Downsizing: Selling Your Home.

Cindy Murphy
Feb 23
7 min read

Episode #15: A Thoughtful Guide to Selling Your Home and Downsizing with Confidence.

This week, the "Living Smaller & Loving It!" downsizing blog is exploring Selling Your Home Later in Life with guest contributors and Realtors, Traci and Todd Bertz of Resource Homes/Kansas City. (Please see their BIOs at the bottom of the post.)

As always, please see our ANNOUNCEMENTS at the bottom of the page.

For many people in their later years, the family home holds decades of memories. Deciding to sell it—often to downsize or move closer to family or care—can feel emotional, complicated, and even intimidating.

Adult children who step in to help may also feel unsure about how to guide the process without adding stress. The good news is that selling a home later in life does not have to be rushed or overwhelming. With the right support and a clear plan, it can be a smooth transition that opens the door to a safer, simpler, and more comfortable next chapter.

Below is a step-by-step overview of the process—from the decision to sell through closing—along with guidance on choosing the right realtor, pricing the home correctly, and preparing the property for sale without unnecessary repairs or upgrades.

Step 1: Making the Decision to Sell

The decision to sell usually comes from one (or more) of these common life changes:

Maintaining the home feels physically or financially burdensome
Stairs, yard work, or repairs are becoming unsafe
A desire to move closer to adult children or caregivers
Transitioning to a smaller home, condo, or senior living community
Loss of a spouse and a home that now feels too large

This step is emotional, and that’s normal. Give yourself time to talk through concerns, involve trusted family members, and ask questions. Selling doesn’t mean erasing memories—it means choosing a home that better fits your current needs.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Realtor Is Critical

One of the most important decisions in the entire process is choosing the right real estate professional. This is not just a business transaction—it’s a relationship.

What to Look for in a Realtor:

Experience with senior clients
A good realtor should be patient, respectful, and comfortable explaining things clearly without rushing.
Experience working with older homeowners, estates, or downsizing situations is a major plus.
Strong marketing expertise

Marketing matters. Your realtor should:

Use professional photography
Create compelling online listings
Understand how today’s buyers search for homes
Know how to highlight your home’s strengths, even if it’s older
Clear communication

The best realtor keeps everyone informed—homeowners and adult children alike—while respecting boundaries and decision-making authority.

Problem-solving skills

From coordinating estate sales to navigating inspections, repairs, or buyer requests, an experienced realtor helps reduce stress, not add to it. Tip for adult children: Attend the initial meetings, if possible, but let your parents feel in control of the final decision.

Step 3: Understanding Market Value and Pricing Your Home Correctly

Many long-time homeowners remember what their house cost decades ago—or what a neighbor sold for years back. Today’s market is different, and pricing correctly from the start is essential.

What Is a Market Analysis?

A realtor will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which looks at:

Recent sales of similar homes nearby
Current homes on the market (your competition)
Market trends (how fast homes are selling, buyer demand, pricing patterns)

Why Correct Pricing Matters.

Overpricing can cause the home to sit on the market, leading to price reductions later
Underpricing can raise concerns or leave money on the table
Proper pricing attracts serious buyers and can reduce stress and showings

A good realtor explains pricing in plain language and helps you choose a number that makes sense for your goals.

Step 4: Preparing the Home for the Market—What Matters and What Doesn’t

One of the biggest concerns for older homeowners—especially widows—is, “I can’t handle repairs or renovations.” The truth is: you often don’t need to.

What Is Important?

Safety issues (obvious hazards like loose railings or severe leaks)
Cleanliness (a clean home shows better than a remodeled one that’s dirty)
Decluttering (less furniture helps rooms feel larger)
Basic tidying (clear counters, organized closets)

These steps make a strong first impression without requiring physical labor or large expenses. Family members or professional organizers can help with this stage.

What’s Often Not Necessary.

Major renovations
Kitchen or bathroom remodels
New flooring
Repainting the entire home

Many buyers expect older homes to need updates and prefer to make their own changes.

Selling the Home “As-Is”: What Does That Mean?

Selling a home “as-is” means the seller is not agreeing to make repairs or improvements. The buyer still has the right to inspections, but the seller is upfront that they will not be fixing issues. This approach is very common for sellers in their 80s and beyond.

Key points to understand:

“As-is” does not mean hiding problems
Homes must still be marketed honestly
Buyers factor condition into their offers
Many buyers are comfortable with as-is properties

A skilled realtor will position the home properly, so expectations are clear from the beginning.

Step 5: Showings, Offers, and Negotiations

Once the home is listed:

Your realtor schedules and manages showings
Offers are presented and explained carefully
Negotiations may include price, closing date, or contingencies

For seniors, flexibility on closing timelines can be just as important as price—especially if coordinating a move to a new residence. Adult children can help review paperwork, but a good realtor ensures the seller fully understands

every decision.

Step 6: From Contract to Closing

After accepting an offer, the process includes:

Inspections and appraisals
Final paperwork
Coordination with attorneys or title/escrow companies
Closing day, when ownership officially transfers

Your realtor guides you through each step and ensures deadlines are met. On closing day, proceeds are distributed, and the transition is complete.

Traci and Todd Bertz — Traci & Todd Bertz, Realtors/Owners, Resource Homes

Resource Homes is a Kansas City–based real estate team grounded in integrity, strategic insight, and proven results, and uniquely equipped to guide homeowners and their families through the complex process of selling later in life.

With extensive experience in senior transitions, estate sales, and downsizing, they understand that these moves involve far more than simply listing a property. They require compassion, thoughtful coordination, and trusted partnerships.

For homeowners seeking a simpler path, Resource Homes can connect sellers with vetted investors who are willing to purchase properties as-is—eliminating the need for repairs or updates. In some cases, they can even facilitate the purchase of both the home and its contents, relieving families of nearly every logistical responsibility. From hiring crews to clean out and haul away remaining items to managing each step of the transaction, Resource Homes provides steady, experienced guidance so sellers can move forward with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind.

The team works closely with specialists like Cindy Murphy of Downsizing Simplified to help families sort, organize, and prepare homes for the market with care and respect. They also collaborate regularly with probate attorneys or wealth advisors to ensure every sale is handled properly and in accordance with estate requirements.

Traci has been in real estate since 2018 and has 30+ years of project management experience in marketing and advertising, along with a passion for staging, design, and community connection. Traci is a certified new home construction agent and focuses on buying and selling residential real estate. She is actively involved in community service with Boost KC and its Threads2Thrive program.

Todd has been in real estate since 2019 and combines deep local expertise with decades of experience in sales, marketing, and acquisitions. In addition to residential real estate, Todd leads the team for real estate investment and commercial real estate transactions. A three-time national sales award winner, he is known for strong negotiation skills and building lasting client relationships.

https://www.resourcehomeskc.com/

###

"Living Smaller & Loving It!"

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We're turning 19!

Visit our slightly unconventional humor celebration "I'll never forget when..."

posted now on our

STORIES, SNIPPETS & SHARES page.

March 24, 2026: Foxwood Springs Senior Living Community in Raymore, MO will be hosting my "Living Smaller & Loving It!" downsizing event. If interested in the event and Foxwood Springs, you can send an "I'm interested" message via the website's Contact page now, or wait for the event's formal announcement soon!
COMING UP Spring 2026: As our new "Senior Living in Kansas City" web page prepares to launch (Spring '26), I wanted to share some statistics that we've recently compiled regarding the senior communities that are currently available in the Greater Metro. The "Senior Living in Kansas City" page will list all communities in the Metro, organized by State, then alphabetically by Region (North of the River, etc.) and City.

Our new "Front Door" Program will give participating program communities direct links from their community listing on our page to their homepage. Page visitors will be able to choose the part of the Metro they prefer to live in, the type of community they desire (IL/AL/MC), then select the community, click, and visit! We believe this page will be a valuable resource to our site visitors.

Now the numbers, Metrowide...as of this post (2/11/26), there are:
79 Independent Living Communities
99 Assisted Living Communities
39 Memory Care Communities
TOTAL COMMUNITIES: 217
In addition: 69 Senior Apartment Buildings and Subsidized Housing Units/Apartments

*For communities wanting more information regarding our "Front Door" Program, please connect with us via the CONTACT page, by phone (816) 358-6338 or email, info@downsizingsimplified.com (all accessible through the Contact page). The "Front Door" Program is an affordable participation opportunity!

COMING UP: A new RESOURCES page. This page will feature both not-for-profit and for-profit business resources for seniors. All listings will have direct links to the company's website for immediate contact. If you are a for-profit business and would like more information on listing costs, please use the CONTACT link.

Here are some of the for-profit businesses that conduct business with Seniors (click the arrow to expand or collapse the listing):

In-Home Health Care
Adult Daycare
Elder Law & Estate Planning
Dentist
Physician
Hearing/Audiology
Optometry/Ophthalmology
Podiatrist
Hospital/Clinic
Housekeeping
Insurance
Transportation
Moving
Personal Chef
Personal Shopper
Veterinarian
Realtor/Real Estate Services
Automotive
Junk Hauler
Home Improvement
Plumber
HVAC
Electrician
Estate Sales/Auction

... and more!

Stop by our new TESTIMONIALS web page. We wanted to share some of the feedback our customers have given us about our services. We are proud to have served the downsizing community for 18 years with quality services. We begin our 19th year in business on March 1st.

Please like, comment, share, and subscribe; we appreciate your support.

Downsizing Simplified

Simplifying Lifestyles Since 2007

Episode #15: A Thoughtful Guide to Selling Your Home and Downsizing with Confidence.

This week, the "Living Smaller & Loving It!" downsizing blog is exploring Selling Your Home Later in Life with guest contributors and Realtors, Traci and Todd Bertz of Resource Homes/Kansas City. (Please see their BIOs at the bottom of the post.)

As always, please see our ANNOUNCEMENTS at the bottom of the page.

For many people in their later years, the family home holds decades of memories. Deciding to sell it—often to downsize or move closer to family or care—can feel emotional, complicated, and even intimidating.

Below is a step-by-step overview of the process—from the decision to sell through closing—along with guidance on choosing the right realtor, pricing the home correctly, and preparing the property for sale without unnecessary repairs or upgrades.

Step 1: Making the Decision to Sell

The decision to sell usually comes from one (or more) of these common life changes:

Maintaining the home feels physically or financially burdensome

Stairs, yard work, or repairs are becoming unsafe

A desire to move closer to adult children or caregivers

Transitioning to a smaller home, condo, or senior living community

Loss of a spouse and a home that now feels too large

This step is emotional, and that’s normal. Give yourself time to talk through concerns, involve trusted family members, and ask questions. Selling doesn’t mean erasing memories—it means choosing a home that better fits your current needs.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Realtor Is Critical

One of the most important decisions in the entire process is choosing the right real estate professional. This is not just a business transaction—it’s a relationship.

What to Look for in a Realtor:

Experience with senior clients

A good realtor should be patient, respectful, and comfortable explaining things clearly without rushing.

Experience working with older homeowners, estates, or downsizing situations is a major plus.

Strong marketing expertise

Marketing matters. Your realtor should:

Use professional photography

Create compelling online listings

Understand how today’s buyers search for homes

Know how to highlight your home’s strengths, even if it’s older

Clear communication

The best realtor keeps everyone informed—homeowners and adult children alike—while respecting boundaries and decision-making authority.

Problem-solving skills

From coordinating estate sales to navigating inspections, repairs, or buyer requests, an experienced realtor helps reduce stress, not add to it. Tip for adult children: Attend the initial meetings, if possible, but let your parents feel in control of the final decision.

Step 3: Understanding Market Value and Pricing Your Home Correctly

Many long-time homeowners remember what their house cost decades ago—or what a neighbor sold for years back. Today’s market is different, and pricing correctly from the start is essential.

What Is a Market Analysis?

A realtor will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which looks at:

Recent sales of similar homes nearby

Current homes on the market (your competition)

Market trends (how fast homes are selling, buyer demand, pricing patterns)

Why Correct Pricing Matters.

Overpricing can cause the home to sit on the market, leading to price reductions later

Underpricing can raise concerns or leave money on the table

Proper pricing attracts serious buyers and can reduce stress and showings

A good realtor explains pricing in plain language and helps you choose a number that makes sense for your goals.

Step 4: Preparing the Home for the Market—What Matters and What Doesn’t

One of the biggest concerns for older homeowners—especially widows—is, “I can’t handle repairs or renovations.” The truth is: you often don’t need to.

What Is Important?

Safety issues (obvious hazards like loose railings or severe leaks)

Cleanliness (a clean home shows better than a remodeled one that’s dirty)

Decluttering (less furniture helps rooms feel larger)

Basic tidying (clear counters, organized closets)

These steps make a strong first impression without requiring physical labor or large expenses. Family members or professional organizers can help with this stage.

What’s Often Not Necessary.

Major renovations

Kitchen or bathroom remodels

New flooring

Repainting the entire home

Many buyers expect older homes to need updates and prefer to make their own changes.

Selling the Home “As-Is”: What Does That Mean?

Selling a home “as-is” means the seller is not agreeing to make repairs or improvements. The buyer still has the right to inspections, but the seller is upfront that they will not be fixing issues. This approach is very common for sellers in their 80s and beyond.

Key points to understand:

“As-is” does not mean hiding problems

Homes must still be marketed honestly

Buyers factor condition into their offers

Many buyers are comfortable with as-is properties

A skilled realtor will position the home properly, so expectations are clear from the beginning.

Step 5: Showings, Offers, and Negotiations

Once the home is listed:

Your realtor schedules and manages showings

Offers are presented and explained carefully

Negotiations may include price, closing date, or contingencies

For seniors, flexibility on closing timelines can be just as important as price—especially if coordinating a move to a new residence. Adult children can help review paperwork, but a good realtor ensures the seller fully understands

every decision.

Step 6: From Contract to Closing

After accepting an offer, the process includes:

Inspections and appraisals

Final paperwork

Coordination with attorneys or title/escrow companies

Closing day, when ownership officially transfers

Your realtor guides you through each step and ensures deadlines are met. On closing day, proceeds are distributed, and the transition is complete.

Resource Homes is a Kansas City–based real estate team grounded in integrity, strategic insight, and proven results, and uniquely equipped to guide homeowners and their families through the complex process of selling later in life.