Bigger and better – the American way – or is it? The answer would seem to be ‘yes’. While the average home size in the US is 2,300 sq.ft. the average in France is 1,205, in Sweden is 902 sq. ft and in the UK is 826 sq.ft. But the desire for large homes may be changing, at least among millennials, that is the generation born between 1981 and 1996, the largest home buying group. They are coming into home buying at a later age then their parents’ generation and are looking for different features; smaller, optimized homes, with eco-friendly, energy saving features, probably located in walkable cities.
At the same time, empty nesters, with children gone are reassessing their housing needs. Many are considering downsizing as a way of preparing for retirement. The profits from their home sale can boost the retirement nest egg and they will be saving on utility, taxes and home maintenance costs. Lower housing costs also free these homeowners up to enjoy life-style changes, more leisure time, freedom to develop new hobbies even change careers to pursue a long-held dream that did not seem possible before.
Further up the age scale, the over 65 generation, a significant group in the American population, is similarly considering downsizing. Many seek a simpler life style, fewer and lower bills, less time spent on housework and more time to just enjoy life.
Their home buying choices will probably include housing designs that feature convenience, safety and comfort with regular maintenance taken care of, such as lawn care and pest control.
The challenge of downsizing is facing and dealing with the clutter, the years of accumulated stuff; clothes one hasn’t worn in years, outdated and unused appliances, boxes in garages or expensive storage facilities that you no longer know the contents of. The task can be daunting and this may be the time to call in the troops, the relatives and friends you can trust to help sort it all out and be ruthless in getting rid of all the unnecessary possessions that have creating a formidable mass of clutter. And, as the saying goes, one man’s trash, is another man’s treasure. The process might just unearth treasures with great sales potential!
For many Americans, faced with student loans to repay, hefty credit card debt coupled with the rising cost of living from utilities to grocery bills, the need to change to a simpler way of life is very appealing. The Scandinavian concept of ‘hegge’, coziness, togetherness, savoring the simple pleasures, is not only about décor but also about opting for simpler life-style choices. 
The Japanese minimalist style, ‘wabi’ means understated elegance, simplicity and functionality and there is the beautiful Costa Rican saying – pura vida – the simple, life, enjoying where you are with what you have.
All these concepts can inform a plan to downsize. and South Florida may just be the perfect place to find your ‘pura vida’. Real estate choices here are extremely varied, from beautiful condos close to the beach, to villas and townhomes in communities with great amenities like golf, tennis courts and gyms. The upside of downsizing can mean profiting from your home sales to grow your retirement fund while finding just the right home to fit easier, stress-free, more enjoyable lifestyle options.
To buy or sell your Florida home call me today at – 954-295-9282.