10 THINGS TO
CONSIDER

Downsizing is rarely about the market. It's about your life — your health, your energy, your desire for simplicity, and what you want the next chapter to look like. The right time is personal. Some people downsize at 58 when the kids leave home. Others wait until 72 when the garden becomes too much. There is no universal answer.

The key questions to ask: Does your current home still serve your daily life? Are there rooms you never use? Is maintenance becoming a burden? Do you want to be closer to family, amenities, or the water? You do not need to have all the answers today.

Before any realistic plan can take shape, you need to know what your home is likely worth — and what that number might look like in one, two, or three years. A home evaluation is not a commitment to sell. It's information. In White Rock and South Surrey, where the market can shift meaningfully from season to season, knowing your position is the foundation of everything else.

Your gross sale price is not your equity. What matters is what you actually net after all costs — and those costs can surprise people who haven't sold in many years. Typical selling costs in BC include REALTOR® commissions, legal fees, moving costs, any pre-sale preparation, and strata levies if applicable. Once you have a clear net equity figure, you can begin comparing it to the cost of your next home.

White Rock and South Surrey offer genuine variety for downsizers: oceanfront and ocean-view condos, well-managed strata townhouses, small detached homes in quiet neighbourhoods, and purpose-built 55+ communities. Before you start looking, it helps to separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves. Single-level living? Elevator access? Underground parking? A view? Pet-friendly building? Walking distance to the pier?

Neighbourhood matters as much as the unit itself. Think about proximity to medical services, family, your social network, transit, grocery shopping, and the amenities that matter to your daily life.

Most downsizers move into strata — and strata living has rules, obligations, and risks that are fundamentally different from owning a detached home. Before you make an offer on any strata property, you should review: the bylaws and rules, recent meeting minutes, the depreciation report, the contingency reserve fund, strata insurance, and any pending special assessments. Age-restricted 55+ buildings can offer significant lifestyle advantages — but the bylaws must be carefully read before you commit.

For most people who have lived in a home for twenty or thirty years, possessions are the hardest part. A condo or townhouse may have 40–60% less storage than your current home. Starting early is the most important thing you can do. Spreading the process over 12–18 months rather than rushing it dramatically reduces stress and gives family members time to take things they'd like to keep.

A home that works perfectly at 65 may present real challenges at 78. Thinking about accessibility before you choose your next property is one of the most valuable things you can do. Key considerations: single-level or elevator access, step-free entry, wide doorways (32"+ for mobility aids), a full bathroom on the main floor, grab bar reinforcement, lever-style door handles, good lighting, and proximity to medical care.

Beyond the cost of selling, there are significant costs on the buying side many people underestimate. When purchasing in BC: Property Transfer Tax (1% on first $200k, 2% on $200k–$2M, 3% above $2M), legal/notary fees, home inspection, strata document review, and moving costs. Al prepares a complete cost summary for every client before they make any decisions — so there are no surprises.

The honest answer is: it depends on your financial position, your risk tolerance, and the current market conditions. Selling first gives you certainty about your proceeds before you commit to a purchase. Buying first means you can take time to find exactly the right property without pressure. In a balanced or buyer's market, selling first is often the safer approach. Bridge financing is available for qualified buyers and is worth understanding as an option.

You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to be ready to sell. You don't even have to have a timeline in mind. The best first step is simply a conversation — one where you can ask questions, think out loud, and begin to understand what your options actually are. That conversation is free, completely confidential, and carries no obligation whatsoever.