While we are seeing the market show signs of improvement and uptick in activity in Q4 2025, the biggest challenge we see in the real estate market is affordability. Prices in our area have remained stable after many years of appreciation, and interest rates, while improving, are hovering around 6.25%. This combination has monthly payments expensive, especially for first-time buyers and buyers on fixed incomes, such as retirees, seniors, or people looking to retire and fix their overhead.

In fact, the latest Profile of Homes Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of Realtor (NAR) shows that the rate of first-time buyers is at an all-time low, accounting for only 21% of all buyers. The median age for this group increased to age 40, the highest ever. This illustrates that affordability is putting pressure on this group and delaying their start to building long-term household wealth. The average net worth of a renter versus a homeowner is staggering, so this is an important obstacle to overcome for those who have the resources but find themselves on the bubble of this decision.

I have helped buyers overcome affordability challenges by applying some creative house hacking strategies. These are powerful tools, as they can empower a person to become a homeowner instead of renting, putting them on the path to building household wealth much faster. Plus, Greater Seattle Area rents are costly, so if one can find a way to pay their own mortgage instead of their landlord’s, they will start to build a nest egg of security for their own future.

A common myth we see is that buyers think they need 20% down to buy a home. That is simply not true, according to NAR, the average down payment for a first-time buyer was 10%. While a 20% down payment can eliminate mortgage insurance, there are loan programs such as FHA and some Conventional programs that only require 3-5% down. There are also down payment assistance programs that are available that result in 0% down, and VA financing can be as low as 0% as well.

Speaking of down payments, I see buyers diversify by utilizing or borrowing against stocks and/or 401K funds, and the NAR survey revealed 26% of first-time buyers used these types of funds to achieve their homeownership goals. It is also not uncommon for some fortunate buyers to receive gift funds in order to achieve homeownership, and the NAR survey showed 22% of first-time buyers were able to utilize this route. With the big picture of building household wealth in mind and the fact that everyone needs a roof over their head, having your home be a part of your investment portfolio makes sense.

House Hacking Tips for First-Time Buyers

The “Live in One, Rent the Rest” Starter Play

Shop 2–4 unit properties (duplex/triplex/fourplex). When you buy a multi-unit property and live in one unit, you get to enjoy owner-occupied financing rates. You can live in one of the units and rent the other(s) to help offset your mortgage payment. This could even allow for a lower down payment. It is important to calculate your potential monthly payment and assess rental rates in the area to figure out how having a renter(s) would help offset your monthly overhead. Also, consider if you had a vacancy, could you still make it work while you tried to fill it.

If the numbers work for your monthly cash flow, this is an excellent way to obtain homeownership. Down the road, you are building equity while someone else helps pay down your mortgage. Further, if you wanted to eventually move on to another property, you could sell this and reap the equity for a larger down payment or keep the property (at the owner-occupied financing rate) and rent all the units.

ADU Options

Seattle allows up to two ADUs per lot, and no owner-occupancy requirement (you don’t have to live there forever to keep it legal). Parking requirements are relaxed, too. Outside of Seattle these zoning requirements vary, but this is a rising trend.

You could buy a home with an existing ADU (detached cottage, basement unit, garage studio). Or buy an “ADU-ready”: daylight basement + exterior door, or garage with alley access. Start by renting a room or partial suite now, then add/finish an ADU later when cash allows.

Rent-by-the-Room to Offset Overhead

One roommate can take the edge off your payment; two roommates can be a full-on subsidy. When shopping for a home, prioritize layouts that naturally separate space (split-levels, basements, mother-in-law setups). I’ve seen some buyers already know who their roommate will be, so they can shop with confidence and also be comfortable with their living situation.

Purchase with a Trusted Partner with Similar Housing Goals.

Pooling funds for a down payment and sharing the monthly overhead is a great way to obtain homeownership with a trusted partner. This could be a close friend, family member, or domestic partner. You would ideally need to commit to at least 3-5 years of sharing the mortgage to build equity and avoid selling too early, and having a written agreement outlining the exit strategy is key. Based on average annual appreciation rates, 3-5 years would offset any selling costs and provide equity growth outside of something catastrophic happening in the market. This is a great way to protect your savings, build wealth as a team, and not throw money away on rent.

I knew two young women who pooled their savings to buy a home, and they also placed a roommate in a basement bedroom to help offset the mortgage. They later sold that house when they both got engaged and were able to buy great long-term homes with their partners using the equity they built. This partnered approach on their first home put them on the path to stability, security, and flexibility for their futures.

Buy a Cosmetic Fixer

Many buyers prefer homes that are “done” and fully updated. Those homes often come at a premium because they have a larger buyer audience. If you are willing to live with dated finishes or an unfinished space, you have the opportunity to build sweat equity with improvements you can make down the road when you can afford to.

It is important that you look for a home that’s structurally sound, as those can be expensive items to remedy, such as electrical, plumbing, roof, etc. Hiring a trusted inspector to perform proper due diligence is an important step. A dated kitchen or bathroom is a livable situation, and these homes build equity over time, too. If a home has an unfinished basement, there is an amazing opportunity to finish that space in the future and gain a higher value. Plus, you could rent this finished space to help offset the expense.

Buy a Fixer

There are renovation loans available, such as an FHA 203(k), that can be used to do more extensive repairs, additions, and updates. These loans provide funds to make improvements after closing. They are very detailed loan programs that require further scrutiny on value through appraisal and contractor bids, but can be successful in bringing a broken-down home to a livable structure and on the path to building equity. You have to be hearty and resourceful for these projects, so heed caution when considering this option. I have a great list of vendors and contractors that can help.

Most importantly, you must consider the Triangle of Buyer Clarity when shopping. Whether you are house hacking or just buying your first home without any of these creative solutions, being realistic about what you can afford is paramount. The relationship between location, price, and features/condition matters! Buyers must be flexible with their wants and understand that in reality, they typically get 70-75% of what’s on their wish list. Such as buying a townhome instead of a single-family home, settling on a location a little further away, or choosing a home that is not perfectly updated. However, they get a house and an opportunity to build wealth! This wealth-building game is a step-by-step process with every home a stepping stone over time.

As you can see, this triangle is not a perfectly balanced triangle, some sides are adjusted more than others. A buyer may have to reduce the number of features they would like in order to obtain the price and/or location they desire. This gets them on the path of equity growth, though, so compromise and flexibility are key! You need to get clear on your goals and adjust the triangle to make it work.

In my next newsletter, I will touch on house-hacking tips for multi-generational households. This can be helpful for first-time buyers as well as retirees who are on fixed incomes. This helps families stay together and avoid the high cost of assisted living. In the meantime, if you are curious about how these house hacking tips can help you or someone you know, or you’re just curious about the market, please reach out. It is always my goal to help keep you informed in order to empower strong decisions.

The recently announced proposal of implementing a 50-year mortgage product had tongues wagging last week. There were countless articles, posts and news stories that jumped on the story. There was lots of debate about whether this type of product would be a smart choice in the long term, even though it provides a lower monthly payment. It is not a mystery that the biggest challenge in the real estate market is affordability, and that finding a way to lower monthly payments could help.

Bear in mind that this is speculative at this point, and would require policy changes that would take a year or more to complete if it is decided that this product will be brought forward. And of course, a trusted mortgage professional will provide the best insights; I have a curated list if you would like one. However, I thought it was important to discuss this as it relates to the affordability challenges we are facing in today’s real estate market. In addition, I see it as an opportunity to provide alternative solutions and highlight the benefits of homeownership. So here goes.

The median price for a single-family residential home in King County has increased by 39% since October 2020 and by 20% for condos. In Snohomish County, the median price for a single-family residential home has increased by 33% since October 2020 and by 42% for condos. This, coupled with higher interest rates, has caused monthly payments to jump up, sidelining some buyers.

For example, the median home price for a single-family residential home in Snohomish County in October 2020 was $570,000, and the interest rate for a 30-year fixed conventional loan was 3%, equaling a monthly principal and interest (P & I) payment of $1,922.51 based on a 20% down payment. Currently, the median home price in Snohomish County for a single-family residential home in October 2025 was $755,000, and the current rate for a 30-year fixed conventional loan is 6.25%, equaling a monthly P & I payment of $3,718.93 based on a 20% down payment. This comparison illustrates that monthly P & I payments have increased by 93% since 2020, almost double.

The good news is rates are down 1.66% from the 7.91% peak in October 2023 and down .75% from 7% since May of this year. That, along with decelerated price appreciation, has improved affordability, making now a better time than we have seen in the last two years to buy. The biggest obstacle is putting the historically low rates of the past that are not likely to return in the rearview mirror, and find other solutions to make a purchase. Perspective is key.

The 3-4% climb in rates since the pandemic heyday did not accompany a spiral in home prices. While median home prices peaked in mid-2022 as rates reached 5.5%, prices did correct but then moderated and stabilized. Year-to-date in 2025, prices have been unusually flat year-over-year in Snohomish County and up 1.4% in King County. It appears that home prices are holding and that any decrease in interest rate will only help maintain values and likely cause them to increase.

In fact, over long historical periods, many sources cite about 3% to 5% per year average appreciation nationwide. One estimate puts a long-term average appreciation at about 4.27% per year (1967-2024) nationally. More recently, over the past 5–10 years, some data shows average annual growth closer to 7%-9% due to especially strong market gains.

So, how would a 50-year mortgage help? Adding 20 more years of term to a loan will naturally lower the payment, but it increases interest payments and equity grows slower. Let’s use this example to help understand how it all pans out.

Let’s take a $750,000 home, with a 10% down payment and a conservative annual appreciation rate of 3%. Then apply an interest rate for a 30-year fixed at 6.25% and for a 50-year fixed at 6.5%. It is important to note that a longer mortgage term typically requires a higher interest rate. The 30-year product will result in a monthly P & I payment of $4,156, and the 50-year product will result in a monthly P & I payment of $3,805, a savings of $351 per month.

While lowering the monthly payment can be helpful to qualify for a higher loan amount and/or reduce monthly overhead, a borrower needs to consider their wealth-building strategy. In the first 10 years of the loan on a 30-year term, the borrower will pay $392,336 in interest and pay off $106,396 in principal; a total of $498,732 paid. On a 50-year term, the borrower will pay $431,546 in interest and pay off only $25,064 in principal; a total of $456,610.

Based on 3% annual price appreciation over those 10 years, the home’s value would be $1,008,000. The 30-year term borrower would have $439,396 in equity, and the 50-year term borrower would have $358,064 in equity, a $81,332 difference. Both options build more wealth vs. renting, which highlights the benefits of homeownership as one of the most powerful wealth building tools.

So, who should consider this option and who should not? And when I say consider, it doesn’t mean recommend – it means knowing your options. If this option were to show up in the future, most borrowers will review all their choices and then decide which product best suits their goals. Note, for many, waiting to qualify for a 30-year term may be a better choice given their circumstances and long-term plans.

Things to Consider With a 50-Year Mortgage
It can create a different balance between affordability and long-term cost. Here are some points to think about when deciding whether it might fit your situation:

Monthly Payment Flexibility
A longer loan term can reduce monthly payments, which may make a home feel more manageable from a month-to-month budget perspective. This can be helpful for buyers who want or need lower payments early on.

High-Cost Markets
In very expensive areas, stretching the term may make purchasing a home more attainable. It can be one way to navigate markets where prices rise faster than incomes.

Cash Flow Priorities
Some buyers prefer to keep monthly costs as low as possible so they can direct money toward:

• Investments
• Savings
• Renovations
• Other financial goals

A 50-year mortgage may support that flexibility.

Long-Term Plans for the Home
If you expect to stay in the home for a long time, the slower pace of equity building may feel acceptable in exchange for a lower monthly obligation.

Age & Income Trajectory
Younger buyers with many decades of earning ahead—or buyers anticipating future income growth—may feel comfortable taking on a longer-term loan with the idea of refinancing, selling, or paying extra over time. Although if you are able to pay extra, a 30-year loan makes more sense.

Other Factors to Keep in Mind
While there can be advantages, there are also trade-offs worth weighing:

• Total interest costs will be significantly higher over the life of the loan.
• Equity builds more slowly, which may matter if you plan to sell or refinance soon.
• It may not fit well for buyers nearing retirement or those who want a rapid payoff timeline.

A 50-year mortgage can be one tool to improve affordability or cash flow, but it’s helpful to consider how the lower monthly payments align with your long-term financial goals, timeline, and comfort with the slower accumulation of equity.

Other options that can improve buyer affordability besides a 50-year term include some house hacking tricks. And the good news is these can be used now, given that the 50-year term is only a speculative, albeit one that got a lot of attention.

Some house hacking tricks that can help offset monthly payments include: buying a duplex or a triplex and living in one of the units and renting the other(s); buying with the plan to have a roommate(s) who will pay rent and offset your monthly payment; or buying with a trusted partner and sharing the monthly payment while you build equity together. In my next newsletter, during the week of Dec 8th, I will expand on these house hacking options, plus some others, and share some success stories.

Until then, the most important thing to understand is that owning real estate builds wealth faster than renting, but how long you plan to stay in the house and your loan term matters for the long-term equity picture. That is why it is important to consult with a trusted real estate professional and a skilled lender to help you organize and execute a winning, solvent plan.

As always, it is my goal to help educate and shed light on all of your options, so you are empowered to make strong decisions. If you or someone you know is curious about how today’s market trends align with your housing goals, please reach out.

As we round out 2025, we wanted to share some aspects of the current real estate market worth celebrating: equity and inventory! Below, you will see a 10-year equity study for Snohomish and King Counties, based on Single-Family Residential and Condos, along with a current assessment of inventory levels and their effects on the climate of the market. I felt it was important to bring you this information, whether you are a homeowner, renter, or if you are considering a move in the future. The market is finding balance, rates are gradually falling, and home values are maintaining.

Home equity is incredibly strong in our region and is the backbone of household wealth for many. This nest egg provides financial security, can be a vehicle to create a move to a home that is a better fit for your lifestyle, or provide the funds to do a home remodel. The long-term hold investment in real estate continues to be a bright light economically.

Inventory levels have increased over the last two years and we are experiencing balance in the market which is providing opportunities for buyers to strike with less rush and frenzy. This has been especially beneficial for those who need to sell their homes in order to make a purchase. We’ve started to see an uptick in contingent sales and bridge loans to make a move smoother and more attainable. First-time homebuyers are also seizing the opportunity to lock in a lower interest rate and the affordability of stabilizing prices. Rates have decreased by nearly 1 point since May 2025.

The image below from FHFA shows the long-term price growth (since 1991) in our state and metropolitan area. The figures are impressive at 480% in the state of Washington! I’d be happy to perform a custom equity study for you beyond the county information above and national figures below that is specific to your home’s specific features and today’s market trends.

Whether you own your home already or are considering building wealth through homeownership, I would love to help you analyze how equity growth and inventory levels could benefit your real estate goals. It’s always my goal to help keep you informed to empower strong financial decisions that augment your quality of life! Please reach out if you want to learn more.

The numbers tell us we’re steady, not sinking. Let’s replace uncertainty with perspective and see how stability sets the stage for opportunity and long-term success.

After years of rapid appreciation, the market is simply taking a breath. Prices are holding steady, inventory is at its healthiest level in over a decade, and interest rates are easing — all signs of balance, not decline. If you’ve been feeling uncertain about the housing market lately, you’re not alone. The media (news or social) loves drama, but the data tells a quieter, steadier story. What we’re seeing right now isn’t a recession — it’s a reset.

The combination of rates coming down by 0.78% since January 2025 and prices remaining flat year-over-year means that monthly payments for a new mortgage are starting to ease. This is a welcome trend for buyers who have been grappling with affordability. We’ve even started to see buyers who already own a home, willing to give up their lower rate to make moves to homes that better fit their lifestyle needs.

Another reason we are not in a recession is the abundance of equity many homeowners have. Median price in King County is up 33% since 2020 and up 98% since 2015. In Snohomish County, the median price is up 42% since 2020 and up 115% since 2015. During this time, prices grew quickly vs. the historical norms of 3-5% a year. Hence, prices remaining flat makes sense as the market levels out and finds its equilibrium. Further, according to Census data, a record 40% of Americans own their homes free and clear, the highest level recorded.

This kind of “flat” market often feels uncomfortable because it’s different from the fast-paced, multiple-offer environment we grew used to and found exciting. But in reality, flat doesn’t mean failure. It means opportunity — for buyers to make thoughtful moves without frenzy, and for sellers to position their homes strategically in a more stable environment and reap their well-established equity.

In my years of watching market cycles here in the Greater Puget Sound Area, I’ve learned that perspective is everything. For sellers, how long they’ve been in their home, assessing their equity level, and where they want to go are what matters most. A segment of the market that I’ve seen take a step back is speculative sellers hoping to buck the current trends and make a quick gain.

It is important to note that owning real estate is a long-term hold investment and not an overnight come up. The extreme ramp-up in home values from 2020-2022 skewed that viewpoint for some. A valuable rule of thumb to adhere to is the 5-year rule. Outside of the Great Recession of 2007-2012, holding for 5 years has overcome a flat market or any short-term dips in values. It’s also important to understand that your home serves two purposes: your safe place and an investment.

A home is surely an investment, but also a place to call home. It doubles as the place where one finds shelter, makes memories, and becomes a nest egg over time. It’s impossible to “time” the market! It’s more so about matching your home to your current needs, affording the monthly payment, and planning to stay awhile. With those three elements in mind, a successful investment will happen along with living in a home that aligns with your life.

For buyers, we haven’t seen this calm of a market environment and selection in ages. In our region, we are currently experiencing a balanced market (2-4 months of inventory). In some areas of the country, a balanced market looks different (3-6 months), but for our area, it’s tighter due to density, industry, and limited land availability.

While we do occasionally still see multiple offers, they are no longer the norm. Buyers are now afforded the benefit of longer market times, allowing for negotiated contract terms to support performing due diligence over a longer time. They also do not have to escalate as high in price to obtain a home. My hope is that buyers who have sidelined themselves or are considering a purchase realize that this is a great time to buy!

If you’d like to talk about what this balanced market means for your goals — whether it’s buying, selling, both, or just planning ahead — I’m here to help you make decisions with confidence. Following the news, doomscrolling, or listening to an isolated story could veil you from the truth the data provides. While the market might seem “boring” right now, I’ve seen many buyers and sellers find great success. Let’s talk and apply your goals to today’s trends!

Two unique opportunities have lined up for buyers:

Lower Interest Rates – With rates down almost three-quarters of a point, a $500,000 mortgage costs $232 less per month than it would have just a short time ago. That’s nearly $84,000 saved over 30 years.

More Homes to Choose From – We’re seeing the highest inventory in 14 years, giving buyers more options, less competition, and greater negotiating power.

Why this makes it a good time to buy:
Opportunity to Build Wealth – Prices are up 2% in King County and 1% in Snohomish County year-over-year and if rates continue to soften, prices will rise. Fixing your price now will lend itself to great, long-term equity growth. In fact, homes in King County are up 33% over the last 5 years and up 80% of the last 10 years. They are up 42% in Snohomish County of the last 5 years and up 98% over the last 10 years.

Find the house that best suits your life – Moves are brought on by life changes. If you see yourself entering a new chapter, whether it is joy-filled or challenging, a purchase can help align your home with your life. Pause to assess if now would be the right time to make a move and consider the advantages of the current market.

All of this means more affordability and more choices—a rare combination in real estate. Please reach out if you would like to learn more. It is my goal to help keep my clients informed so they are empowered to make strong decisions.

2025 has been the year of a power shift in the real estate market, as we experience more balance in the market. Increased inventory has provided the biggest advantage for buyers, giving them more selection, which has tempered price growth and aided affordability. In King County, there were 43% more available listings in July 2025 over July 2024, and 47% more in Snohomish County. This, along with the new normal of interest rates, has buyers who are ready to make a move in a positive position to pounce. We have even seen rates come down close to 6.5% for a 30-year conventional loan and to 6.15% for FHA and VA loans in the last two weeks!

Surprisingly, as we find ourselves in the dog days of summer with many people enjoying the last bits of kids being out of school, taking vacation time, and savoring all the PNW has to offer during the summertime, we have seen buyer activity start to increase. Month-to-date this August, pending sales are up over July 2025 by 9% in King County and up 17% in Snohomish County. This is on the heels of pending sales leveling out in King County in July 2025 over June 2025 and increasing by 12% in Snohomish County. With 36% more homes for sale in King County YTD and 41% more in Snohomish County, buyers are starting to understand the opportunity increased selection brings. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), mortgage applications are also up year-over-year.

The increased selection has created more room for buyer negotiations and further opportunity to perform due diligence. Compare this to the previous onslaught of bidding wars, buyers now have a calmer environment to make big decisions. We have even seen the return of successful home sale contingencies when the right situation presents itself. Basically, the market has become more fluid and less of an uphill battle for buyers to secure a home. Evidenced by the average list-to-sale price ratio for a home in King and Snohomish Counties in July, at 98%. Last July, when there was less selection, the average list-to-sale price ratio was 100% in King County and 99% in Snohomish County. With that said, we are still seeing homes that are brought to market that are well priced and in prime condition getting multiple offers and selling for over list price. It is just no longer the norm and more so the exception.

This has resulted in median price growth becoming flat, but not faltering. In King County, the median price is up 1% this July over July 2024, and is equal in Snohomish County. Further, when you calculate the average median price over the last 12 months in King County and compare it to the previous 12 months, median price is up 4% in both King and Snohomish Counties. We are nowhere near a free fall in prices; what we are experiencing is a deceleration in price growth. Since this has followed the unprecedented double-digit, year-over-year price growth we saw during the pandemic, some may see this as the sky is falling, which is simply wrong. This is a good thing!

The abundance of equity that was gained over the last five years and certainly over the last decade has many sellers making great gains. Median price in King County, including single-family residential homes and condos, is up 31% since 2020 and up 73% since 2016; and in Snohomish County, it’s up 40% since 2020 and up 99% since 2016. Bear in mind, real estate is a long-term hold investment, and timing a sale after the original purchase can have an impact. We are seeing many Baby Boomer sellers start to make big moves towards retirement, enjoying their well-earned financial freedom and, in some cases, addressing health needs. The move-up buyer/seller is returning to the market as well, putting their equity to work for them to purchase a home that better fits their household size and preferred location.

With interest rates predicted to only slowly recede, some buyers are using negotiated credits to buy down their interest rate and decrease their monthly payments. Buyers who are finding a way to make the monthly payments work, either through buy-downs or budgeting, are getting themselves into homes that feel better for their lives. They are also setting themselves up for long-term gains as their nest egg grows while they enjoy their home. It is important for everyone to understand that real estate is not typically a quick come-up investment. The pandemic years skewed that perspective, and returning to more historical norms should be welcomed, as that growth was unsustainable.

If you have been considering a move or know someone who is, now is a great time to consider your options and start planning. We have even seen first-time home buyers eager to jump into the market and start building wealth. I could easily apply the statistics above to your specific location, and we can apply the market conditions to your goals. Meeting up in person or via Zoom to discuss what this market has to offer and answer your questions is the foundation of my service. It never hurts to dream, plan, and discuss whether your desired outcome results in doing something sooner or later. This consultation meeting will lead to confident decision-making based on clarity and trust. It is a positive and proactive step forward, and is always based on the pace of my clients’ wants and needs. It is my goal to help educate in order to empower strong decisions. Please reach out if you want to chat about how your goals align with today’s market or if you know someone who could use this counsel.

In 2025, we have seen a year-over-year increase in new listings. New listings are up 16% in King County and 10% in Snohomish County, following a 19% increase in King County and an 18% increase in Snohomish County in 2024 compared to 2023. This mounting increase piqued my curiosity, and I began to notice some trends in the inquiries that were coming my way. The trend involved Baby Boomers being on the move!

Baby Boomers account for 21% of the US population and are now in their 60s to early 80s. This is a large group navigating major life changes. With fewer encumbrances and responsibilities, many see this as an incredible opportunity to explore their freedom and financial stability. It’s their time! Some are also slowing down, possibly facing challenges, and are seeking comfort and assistance. Many Baby Boomers are moving out of their longtime homes and choosing to reposition either in the same area or out of state. They are buying their dream home that aligns with their lifestyle (think snowbirds), downsizing to a condo or small rambler, moving in with or near family, or relocating to a retirement community, and in some cases, an assisted living facility. The good news is that this generation is sitting on a substantial amount of home equity that is fueling these moves and providing the means to achieve their goals.

The average Baby Boomer has owned their home for 17-23 years and has 60-80% home equity, and in many cases, owns their home free and clear. In May 2025, the median price for a single-family residential home in King County was $865,000, and $785,000 in Snohomish County. That is a 127% increase in King County over 20 years and 162% increase in Snohomish County. This nest egg is providing Baby Boomers the financial flexibility to move to a place that will bring peace, ease, and enjoyment in their next chapter.

Deciding to sell a longtime home is never just about real estate—it’s about life, legacy, and letting go. For many Baby Boomers, the idea of moving can bring up a flood of emotions, logistical hurdles, and financial questions. As a real estate professional who has worked with many beloved clients in this exact stage of life, I want to offer some guidance—not just as a broker, but as someone who deeply cares about helping people make this transition with grace and confidence. Whether you’re considering a move yourself or you’re supporting a parent or loved one through this decision, here are some of the biggest challenges we see—and some helpful ways to navigate them.

Fearing the Unknown
Change is never easy, especially when it means leaving behind a familiar neighborhood or lifestyle. There’s often a real fear about what the next step looks like.
What helps:
Take your time exploring options. Visit potential new homes or communities before making a decision. Think about what you want out of life: less upkeep, more walkability, or being closer to loved ones. Often, the move brings more peace, not less. It’s the transition that can be stressful and intimidating, but the end result is worth the temporary discomfort.

Letting Go of a Lifetime of Memories
Your home holds decades of family stories. Maybe it’s where you raised your children, loved your pets, celebrated holidays, or shared countless quiet mornings. The thought of saying goodbye can feel overwhelming.
What helps:
Consider reframing the move. You’re not erasing memories—you’re making space for a new chapter. Think of it as passing the home on to a new owner who will love it just as much. Many clients find comfort in creating photo albums or video tours to preserve those meaningful memories.

Facing the Overwhelm of What to Do with Your Stuff
Sorting through years (or decades) of belongings is one of the biggest roadblocks. It’s easy to get stuck when everything feels important.
What helps:
Start small. Focus on one room at a time, and prioritize the items that hold true sentimental value. Enlist a senior move manager or downsizing expert who specializes in this type of transition. Their help can make the process feel more manageable—and far less emotional. I have contacts for professionals who specialize in these services, whether it is sorting and packing or estate sale assistance, I can connect you with trusted service providers.

Managing the Physical Demands and the Time Suck of a Move
Packing and moving can be tough at any age, but especially so for those with mobility issues or health concerns. Furthermore, if you are still working and have a busy schedule, a move can seem out of reach.
What helps:
This is the time to lean on help. There are incredible services available that handle packing, organizing, moving, and even estate sales. Make sure the new space is designed with safety and comfort in mind—single-story homes, walk-in showers, and easy access all make a difference. This move is an opportunity to have your home align with exactly what you need and want to thrive.

Navigating the Financial Piece
Worries about affording a new place—or not getting full value from the home sale—can keep people stuck.
What helps:
Work with a trusted real estate broker, CPA, and financial advisor who understand your goals, tax code, and the current market trends. Many of my Baby Boomer clients are surprised to learn how much equity they’ve built over the years. That equity can open doors—to a smaller, more manageable home, a lifestyle upgrade, extra savings, or even travel or care options you’ve been dreaming about. Also, if you plan to apply for a mortgage and are approaching retirement, you’ll want to strategize with a reputable lender on whether it makes sense to make your move while you’re still working or after you retire.

Access to Financing Options for My Next Purchase
Once retired, many Baby Boomers are unsure how to finance their next move, especially if the majority of their cash is tied up in the equity of their current home.
What helps:
Accessing your equity to pay for your next place, so you don’t have to move twice or make a contingent offer. Often, properties that appeal to downsizing Baby Boomers are highly sought after, and home sale contingent offers struggle to compete. Utilizing a bridge loan eliminates the need to be contingent, gives you access to a large amount of your equity, and lets you secure your new place before having to sell your current home. Windermere has an excellent Bridge Loan Program with quick approvals that don’t require an appraisal, and no fees are collected until your home sale is closed, eliminating up-front out-of-pocket expenses.

My House Needs Some Work, and I Don’t Have Access to Money 
Maintaining a house requires keeping up with deferred maintenance and making home improvements. These costs can be tough when on a fixed income. Maybe a refresh of a kitchen or bathroom would result in you getting more money for your home when you sell.
What helps:
Have your trusted real estate broker weigh in on your home’s condition and what improvements create the highest return. Windermere also has a loan program called Windermere Ready that allows homeowners to easily access their equity for home maintenance, improvements, and moving expenses. Like the Bridge Loan, the turnaround time is quick, and there are no upfront fees.

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Take Your Time
If you’re reading this and feeling a mix of excitement, hope, and some uncertainty—you’re not alone. Selling a long-time home is a major life milestone. But with the right support, it can also be an exciting fresh start.

If you or your loved one are starting to explore this idea, I’m here to talk—without pressure or timelines. My goal is to equip you with tools and guidance to help you feel confident, informed, and cared for, every step of the way.