In this video we talk about the role of a downsizing coach and how they help longtime homeowners with the process of downsizing to a smaller space.
We have been “officially” coaching on the subject of downsizing for about 10 years, but we have been unofficially coaching people on downsizing for over 2 decades.
So, what is a downsizing coach? It’s perfectly fine if you aren’t sure – even our family isn’t 100% sure what it is we do each and every day. They know we sell homes and help people move, but they can’t quite articulate the rest.
I’m going to try and explain it here.
Let’s start with a few of the questions people are often contemplating and tend to discuss with a downsizing coach:
“I’ve lived here for 52 years. Do I move or stay put? I’m not sure what to do.”
“If I move, should I rent or buy another place? What are the pros and cons of each?”
“My kids want me to move closer to them, but I want to stay local. What should I do? How do I tell them?”
“I look around, and I’m overwhelmed. I don’t really know where to start.”
“My spouse doesn’t want to move, but I can’t do this myself anymore.”
“This is such a big decision and I’m not sure I can do it alone.”
“These places want so much money. Is it really worth it? Do I even have enough?”
These are only a few of the reasons someone might reach out to talk with a downsizing coach (as opposed to a real estate broker, financial planner, placement service, or move manager). As you can see, the questions aren’t really about anything specific – they are more exploratory and open-ended and so most professionals who deal with specifics aren’t sure how to handle them.
Think about it this way: If you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Therefore…
If you are an estate planning attorney, everything looks like an estate plan.
If you are a real estate agent, everything looks like a home sale or purchase.
If you are a move manager, everything looks like a move.
If you are a placement agency, everything looks like a senior living referral.
If you are a financial planner, everything looks like a financial plan.
However, if you are a downsizing coach, you allow the client to decide what is important and you talk about the issues on which they want to focus. If you are a downsizing coach, everyone is unique, and everyone has a different story. No contracts to be negotiated, no forms to sign, no deadlines to meet – just conversation, collaboration, and contemplation.
The best part about coaching is there is no specific agenda other than helping the client make informed decisions about what is best for them and their situation. Some people will downsize, and some won’t. The conversation isn’t necessarily about a specific end – the outcome is entirely up to the client.
Coaching can sometimes look like consulting (answering specific questions about resources and processes), and sometimes it may involve referrals to experts to help fill in the gaps (i.e., move managers, estate liquidators, financial services, real estate agents, senior communities, attorneys, etc.).
Some may feel confident and get everything they need in only one meeting, while others need to talk to a coach several times before they feel confident in the direction they want to go. Each person has their own process and timeline.
Unlike some types of therapy, you don’t need to talk to your coach about your childhood or delve into your innermost fears. Just have an open and candid dialog about your wants, needs, goals, and intentions. Your coach will help you work through any obstacles, weigh your options, and take action toward positive solutions.
If you or someone you know would like a complimentary downsizing coaching appointment, give us a call at 405.708.7010.
Planning a future move,
but just aren’t quite ready yet?
If you are a seasoned homeowner or someone
who plans to downsize from a larger home to a smaller
space in the next few years, you have come to the right place.
Click on the Button Below
to learn how you can join the Oklahoma Downsizers Club.
