The FreeNest Guide by Rachel Jenness, john greene Realtor

The FreeNest Guide

R a c h e l J e n n e s s j o h n g r e e n e R e a l t o r

r i g h t s i z e w i t h r a c h e l . c o m

T H E T A B L E of

CONTENTS

2

I n t r o

3

W h a t i s a F r e e N e s t e r ?

5

F r e e N e s t e r R e s o u r c e s

21

T h e W h a t : T h e S t u f f

30

T h e W h e n : A T i m e l i n e

8

T h e W h 0 : T h e P e o p l e

24

T h e W h a t : T h e B u d g e t

32

T h e T i p p i n g P o i n t

4

M y M i s s i o n

15

T h e W h a t : T h e H o m e

27

T h e W h e r e : T h e L o c a t i o n

DOWNSIZE YOUR HOME NOT YOUR LIFE

I'm Rachel Jenness

As a real estate broker with a passion for helping clients who are rightsizing, I know you want to look forward to a fulfilling next chapter of your life In order to achieve that goal, you need clarity on the role your next home will play in that story

Maybe you feel like there are a lot more questions than answers Where do I go? What are my options? What do I do with all this stuff I have accumulated over the years? Is this a good time to buy and sell? What is my budget now that I need to be thinking about retirement funds as well?

Just thinking about all of these issues/options is completely overwhelming.

I truly believe everyone deserves to be excited, making specific choices and confident about moving into this new chapter of life

For me and many of my clients, it started with a rebrand Nobody wants to be an Empty Nester Just saying that out loud is sad What I would really like you to be is a FreeNester! Free from the shackles of a home that may not suit your needs as it did in the past Maintaining a large home, and living among decades of accumulated "stuff" can make you feel stagnant, overwhelmed. I would love for you to be free to experience a very full life, one that gives you options, freedom and great joy.

I have made it my mission to ensure my clients experience just that.

The fact that you downloaded this guide tells me you are giving the idea of rightsizing serious contemplation

So, let's get started.

Who is a FreeNester?

A FreeNester is someone who is approximately 55 years old, free from immediate and extended family members fully residing within their home

A FreeNester recognizes there is a purposeful, limitless, full chapter of life ahead that needs to be embraced, and the specific home one lives in has a direct impact on a fulfilling life

A FreeNester is explorative and full of wonder, knowledgeable, and DECISIVE about a lifestyle specifically connected to home ownership.

M

To help people become aware of future homeownership choices, fully able to embrace and become decisive about the FreeNesting chapter of life.

FreeNester Resources

I’ve created 3 resources that will facilitate your movement through a process that allows you to look at your future real estate decisions with purpose:

The quiz introduces topics, elicits thoughts about characteristics of a home and location, initiates conversations, and helps clients determine options available FreeNesters can then recognize how they might be suited for a specific lifestyle and home

TAKE THE QUIZ

This working guide elaborates on various topics introduced during the quiz and can serve as a reference for a FreeNester throughout the decision-making process. The guide encourages all FreeNesters to actively participate in question/response activities. This step in which participants record and analyze their concerns, parameters, and desires is the most integral, definitive step toward a FreeNesting success story.

The consultation helps to further define a FreeNester's needs/wants The interview helps to determine challenges and advantages that are evident, introduces resources, creates a timeline, helps to overcome obstacles, and propels motion forward for change and positive outcomes.

CONNECT WITH ME

Ready. Set. FreeNest.

At this point, you have taken the quiz, downloaded the guide, or maybe have visited my website. There is a reason you are here. There are no coincidences. You felt the pull, the tug to take the quiz, to allow the quiz to provide direction much like the Magic 8 Ball years ago. Maybe you are looking for answers, confirmation, resources, and direction. Whatever the reason, you are here and I’m here to help.

You are not alone You have talked about this with friends, family, and neighbors But no one’s situation is exactly like yours Your situation is unique and therefore paralysis may have set in Depending on the day of the week, options seem evasive or maybe limitless If you are flying solo, you may question yourself while making home ownership decisions If you are making the decisions with a partner, maybe you don’t agree on what move to make The two of you might see the future differently

Now what?

Let’s BREAK IT DOWN! The who, what, where, when, and why!

The family and friends are your WHO. The home, items inside AND your budget are your WHAT. The location is your WHERE. The timeline is your WHEN and the lifestyle is your WHY!

The Who: The People

As the desire to become a FreeNester builds, you will learn about your options! You'll then discover a tug-of-war between the excitement on the horizon AND all the challenges you'll need to overcome in order to make a decision about your future.

The most emotional consideration involves the people in your life BUT these are YOUR days, this is YOUR life Each and every one of the days ahead is YOURS to enjoy and embrace. This is YOUR future. Gaining clarity about how other people’s lives may be affecting the decision you are about to be making is a critical first step People who are central to your life will have an effect on your decisions moving forward BUT they should NOT stop you from moving forward.

So, let’s get started with a real practical exercise that will help you gain great clarity.

Make a List

Write down the names of the folks central to your life and be unapologetic about who is on the list Equally important are the names that do not make the list. No one will see the list. Consider whom you need/want to be in close proximity to on a DAILY basis.

PARENTS

Do you have parents you are caring for physically and financially? How does this impact you? Be specific regarding time and money. Don’t minimize the situation. Don’t exaggerate the situation.

Many FreeNesters balance caring for others and living a healthy/balanced HOME life that is purposeful, uplifting, and manageable. YOU CAN TOO!

Don’t use this challenge as a reason to be indecisive.

Not making a decision for yourself based upon caring for others is actually making a decision for yourself to live a life that may unnecessarily limit you.

CHILDREN & OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS

Family will play a huge role in your decision-making process Here are some introspective questions to ask yourself:

Do you have family members/children that may return home?

Are you waiting for them to make a decision about where they will live in order for you to make a decision?

Are they decisive?

When will they make a decision?

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

Why are you waiting for them to make a decision for you to make a decision?

What are their decisions based upon?

How often do you spend quality time with them?

How do you spend time together?

Are you predicting you'll spend more or less time with these people in the future and why?

FRIENDS

Friends play a critical role in our happiness and well-being Many of us have what we would call vital lifelong friends, those few really close friendships you share all of life's ups and downs with. And then we have social friends, the bigger group of people you enjoy and socialize with on more of a casual infrequent basis

Your lifelong friends are irreplaceable and there just aren’t substitutes. But there is a high possibility that you have the ability to make social friends in a new environment.

YES NO

Do you have friends who you would like to live near?

How often do you spend quality time with them?

What do you have in common with them and how do you spend your time together?

Do you currently have an activity or an interest that readily allows you to meet new people easily?

HOMEWORK

Listen to the client testimonial provided by Dave and Michelle Thomas You will hear them express how they identified the “WHO” in their lives and notice how insightful the exercise can be.

Once they realized who the important people were in their life and how close they wanted to be to those people, they were able to “put a pin in the map”, draw a radius, and all signs pointed to moving to a new area, 45 minutes from their current home.

The What: The Home

YOU SPEND SO MUCH TIME IN YOUR HOME, IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE WITHIN THAT HOME.

Let’s start this exercise! Answer with your immediate response to these yes or no questions Don’t think too hard, go with your gut!

Do you LOVE your home? YES NO

Have you continually updated your home?

Does your home provide you a sense of pride?

Do you enjoy showing your home to others?

Are you waiting and hoping for other people to utilize areas of your home that are unoccupied

Are you juggling the upkeep of the home?

Do you wonder how you will be able to do “it all” in the future?

Do you spend more money than you would like just trying to maintain it?

Does maintaining your home keep you in great shape and do you find joy in organizing, cleaning and decorating?

Now, wrestle with these questions and you will have even more clarity...

If you marked yes to LOVING your home, what do you love about your home?

Which rooms in your home feel purposeful and enjoyable?

Which rooms in your home do you love just the way they are and require no adjustments?

Which rooms in your home feel dysfunctional?

Which rooms in your home require heavy change in order to feel pleasant?

Which rooms in your home do you utilize on a daily basis?

Which rooms in your home do you utilize on a weekly basis?

Which rooms in your home do you utilize on a yearly basis?

Which rooms in your home do you never use?

GREAT, NOW LET’S SHIFT THE EXERCISE TO IMAGINING OUR LIFE IN A NEW HOME.

Let’s wave our magic wand and envision what that perfect home would look and feel like.

What would it include? Let’s talk about your vision for the perfect home for the future. Let’s create that vision and find it!

At this part of the journey, you could schedule the in-depth interview. I will review your work/responses so far and then take it from here!

SCHEDULE INTERVIEW

It has been my experience that people will only make a move when the promise of the future is really strong or the reality of the present is really painful, and likely a combination of the two.

So here is the million-dollar question after creating your list for your perfect home:

Does the excitement about a new home or your present situation with your current home compelling enough to move?

If not, stop here. It’s possible the timing isn’t right or maybe the right move is to redesign OR renovate your current home

No worries, I’m still happy to help:

DECIDING TO STAY? CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE A RENOVATION OR REDESIGN CONSULT

I’ll share some insights on how to reimagine or breathe some life into your current space and happily recommend some of my top partner vendors

IF THIS REFLECTION OPPORTUNITY IS ALREADY COMPELLING ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU WANT TO MOVE, LET’S KEEP GOING...

The What: The Stuff

DON’T LET ALL THE ITEMS IN THE HOME CAUSE PARALYSIS.

It is likely that you may have 30 years of memories/items you need to deal with

One of the biggest challenges is often the psychological impact of our stuff Many of our things, even when devoid of monetary value, have sentimental value that makes them hard to part with I have an easy solution I have a process that will help you overcome this challenge

Travel room to room and ask yourself these questions about each item in the room.

Is this item functional and used on a weekly basis?

Is this item valuable enough to wrap, carry, unwrap, and find a new place for it in a new home?

Will this item enhance a new home?

Can this item be sold, donated, or thrown away?

Would a family member like to own an heirloom and maintain the family history?

Marie Kondo has become a phenomenon in popular culture for her simple approach to organizing and purging, and we need to borrow that simplicity here There is a reason she has become well known and people all over the world are using her process Let’s follow her lead

IT IS EASIER TO DONATE AND THROW AWAY ITEMS BUT WHAT WILL I DO WITH ALL MY UNWANTED YET VALUABLE ITEMS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SELL?

No worries, I have a resource for you.

NEED A 5-STAR REPUTABLE ESTATE SALE COMPANY?

I will provide helpful tips and resources to get you started.

LET'S GET RID OF SOME STUFF

HOMEWORK

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Start with one room in your home and go through the keep/purge exercise.

The What: The Budget

LET'S TALK ABOUT MONEY!

People considering rightsizing need to think about many financial factors. You may be nearing retirement with your eyes set on a fixed income. You could be considering a second home purchase in a warmer climate. You may be starting to think about estate planning.

All of these factors lead to my next piece of advice:

TALK TO YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNER.

Talking to a financial planner at this time in life is like obtaining preapproval as a first-time home buyer. It will help you gain clarity, align your vision of your next home with your financial reality and give you a path forward NEED

may be interested in for the future?

Talk to a lender to review options that may be available for you to implement There are several unique loan programs designed for rightsizers that are worth understanding.

Buying and then selling is relatively easy AND selling then buying has become A LOT EASIER with post-close possession REQUEST A MARKET

The Where: The Location

At this point, after reading the guide, you probably have a good feel for why you want to move and what you are looking for in a home

So, let’s address the “where”

For most right-sizers in our market, the conversation is fairly simple:

I’m staying here

I’m moving out of state

Which camp are you in? Are you considering being a snowbird?

If you are relocating out of state, here is a list of questions to help you gain clarity about where you should move:

Haveyouexplored/traveledtootherpartsofthecountry?

Hasanyareagreatlyappealedtoyouinyourtravels?

Doyouhavefamilyorfriendswholiveinotherareas?

Isproximitytotheseimportantpeopleinyourlife important?

Areyourhobbies/interestsassociatedwithseasons?

How important is weather to your life and interests?

Can you define which climates are your favorite?

What role does lifestyle play in your relocation?

How do you see your lifestyle being incorporated into a location different from what you live in now?

PLANNING TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE AREA?

START A CONVERSATION

The When: A Timeline

YOU HAVE HEARD IT BEFORE, TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

When will you be ready to make the decisions needed to be a FreeNester? This question defines WHO is a FreeNester

Don’t let this question hold you back.

The Who, What, Where, and Why are all passive, conversational, fluid, and entertaining questions BUT the WHEN calls for action “When” calls for a timeline and timelines call for deadlines The word alone, “deadline” reminds me of “empty nester”. A bit depressing, wouldn’t you agree? How decisive are you?

Beat your deadline.

What are you waiting for? A sign? An elusive indication that you should possibly propel yourself into action?

Look at the WHEN question this way.....one day being indecisive and not knowing, not working toward the FreeNesting chapter is ONE day less that you get to live your fullest life in the next chapter

The topic of “when” is completely resolved when working with me because you have answered all the other questions.

I would suggest that you are ready. You have already taken the first step, actually the first several steps, so you just need to keep moving

I have never experienced a client that was rightsizing tell me they wish they had waited longer to make the decision. In fact, the opposite is true. Usually, the only regret is that they wish they would have made the decision sooner.

THE TIPPING POINT

During the course of learning about FreeNesting there will be a tipping point.

The tipping point for FreeNesters is the time at which there is a recognition or a realization that the decisions made and effort exuded is outweighed by the quality of lifestyle on the horizon.

Do you remember reading this question earlier in the guide...

Does the excitement about a new home or your present situation with your current home compelling enough to move?

FreeNesters discover that the joy and successful transition were well worth the work

So here is your final question...

Are you ready to become a FreeNester?

HOMEWORK

Listen to the client testimonial provided by John and Debbie Barr

You will hear Debbie express her advice to any FreeNester at the precipice of moving forward! Hear what she has to say and follow her lead. WATCH

RIGHTSIZING YOUR HOME, AND YOUR LIFE