By Ray Francis, REALTOR®, Royal LePage In The Comox Valley
Ray holds the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation, and a large share of his clients over the years have been people moving from the family home to something easier. The move is as much about timing and emotion as it is about square footage.
What "smaller" looks like here
- Patio homes in Crown Isle and East Courtenay: single-level, attached garage, small yard, often in a bare-land strata that handles the landscaping.
- Condos in downtown Courtenay and near the Comox marina: elevator buildings, walkable to shops and the waterfront.
- Ranchers on small lots in newer subdivisions, for buyers who want a detached home without stairs.
- Townhomes in Cumberland, Comox and Campbell River for a lower entry price.
Sell first or buy first?
In most Valley markets Ray recommends selling first, or making the purchase subject to the sale of your home. It removes the risk of carrying two properties. He can also negotiate longer completion dates so you move once, not twice.
The emotional part
Forty years of belongings do not sort themselves in a weekend. Ray's advice is to start with the rooms you do not use, involve family early on what they want, and use local movers and estate-sale services for the rest. He can recommend people he has worked with.
The financial part
Downsizers usually free up equity, but factor in Property Transfer Tax on the new purchase, moving costs, strata fees and any capital gains if you are selling a property that was not your principal residence. A conversation with your accountant before you list is time well spent.