LJ Shoreline: Life Transitions and Real Estate

The Transition To A New Home:

Sometimes life makes sharp unexpected turns…. A breakdown in a marriage or partnership, the death of a spouse or loved one, a parent’s change in capabilities, a job loss… Transitions can be positive or negative but will certainly cause heightened emotions and lots to think about.

These changes may create the need to change where you call home.

Leaving a home you have lived in for years, moving to a different area, needing to sell a home and find another, looking for a rental, cleaning out a parent’s home and preparing to sell it, all of these can cause stress and/or uncertainty. 

Our heads are not necessarily clear, and we may need guidance or assistance in thinking through next steps.

In my 8 years of real estate, I have seen many of these situations.  I have also experienced a few myself personally.    

When you need to make real estate decisions under these conditions, it is vitally important to find partners around you to assist in rational and unemotional decision making.   

Find people who can appreciate and empathetic to your situation and be patient with your process, but also give you unemotional, rational advice and provide you with the time and resources to make the best decisions.   

Things To Consider:

Things that you may need to consider -

• Rent vs buy

• Sell property or lease it

• Pay cash or take out a mortgage

• What type of home/location will best fit my needs

• House, condo or perhaps 55 and over community

• How do I empty a full house or reduce/organize my possessions

Not All Realtors Are the Same:

Real estate agents often have access to a wide network of professionals who can help with these decisions. However, not all Realtors are the same. Before choosing someone to work with, keep these points in mind:

• Do they have experience and good reviews?

• Do they explain everything in the process so that you can understand it, especially if they are asking you to sign something?  Real estate is complicated and filled with forms.

• Don’t sign anything you don’t understand, but sign once you do.   Many documents that realtors ask you to sign are state mandated and are for your protection.  Always ask if you can back out of agreements you sign with them. And how would it work?  You should always be able to change realtors if you aren’t satisfied.  

• Not feeling comfortable, trust your instincts. 

• Consider all advice you are given and take some time to reflect.  In an emotional state, we sometimes will shut down.  

Give Yourself Space & Grace:

Give yourself the space and grace to navigate what you are facing, especially if the change was unexpected or not what you hoped for.

Take your time, lean on trusted experts, and allow yourself to make thoughtful decisions. With the right support, you can move forward with confidence as you begin this next stage of life.

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