I think builder s caught on that many who want a first floor bedroom want something elderly friendly.

Now, roll in, wheelchair friendly, yes, I would probably have to renovate. Thankfully, I am not there at this time.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Not necessarily. For my winter house in Florida search, I am finding a lot of first floor primary bedrooms with a separate tub and shower. I think builder s caught on that many who want a first floor bedroom want something elderly friendly.

Now, roll in, wheelchair friendly, yes, I would probably have to renovate. Thankfully, I am not there at this time.

I was talking about my area. As far as separate tub and shower that IS the norm here on new builds for a master bedroom. You don't have a tub and shower combo for the main bedroom here for new builds, if it's a full bath on the main level meant to just serve the main level not a master bathroom that could have the tub/shower combo (like ours is set up) but a master bedroom? Nope, it's separate.

When the homes are built with the main bedroom on the first level they are just the same type of bath and show as you'd get if the main bedroom was upstairs, think clawfoot tubs (which are the in thing now) or previously like our jetted tub. Wet rooms became progressively common where the tub and shower were in the same space tiled area and often a glass encompassing both.

They don't build first level main bedrooms here for the elderly in mind unless you're building in the 55+ communities and the maintenance free areas (although even that I've seen bathrooms be exactly the same as what you'd find elsewhere). If you're in the majority of other areas the bathroom is just like any other normal bathroom that may present issues for those with lower mobility.

I think the key here is talking about a main level bedroom as in the master bedroom is on the first floor vs a bedroom on the first floor. What I was talking about with renovating is things like a bathtub that allows you to sit in it, a shower large enough to allow seating for the elderly or thinking about how large the lip is for ensuring water doesn't get out. Those aren't considered in building a bathroom here, so yes if you're going to age in your home and you have mobility limitations you're going to have to rehab that to reconfigure it for your updated needs.

 

[HopperFan]

Did you downsize? Was it a difficult decision?
Are you happy where you are now?

No, No, Yes.

We would not want to leave this area for our three kids ... so to downsize it would cost us much more.

I say when I leave this house it will be with toe tags.

 

[china mom]

I was talking about my area. As far as separate tub and shower that IS the norm here on new builds for a master bedroom. You don't have a tub and shower combo for the main bedroom here for new builds, if it's a full bath on the main level meant to just serve the main level not a master bathroom that could have the tub/shower combo (like ours is set up) but a master bedroom? Nope, it's separate.

When the homes are built with the main bedroom on the first level they are just the same type of bath and show as you'd get if the main bedroom was upstairs, think clawfoot tubs (which are the in thing now) or previously like our jetted tub. Wet rooms became progressively common where the tub and shower were in the same space tiled area and often a glass encompassing both.

They don't build first level main bedrooms here for the elderly in mind unless you're building in the 55+ communities and the maintenance free areas (although even that I've seen bathrooms be exactly the same as what you'd find elsewhere). If you're in the majority of other areas the bathroom is just like any other normal bathroom that may present issues for those with lower mobility.

I think the key here is talking about a main level bedroom as in the master bedroom is on the first floor vs a bedroom on the first floor. What I was talking about with renovating is things like a bathtub that allows you to sit in it, a shower large enough to allow seating for the elderly or thinking about how large the lip is for ensuring water doesn't get out. Those aren't considered in building a bathroom here, so yes if you're going to age in your home and you have mobility limitations you're going to have to rehab that to reconfigure it for your updated needs.

Sorry, I didn't mean to ruffle you. I did not say "a" bedroom on the first floor. I said "primary" bedroom, which you refer to as "master".

I am finding many, many houses with a first floor master with a separate tub and shower in my current house search. Several have a large shower with a bench. I have even found one with one of those sitting tubs where you can walk in close the door before filling. The only thing I have not yet found is a totally wheelchair accessible house (no shower lip, lower counters, wider doorways.

My current home does have a first floor shower with no lip at all. It came in very handy when I was on a knee scooter. I could just roll myself in, sit down and turn the water on and use the handheld shower sprayer - it was a godsend when I needed it. Hopefully I won't need it again any time soon

 

[easyas123]

We are contemplating selling our farm in the next 2 years or so. It will be an adjustment...for us it will most likely mean less space but the same size house, perhaps a bit smaller. We may end up buying two houses as we are also moving to be closer to one of our offices and there isn't anything we are in love with in the immediate area, but don't want to drive 30+ minutes to the office. Sorta like a work week house & a weekend house.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We went from about 1600 SF to 3000+SF not two years ago. Our intention was to build a 2000 SF home but we found a builder ready to go with foundation, well, septic and all permits in place. We went for it. We are now finishing off another 500+SF and repurposing and redecorating an office to a bedroom which will be complete before the holidays. The house was such a great find, within our budget and in a super low tax town. It has more than doubled in value since we built. Company loves the spacious upstairs which they will have all to themselves when visiting (1500+SF). We could easily move upstairs if my elderly parents needed our first floor main bedroom. DH is less than 2 years from retirement. He has space to do woodworking and room for his vintage sports car. I am in charge of design and decor (vintage NH lake) which is my thing. This house has many ADA concepts built in which aside from 36" doors and wide open spaces, no one would really notice.

It serves many purposes. Most thought we were nuts. Once people see it and understand how wonderfully it functions, they see why we chose to build this house. Sometimes life takes you in a different direction and we just went with it and so glad we did.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Sorry, I didn't mean to ruffle you. I did not say "a" bedroom on the first floor. I said "primary" bedroom, which you refer to as "master".

I am finding many, many houses with a first floor master with a separate tub and shower in my current house search. Several have a large shower with a bench. I have even found one with one of those sitting tubs where you can walk in close the door before filling. The only thing I have not yet found is a totally wheelchair accessible house (no shower lip, lower counters, wider doorways.

My current home does have a first floor shower with no lip at all. It came in very handy when I was on a knee scooter. I could just roll myself in, sit down and turn the water on and use the handheld shower sprayer - it was a godsend when I needed it. Hopefully I won't need it again any time soon

You didn't ruffle me just that different regions have different things so what you're seeing in where you are looking as a decision by builders may be just localized to what the area you're looking in which in Florida doesn't surprise me as many retirees go there.

I know you were saying primary, what I was saying is here it would be more common to have a tub/shower combo in a main bathroom if that was the main bathroom for the main level as opposed to the bathroom meant for the master bedroom. Showers are separated here much more commonly than not in new builds for the master bedroom and they aren't being built concerns for the future of the elderly just more with what buyers expect.

You can find large large showers here (regardless of main level or not) but that may not be suited for the mobility needs. Like my sister-in-law's shower could fit a chair (she has a 1 1/2 story home with the master bedroom on the main level built 3 years ago) but the door to get in is probably more narrow than would be easy for someone with mobility needs and and the tub is a free standing tub (as opposed to ours built in jetted tub) certainly not easy to climb in and out of.

Another trend which isn't predominate but is there is a shower but no tub. I know we waffled back and forth between should we keep the tub or not but we did keep it. Some homes have chosen to remove the tub and just keep the shower. Depending on the person and the design of the shower they may be able to make it work as they get older but the builder didn't build it with that thought in mind (which was what my comments were going for).

When I commented my point was that younger individuals, when we started looking at house plans, were seeing a main level bedroom suite in a reverse 1 1/2 or 1 1/2 story more desirable than getting a 2 story house but it wasn't for the reasons you mentioned such as considering aging in place, it was more about separation of areas and different usages of the upstairs (or downstairs for reverse 1 1/2 plans). If you want homes built for the aging in mind it's specific, here, to the 55+ and certain maintenance provided areas.

 

[AustinTink]

Home prices have tripled in Austin since we bought our home 20 years ago and it was already bad to begin with. We have everything we need and then some here, no reason to move and end up with a very small house for more than we paid for this one.

We remodeled our bathroom in the primary downstairs last year and it will serve us well when we are limited in mobility down the road.

 

[Darcy03231]

We did it when DH retired. While it was emotional, I'm glad we did it. I love our retirement home and the area we live in now. If I had the chance to go back to our old house in our old city, I wouldn't go.

 

[barkley]

Every house I look out form here on out will either be single level or have a first floor primary. Bonus points for 36 inch wide interior doors in case I end up in a wheelchair one day

we were not moving with the intent of downsizing but when we were last searching for a new home I knew I wanted something we could age into ideally. with that in mind and having experienced some (thankfully temporary) mobility issues with my prior strokes I eyeballed every home I looked at for wide doorways, wide hallways, and bathrooms that were large enough to lend themselves to access modifications. I immediately vetoed many homes b/c of a trend then with raised (multi step) front entries as well as those same multi step entries into the houses from their attached garages (there was/is no way I would choose to schlep groceries upstairs ).

Back when we were looking for our house plan in 2013 (we built our house in 2014) a newer trend was younger individuals looking for a main level bedroom which meant they were less looking at 2 story and more reverse 1 1/2 or 1 1/2 story. I'm not sure it was tied to thinking many decades in the future so much that they wanted more separation from any kids they may have, guests or have different usages for the upstairs bedrooms but there is that advantage from having the main bedroom being on the first floor from a mobility standpoint. In terms of the shower and tub you'd still have to do a major overhaul to make it more mobility-easy but still.

in the area we formerly lived in the new construction trend in the mid 90's and beyond was for the primary to be on the bottom floor of a two story. this was common for both what were considered entry level homes as well as upper priced models. I could'nt understand the attraction in the 'starter' homes because the bulk of developers were trying to appeal to young couples w/kids or planning to-landscaped to facilitate play structures, neighborhood parks, near elementary schools...when we were looking at them our kids were 4 and 2 1/2 and the idea of having my toddler on the top story of the house with dh and I on the bottom was terribly concerning (I imagined a sleepy toddler falling down the stairs in search of us, a sick kid entailing repeated trips up and down the stairs on our part...). it was pretty telling how impractical these homes were for folks with tiny ones when we looked at a couple of existing homes and those upstairs bedrooms had the appearance of nurseries and kid's room but a glance at the primary bedrooms on the bottom floor revealed a toddler bed or crib tucked in the corner (it was really telling when the kid's big little tykes playsets like mini kitchens, mechanic benches and such were not in their bedrooms but taking up large portions of the downstairs living areas).

 

[Praying Colonel]

We downsized in 2021. Sold our 4 BR/3 BA 3600 sq ft home with a finished basement and a ton of storage room and bought a 2/2 1200 sq ft home with no basement and virtually no storage. It was not a hard decision but I feel like decluttering is our hobby. We had so, so, so much stuff and we still have way too much.

I'd love to go minimalist (so minimalist that I'd like to sell our house and get rid of all our stuff except for a box of mementos and travel the world full-time) but DW gets a vote, too.

 

[SteveH]

We looked around and hated what I saw. Postage size yards, neighbors 12' behind my house, no thank you. To make it worse everything is in freaking shades of grey (gag).

We did downsize by clearing several rooms. Then we decided to take life in a different direction, and we are going to billet a couple Western Hockey League players. Thankfully we found great deals on furniture from Marketplace and the kids move in in 14-days. Having a couple 17-year old players is sure to mix things up for a year.

 

[Willows909]

We downsized in 2022 from a 4 bed/2 bath with full basement. We are in a 2 bed/1 1/2 bath now. It was emotionally tough to get rid of so much stuff but I wish I had gotten rid of more! Kind of "freeing" to simplify. Love where we are now!