The bittersweet moment has arrived, where you look around and find your ‘nest’ is eerily empty. The kids have moved out, and the family home feels a bit too spacious. As an empty nester, selling your home isn’t just about moving—it’s about beginning the transition into the next chapter of your life. However the real estate landscape has evolved dramatically over the past 20 to 30 years, so read on to learn how to navigate these changes and sell your beloved family home with confidence.

Goodbyes Are Never Easy…

Your home is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a place built of moments and memories. The kitchen where you cooked Sunday dinners, the living room where you unwrapped Christmas gifts year after year—all these spaces are part of your family’s story. Acknowledge these emotions, but also recognize that this transition opens the door to new adventures and that you will always carry those moments with you, regardless of where you live.

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A New Real Estate Landscape

Selling a home today is a vastly different experience than it was even a decade ago. Here’s what has changed and how you can adapt:

1. Getting Online to Get Sold

The days of selling a home through weekly newspaper ads, endless open houses, and REALTOR® word of mouth are long gone. Today, if your listing is not visible online, you’re going to have a tough time. Online MLS listings, virtual tours, and social media are powerful tools for showcasing your home to a wider audience, opening an array of opportunities that never existed before.

TIP: Work with a REALTOR® who invests in high-quality photos and videos for your digital listing. At the Lisa Hartsink Team, our services include a professional photographer to capture your home’s best angles. Virtual tours act as your home’s first impression and can offer prospective buyers an immersive experience from anywhere, on demand.

2. An Ever-Changing Market

The real estate market fluctuates, which has always been true, but understanding current trends is crucial. 20+ years ago, there may have been fewer external factors influencing buyer behaviour. Today, economic conditions, interest rates, inflation, weather events, global politics, and supply and demand all play significant roles. The 2020/2021 COVID market is a prime example of this. While everything else came to a standstill, real estate sales BOOMED, and the Canadian market saw unprecedented growth.

TIP: Work with a knowledgeable REALTOR® who understands not only the current market dynamics, but who also has experience in a variety of market conditions. Our multi-generational team offers years of experience in all kinds of markets!

3. Getting All Dressed Up

In the past, a clean, tidy, well-maintained home was all it took to appeal to buyers. Today, in the age of DIYers and HGTV, home staging has become an art form. Buyers have higher expectations and want to envision what life in a potential new home might look like for their own family. 

TIP: Work with a REALTOR® who provides home staging. The Lisa Hartsink Team offers in-house staging and home services that include help with things like decluttering, packing, storage, and moving. 

4. Skills at the Negotiation Table

In today’s market, savvy buyers may have access to more information online, but often a licensed professional is still needed to help interpret it. Offers have also become more convoluted due to complicated legislative changes and increased paperwork which your REALTOR® will navigate on your behalf.

TIP: Don’t be afraid to ask your REALTOR® plenty of questions so you have a thorough understanding of the offer process. Our associates are happy to walk you through it from start to finish!

Whether you’re buying or selling, we have a guide to help you on your journey! Download some of our free e-books right here:

What Lies Ahead?

A whole new chapter lies ahead of you, and now is the time to start thinking about how you want to fill those pages! Here are a few things to consider:

1. Identify Your Needs and Wants

Think about what you need in your next home. Do you want to be closer to work or family? Are you looking for a community with certain amenities? Make a list of your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and must-avoids to help guide your search.

2. Futureproofing

Consider how your needs might change in the next 10 to 20 years. If you plan to retire in your next home, look for a property with features that will accommodate those future needs, such as single-level living, minimal maintenance, or accessibility features.

3. Financial Planning

Selling a spacious family home can provide a significant financial boost, especially if you have owned it for 20+ years and are downsizing. Plan how you will use the proceeds—whether it’s for travel or planning your family’s future. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you make informed decisions.

Selling your family home as an empty nester is an emotional journey, and the process might look very different than it did when you last entered the real estate market. By understanding the current real estate landscape and preparing accordingly, you can navigate this transition smoothly. Embrace the change, cherish the memories, and look forward to the new opportunities that await you.

We at the Lisa Hartsink Team are ready to help welcome you to the next exciting chapter of your life, give us a call today and let’s get started! You can call us directly at 905-873-9944 or email info@lisahartsink.com, we’re always happy to help!