March 13, 2024

Downsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home

When you've lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. 


Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although living small might require some adjustments, it can also be liberating––especially if you're in a stage of life where past responsibilities have given way to new possibilities and adventures. 


In fact, many downsizers report feeling invigorated by the change, according to real estate journalist and author Sheri Koones. “It scares people to think of moving into a smaller space,” said Koones to the Associated Press. “But every single person I interviewed who has made the transition says they are so happy they did.”1


The key is to find somewhere you can live well and move around comfortably, without feeling overly restricted. If you like the idea of aging in place or are already in your golden years, you may also want to look for signs that a new home can conveniently age with you. 


With that in mind, we recommend focusing your search around three key factors: desired lifestyle, optimal design, and long-term accessibility. Read on for specific tips, then call us for a free consultation. We can help you identify the types of homes that are best suited to living large with less.


Do you have a loved one whose housing needs have changed? 

Share this information to help start a conversation about the benefits of downsizing.



DESIRED LIFESTYLE 


The best part of downsizing is the lifestyle you unlock when you trade square footage for convenience. With fewer chores and home maintenance tasks to worry about, you can instead channel your energy into other pursuits. 


For example, instead of spending your afternoons working in the yard or cleaning, you can catch up on the news, read a bestseller, start a new craft project, or pursue other hobbies. You may even be able to travel or spend more time with friends and family. 


Research shows that individuals over the age of 65 report more life satisfaction when they have the opportunity to spend time around children, talk with friends, socialize in community centers, volunteer, or engage in hobbies. But that can be hard to do regularly when you've got a home that needs constant attention or you live far from your community.2


As you compare potential homes, keep in mind the type of lifestyle you envision. Do you plan to travel? If so, a home with extra security, such as a condominium or gated community, may give you some welcome peace of mind. Or do you plan to have friends and family stay overnight? In that case, you may want to look for a floor plan with flex space or a property that has access to separate guest suites. 


Alternatively, a senior community that offers catered meals and housekeeping may be a better choice if you or a spouse need extra support. 


Action item: Grab a pen and take some time to envision what your ideal future might look like. Write down the activities and hobbies you hope to add to your life or continue with going forward, as well as the chores and responsibilities you'd love to drop. We can use those answers to help shape your house hunt.



OPTIMAL DESIGN


Even though your new home will be smaller, that doesn't mean it has to feel cramped. As Koones explains, “The key is to have a home that is efficiently designed, both in terms of energy use and in terms of space.”1 


Look for features that can help make a space feel bigger, like high ceilings, large windows, and an open layout. 


Built-in shelving that extends all the way to the ceiling can also make a small room feel more expansive by helping to draw the eye upward. The same goes for highly placed window treatments and striped or mural-style wallpaper, says interior designer, Kati Greene Curtis. “You’ll feel like you’re walking into the scene,” said Curtis to the Washington Post.3 


Efficient layouts with flexible, multi-purpose rooms and few, if any, hallways work especially well for small-scale living. You can also limit dead space in a home by steering clear of layouts with awkward corners, unusable nooks, and other space-eating design elements. 


In addition, look for features that support a simpler, lower-maintenance lifestyle, such as easy-care floors, durable countertops, and bare walls with little, if any, crown molding. 


Don’t write off a home too soon, though, if it feels narrow or congested because of outdated design or poor staging. Cosmetic issues that visually shrink a space are often easy to fix. 


For example, you can instantly make a room feel bigger just by painting it a lighter shade. Adding mirrors and swapping out heavy curtains for sheer ones can also be effective. Plus, utilizing multipurpose furniture with hidden storage is a great way to maximize space. 


Action item: Make a note of your must-keep furniture and other items. Then pull out a measuring tape and write down the dimensions. Once it's time to visit homes, we'll have a more accurate sense of what will fit and how much space you’ll need.


To get your creative juices flowing, you may also want to flip through some design magazines that specialize in compact living or catalogs that feature space-saving furniture and accessories. If you give us a list of your favorite features, we can use it to pinpoint homes that are a good match. 



LONG-TERM ACCESSIBILITY


Buying a home that you can age well in can be a great way to boost your health prospects and happiness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homeowners who age in place instead of in an institutional environment not only save money over time, they also enjoy greater health and emotional benefits.4 


Aging in place is also popular. According to survey findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the vast majority of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 would prefer to age in their own homes.5


But even though many adults want to age in place, only 34% of surveyed adults currently live in a home with the features to make it possible.5 


If you're already in the second half of your life, then it's smart to prioritize accessibility now, even if you're highly mobile. 


Choosing an accessible home will improve your odds of staying put for longer. Plus, you never know when you might need an accessible light switch, handrails in the bathroom, or a seat in the shower, says Sheri Koones. “Yes, older people with disabilities need them, but even younger people break a leg skiing, or have situations where they want a barrier-free shower.”1 


As you consider your options, try to imagine what your needs might be as you get older and be proactive in identifying potential obstacles, recommends the National Council on Aging (NCOA).6 


For example, a single-level home or one with wide enough stairs for a stair lift or access to an elevator may be a more practical choice than a home with lots of narrow stairs. Alternatively, a home with at least one ground-level bedroom and bathroom may also work well for you. 


Consider your needs outside the home, as well: If you frequently visit the doctor, grocery store, or community center, for example, then you may benefit from choosing a property nearby. 


Action item: Review the checklist below, adapted from the National Institute on Aging’s home safety worksheet, or download the full version from the agency’s website.7 Highlight the items that are most important to you. We can reference these guidelines as we consider potential homes and suggest ways to adapt a property to meet your current or future requirements.



HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST 7

  • If a walker or wheelchair is needed, can the entrances to the house be modified — perhaps by putting in a ramp to the front door?
  • Are there any tripping hazards at exterior entrances or inside the house?
  • Are the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair if needed?
  • Does the home have at least one ground-floor bedroom and bathroom?
  • Are there any staircases, and if so, could they accommodate a stair lift?
  • Is the house well-lit, inside and out, particularly at the top and bottom of stairs?
  • Could handrails be installed on both sides of the staircase?
  • Is there at least one stairway handrail that extends beyond the first and last steps on each flight of stairs?
  • Are outdoor steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather?
  • Are there grab bars near toilets and in the tub or shower?
  • Have a shower stool and hand-held shower head been installed to make bathing easier?
  • Is the water heater set at 120° F to avoid scalding tap water?
  • Are there safety knobs and an automatic shut-off switch on the stove?
  • Have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms been installed near the kitchen and in all bedrooms? 
  • Are there secure locks on all outside doors and windows?


BOTTOMLINE


You don't have to compromise on comfort to downsize successfully. We can help you strategize your next move and identify the best new home for you—whether that's a smaller home for rent or another one to call your own. We take pride in offering a full-service real estate experience and assisting our clients through all stages of the real estate journey. And we’ll go the extra mile to maximize your current home's sales price so that you’re set up for financial security.


The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.


Sources:

  • Associated Press (AP) - 
  • https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-f094372b46bae82020c174907eb953c0
  • Healthcare (Basel) - 
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10671417/
  • Washington Post - 
  • https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/02/07/make-small-room-appear-larger/ 
  • HUD User - 
  • https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/fall13/highlight2.html
  • National Poll on Healthy Aging - https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/older-adults-preparedness-age-place 
  • National Council on Aging (NCOA) - https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/downsizing-for-aging-in-place/ 
  • National Institute of Health (NIH) - https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/worksheet-home-safety-checklist_1.pdf 

Is Buying a Home Together Right for Your Family? Here's How to Think It Through

April 1, 2026
For a long time, multigenerational living had a reputation problem. It was the option families turned to when something had gone wrong — a job loss, a divorce, a health crisis. Moving back in with your parents, or having your parents move in with you, meant something hadn't worked out. That story has changed pretty significantly. Today, families are choosing this arrangement on purpose — not as a fallback, but as a deliberate decision to share costs, stay connected, and build something that actually works for how their lives are structured right now. According to NAR, 14% of buyers recently purchased a multigenerational home, and the year before that hit 17%. [1] These aren't people making the best of a bad situation. They're rethinking what "home" needs to do. If this is something you're considering — or something a family member has brought up — here's what's worth knowing before you start the search. Why More Families Are Going This Route The honest answer is: it's rarely just one thing. For most families, cost is somewhere in the mix. Buying together means more income earners on the loan, more people splitting the mortgage, and a monthly payment that's easier to justify. But if you talk to families who've actually done it, the financial piece rarely tells the whole story. Caregiving comes up constantly. Nearly half of multigenerational buyers in NAR's research cited caring for or wanting to be near aging parents as a primary reason for the purchase. [1][4] For older millennials in particular, aging-parent health and caretaking responsibilities were a major driver. That's not a trend that's going away — there are now more than 70 million Americans age 65 or older, and the question of how families want to handle that isn't one most people want to outsource entirely. [2] Remote work has also quietly changed the math. When you're not tethered to an office, living near family becomes less of a sacrifice. You can be close without it costing you professionally, which is a relatively new dynamic. [3] And then there's the harder-to-quantify stuff — the daily support, the shared routines, the sense that you're not navigating things alone. For families with young kids, having grandparents nearby can be transformative. For families with aging parents, so can having adult children close. The point is: if you find yourself drawn to this idea, you're in good company, and your reasons are probably more layered than just the numbers. What to Actually Look for in a Property This is where a lot of families get tripped up. They find a house they love, start imagining how it could work, and convince themselves the layout is more flexible than it really is. Then six months into living together, they realize what they actually needed was a separate entrance, not just a second bathroom. The properties that work best for multigenerational living tend to share a few things in common. They take privacy seriously. Not just in theory, but in the layout. Dual primary suites, separate entrances, a finished basement with its own sitting area, or a detached guest house — these aren't luxury features, they're what make the arrangement actually sustainable. If each household can't fully decompress, host their own guests, and keep their own rhythm, the togetherness part gets old fast. Home design professionals increasingly flag this as the most important feature to get right, and it's easy to see why. [5][6] They're built — or can be converted — for flexibility. ADUs (accessory dwelling units) have become a serious part of this conversation as more cities loosen zoning restrictions. A detached ADU gives you the ultimate setup: close enough to matter, separate enough to breathe. If an ADU isn't already in place, it's worth asking whether the lot and local zoning would allow for one down the road. [5][6] They work for the long game. Think about where everyone in the arrangement will be in ten or fifteen years. First-floor suites, wider hallways, zero-step entries, and rooms that can adapt as needs change aren't just nice to have — they're what make a multigenerational home function well over time rather than just right now. [6][7] The short version: the best multigenerational properties support both togetherness and independence. If a home checks one but not the other, keep looking. The Conversations Most Families Skip Here's the part that tends to get glossed over, because the emotional pull of the idea is strong and the practical details feel like they can wait. They can't. Start with the financial structure early. If multiple people will be on the loan, everyone needs to understand what that actually means. Co-borrowers can combine income and assets to qualify for more — but they also share legal responsibility for the debt and share in whatever equity the home builds. That's meaningfully different from being a co-signer, who carries the liability but doesn't own a piece of the property. Knowing which structure makes sense for your family is a conversation to have with a lender before you fall in love with a house. [8] Define ownership clearly. There are several ways to structure who owns what — joint tenancy, tenancy in common, shared-equity arrangements — and each one affects what happens if someone wants to sell, refinance, or passes away. Equal contributions don't automatically mean equal ownership makes sense, and unequal contributions don't mean anyone is getting a bad deal. But these things need to be spelled out explicitly, not assumed. [8] Get it in writing. A verbal agreement between family members feels fine when everyone is on the same page. It gets complicated when circumstances change — and circumstances always change eventually. A written agreement that covers shared expenses, maintenance responsibilities, common areas, and how exits would be handled gives everyone protection and, honestly, usually makes the conversations easier because you've already had them. [9] Talk through the "what-ifs" before closing. Job relocations, caregiving shifts, a marriage, someone wanting to sell — these aren't worst-case scenarios, they're just life. The way a home is titled can affect everything from Medicaid eligibility to how inheritance plays out. It's worth a conversation with an estate planning attorney or real estate attorney before you close, not after. [9] This stuff isn't fun to work through. But families who do it upfront tend to have far smoother experiences than those who assume it'll all work itself out. Is This Actually the Right Move? That depends on a few honest questions. Is everyone genuinely choosing this, or is someone going along with it? The families who thrive in multigenerational arrangements almost always went in with shared intent — everyone wanted it, everyone understood what they were agreeing to. That's different from one party tolerating it because the math made sense or because it felt like the easier thing to say yes to. Are the financial expectations clear and actually fair? Not just the down payment, but ongoing contributions, equity stakes, and what happens if someone needs to exit. These things are much easier to define before the purchase than to renegotiate afterward. Does everyone have a realistic picture of what shared space feels like day-to-day, long-term? Not on a good weekend when everyone's happy to be together — but on a random Tuesday when someone's had a bad day, the kids are loud, and you just want your house to yourself for an hour. If the answers to those questions are honest and mostly positive, multigenerational living can be genuinely great. The data backs that up. So do plenty of real families who've made it work. BOTTOMLINE Multigenerational living has moved from fallback plan to deliberate strategy for a growing number of families — and it's easy to understand why. The financial upside is real, the caregiving benefits are real, and when it's set up well, the emotional rewards are too. What makes it work is going in with eyes open: the right property, the right legal structure, and honest conversations before anyone signs anything. If this is something your family is exploring — or if it's on the horizon and you're not sure where to start — that's exactly the kind of conversation a good agent can help you think through. Getting the strategy right early makes everything that follows a lot smoother. Reach out anytime — even if you're just starting to think it through. Sources 1. National Association of REALTORS® — Making Extra Room at the Table: Multi-Generational Homes in the United States https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/making-extra-room-at-the-table-multi-generational-homes-in-the-united-states 2. National Association of REALTORS® — The "Silver Tsunami" in Real Estate Is Here: Are You Ready? https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/the-silver-tsunami-in-real-estate-is-here-are-you-ready 3. U.S. Census Bureau — New U.S. Census Bureau Data Show Detailed Characteristics of Home-Based Workers https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/01/work-from-home-inequalities.html 4. National Association of REALTORS® — One Big Happy Household: How Families and the Data Are Shaping Multigenerational Living https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/one-big-happy-household-how-families-and-the-data-are-shaping-multigenerational-living 5. Better Homes & Gardens — Multigenerational Living Will Define the Future of Home Design, According to Thumbtack and Redfin https://www.bhg.com/thumbtack-redfin-home-design-report-2026-11869197 6. The House Plan Company — How 2025 Is Redefining Multigenerational Home Design https://www.thehouseplancompany.com/blog/how-2025-is-redefining-multigenerational-home-design/ 7. National Association of REALTORS® — All Under One Roof: Trends in Multigenerational Living https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/all-under-one-roof-trends-in-multigenerational-living 8. The Mortgage Reports — How to Buy a House With Your Parents https://themortgagereports.com/77007/buying-a-home-with-parents-or-child 9. Elder Law Answers — Home Ownership When Parents and Adult Children Live Together https://www.elderlawanswers.com/what-are-the-house-ownership-options-when-parents-and-adult-children-live-together-14484

What Actually Makes a Listing Stand Out in 2026

March 24, 2026
The playbook for selling a home has changed fast. Active housing inventory rose more than 16% year-over-year in 2025, and 62% of homebuyers paid below the original list price—the highest share since 2019. The average discount hit 7.9%, the biggest in over a decade. What does that mean for sellers? The days of putting a home on the MLS, snapping a few photos, and waiting for offers are over. Today's buyers are more informed, more cautious, and more willing to walk away. The listings that win are the ones that eliminate friction at every stage. Here is what that actually looks like. Know What the 2026 Buyer Is Filtering For Today's buyer is thinking about what a home will cost them after they buy it. According to the 2026 Design Trends Report, 86% of buyers say flexible layouts help them see past square footage. Dedicated home offices, walk-in pantries, and multipurpose rooms now outweigh raw size. Nearly half of buyers say they will not buy a home that does not feel right the moment they walk in. Energy efficiency is being evaluated as a financial hedge against utility costs, climate risk, and future insurability. Terms like "zero-energy ready" and "home battery system" are appearing far more frequently in buyer searches. Sellers who position features like updated HVAC systems, new windows, or solar panels as cost-saving assets have a clear advantage. What does it mean for you? Win the Screen Before You Win the Showing The online listing is the first showing. By the time a buyer walks through the front door, they have already decided they are interested—or they have scrolled past. 85% of homebuyers consider listing photos the most critical factor when evaluating a property online. Not the price. Not the description. The photo. Listings with professional photography receive up to 61% more views and sell 32% faster Twilight photos used as the primary listing image average 76% more views Listings with video get 403% more inquiries Listings with 3D virtual tours sell up to 31% faster and for up to 9% more These are not small edges—they are the differences that help a listing generate momentum. What does it mean for you? Remove Every Reason to Say "No" In a slower market, uncertainty creates lower offers—or no offers. Every unanswered question is a reason to negotiate down or walk away. The smartest move is to answer the scary questions before they are asked. That starts with a pre-listing inspection. For $300 to $800, a seller can identify and address issues on their own timeline and terms, before a buyer's inspector turns a minor finding into a deal-killing negotiation. Home inspections are the number one reason deals fall apart today. In mid-2025, 15% of pending sales fell through—above the 12% historical norm—largely because financially stretched buyers will not absorb surprise repair costs. What does it mean for you? Price It Right or Pay the Price Overpriced listings don't just sit longer—they sell for less than if they had been priced correctly from the start. 39% of all listings nationwide had price reductions in 2025. The typical home sold for nearly 4% under its asking price during peak season, the steepest discount in six years. A listing's visibility and buyer interest peak immediately after launch. Pricing high to see what happens is dangerous: Every week of inactivity makes the next correction less effective Multiple small reductions signal desperation and train buyers to wait for the next drop A single strategic correction, aggressive enough to restart the clock, is almost always more effective Pricing correctly from day one is not conservative—it is strategic. What does it mean for you? The New Definition of a Winning Listing The 2026 winner is not the cheapest or the biggest. It is the most ready. The difference between a home that moves and one that sits often comes down to strategy, not the property itself. What does it mean for you? We're Here to Guide You If you are thinking about selling—or if you have a listing that is not performing the way you expected—let's talk. A strategic approach to pricing, presentation, and preparation can make all the difference in today's market. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional real estate advice. Market conditions vary by location and individual circumstances. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before making decisions about buying or selling property.  Sources HousingWire – The U.S. Housing Market in 2025 Redfin – Homebuyers Are Scoring the Biggest Discounts in 13 Years Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate – 2026 Design Trends Report Redfin – Why 15% of Home Sales Are Falling Apart HomeLight – What Buyers Want in a Home Zillow 2026 Home Trends Report PhotoUp – Real Estate Photography Statistics RubyHome – Real Estate Photography Statistics Matterport – 3D Tours Study Matterport – Property Buyers Prefer 3D Tours NAR Magazine – Pre-Listing Inspections CubiCasa – Real Estate Listing Trends in 2026 Redfin – Home Sellers Cutting Prices at Record Rate NAR Magazine – Listing Price Reduction Navigation

You’re Invited to Our Free Community Shredding Event!

February 26, 2026
At the Vickie Landis Rentsel Team of Keller Williams Realty Group, we’re always looking for small ways to say thank you to our amazing clients and community. That’s why we’re excited to host a FREE Community Shredding Event this spring! If you have old tax returns, bank statements, medical paperwork, or other sensitive documents piling up at home, this is the perfect opportunity to safely and securely dispose of them. ⸻ Why Shredding Matters Identity theft continues to be a growing concern, and one of the simplest ways to protect yourself is by properly destroying confidential documents. Items like: • Old tax documents • Credit card statements • Bank records • Medical paperwork • Pre-approved credit offers • Anything containing your Social Security number or account information Shredding these materials helps prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands.