Dear David,

We are preparing to downsize after living in our home for over 40 years. We’ve maintained this house well and over the years have updated the roof, windows, furnace, air conditioner and some of the floors. We are wondering if it would be worthwhile to fully modernize the house before selling? Also, is there a way to ensure that the new buyer is someone who will be a good neighbor? Having lived in this house for such a long time, we care deeply about our friends on this street and want to make sure we leave the house and the neighbourhood in good hands. – FEELING NEIGHBOURLY

DEAR NEIGHBOURLY: You’ve done a tremendous job of caring for your home, and after 40 years, it’s only natural to want to pass the torch with care. 

With regards to whether you should fully modernize your home, the short answer is no. You’re not in the renovation business, and it’s likely the buyers will want to personalize the home to suit their own tastes anyway. When it comes to pre-sale updates, stick to what brings the highest return on investment: fresh paint in neutral tones, professional cleaning, small repairs, and strategic decluttering. These touches will keep your costs low and maximize your home’s appeal for buyers.

When it comes to finding the “right” buyer, I understand what you’re saying. You’ve spent decades cultivating a home and a neighborhood you love, and would like to protect that legacy. But here’s a reality check: fiduciary duties prevent agents from filtering or vetting buyers based on personality or lifestyle, as much as you might like to do so. A buyer’s agent may share their client’s “story”, but these facts are hard to verify, even if we could. Not to mention, people’s lives change. A year from now, the new buyers could move again or decide to rent out the property.

Instead of looking back as you embrace this next stage, try keeping your eyes forward. Your legacy isn’t about who moves into your former neighbourhood as much as it is about what this move enables. Selling wisely could give you the freedom to live the next chapter of life on your own terms. It could assist your kids and grandkids with their education costs, or may position you to help them put a downpayment on their first home. That’s real impact.

Let’s focus on getting you the best return, so you can positively impact the future of your loved ones moving forward.

PRO TIP: You’re not just selling a house, you’re stewarding a transition that reflects a life well-lived. Let’s honour your journey by making sure the sale of your home funds things that matter to you: your peace of mind, your family’s future, and maybe even a lasting gift to the community that shaped a significant portion of your life. Let your agent know how much you care about finding the right buyer. The final decision is yours, but making them aware of your priorities will help them guide the process to a satisfying result. #Advice #AskDavid #TheNegotiator