“ moved in ” to every nook and cranny with our stuff over the last years . For most of us , the closets and garage are full and the thought of downsizing or moving closer to family may be bone chilling . But if you ’ re thinking of making a change , help abounds !

As local REALTORS , we have many connections to wonderful local vendors and contractors that can make the job less stressful . Also , we can help you plan and prepare in advance of any life change — long before you are ready to go . Here are a few important considerations :

1 . How do you hold title to your property or properties ? Do you have a trust set up and a trust attorney ready to consult on your new life plan ? It is best to have all the details reviewed and updated , especially your beneficiaries .

2 . What is the equity in your home and the possible financial gains if you sell your home ? Have you consulted with a CPA or financial advisor to plan and be aware of your finances and strategy such as tax and savings plans ? your options . You may even consider a second home for short-term rentals or rental income when you are not using it to help with cash flow .

4 . Declutter , donate , and minimize ! As REALTORS , we are experts at helping you get this going and have many resources available to you . We can help you take it slowly , with your active involvement , or we can take charge . We can help with things like all those extra paint cans ( special hazardous waste ) or big pieces of furniture donations that take time and appointments to get rid of .

5 . Do you want to plan a sale or auction ? These vendors are busy but very effective at helping you make a little cash and finding a good home for your unnecessary pieces .

6 . Need to upgrade appliances or HVAC systems ? Add an electric vehicle charging port to the garage ? Many improvements have a great ROI ( return on investment ) but it is best to consult experts and get a few qualified bids from licensed contractors . You should start this long before committing to upgrades . Appliances can be purchased many places , but installation and warranty are the most important .

3 . Do you prefer to buy a second home in the mountains or at the beach as a family gathering place ? Many options exist for using your primary residence to help finance a vacation / family place in a wonderful location . Consider consulting a mortgage specialist to evaluate all

7 . You may need permits and inspections , which take time . In Morgan Hill , you will most likely need a sewer lateral inspection and most cities have requirements for slow flow plumbing , smoke , and carbon monoxide .

Making a life change can be so exciting once the plan and preparation is in place . Many cities have “ second chance weeks ” in the fall and that is a perfect first step . TeamVierra is ready to consult with you every step of the way !

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