One of the best things about an estate agent’s job has got to be all the wonderful houses we get to see throughout the year – in all shapes, sizes and locations. Added to this, are all the different personalities we come across - I truly believe there is no such thing as an uninteresting person; if you engage with someone for long enough you will always discover something unique and fabulous about them.
Yet some people really stand out from the crowd - they capture your imagination and inspire you.
One such couple, whose house we have recently sold, made a special impression on me. As estate agents, when we carry out an initial market appraisal, not only are we looking at what the property is worth and how best it should be marketed but we are also developing a bigger picture of our clients - this includes discovering their reasons for moving.
This particular couple had both just retired from prestigious careers and could easily have followed the more usual and very comfortable route of looking forward to grandchildren, spending time on the golf course and more regular holidays.
But this was not for them.
Having spent so much time on their careers and bringing up their children, they, literally, had no plan whatsoever – or, indeed, perhaps the best plan ever – to sell up and go on a gap year! Not having taken a gap year prior to their careers it’s the perfect time to catch up. They can now discover where life is going to entice them.
The down-sizing move (or right-sizing as it is now called) following retirement is often the most difficult move anyone makes in a lifetime.
There is so much to consider, especially if moving from a much-loved family home to something smaller and more practical.
Many people have thoughts beyond retirement of life going downhill – a potential slow-down and living life, vicariously, through children and grandchildren. But it doesn’t have to be so…
What excited me most about this amazing couple was that a slow-down was not on the agenda - the adventure was just beginning. They were going to pack up their dogs and some luggage and hop in their car to France and see where life took them for the year ahead.
Without the constraints of responsibilities they can, gradually, take stock of their lives and allow the decision-making process to happen organically. On a practical note their children are wholly supportive, plus a very small cottage has been purchased in a Suffolk village to ensure they don’t lose their foothold in the UK property market.
It is really refreshing to think that moving house doesn’t always have to dovetail between selling one house with the certainty of buying another perfect replacement.
What a great idea to take a breather and to remember that there is no set path, just follow your heart. And, most importantly, it is never too late.
Yet some people really stand out from the crowd - they capture your imagination and inspire you.
One such couple, whose house we have recently sold, made a special impression on me. As estate agents, when we carry out an initial market appraisal, not only are we looking at what the property is worth and how best it should be marketed but we are also developing a bigger picture of our clients - this includes discovering their reasons for moving.
This particular couple had both just retired from prestigious careers and could easily have followed the more usual and very comfortable route of looking forward to grandchildren, spending time on the golf course and more regular holidays.
But this was not for them.
Having spent so much time on their careers and bringing up their children, they, literally, had no plan whatsoever – or, indeed, perhaps the best plan ever – to sell up and go on a gap year! Not having taken a gap year prior to their careers it’s the perfect time to catch up. They can now discover where life is going to entice them.
The down-sizing move (or right-sizing as it is now called) following retirement is often the most difficult move anyone makes in a lifetime.
There is so much to consider, especially if moving from a much-loved family home to something smaller and more practical.
Many people have thoughts beyond retirement of life going downhill – a potential slow-down and living life, vicariously, through children and grandchildren. But it doesn’t have to be so…
What excited me most about this amazing couple was that a slow-down was not on the agenda - the adventure was just beginning. They were going to pack up their dogs and some luggage and hop in their car to France and see where life took them for the year ahead.
Without the constraints of responsibilities they can, gradually, take stock of their lives and allow the decision-making process to happen organically. On a practical note their children are wholly supportive, plus a very small cottage has been purchased in a Suffolk village to ensure they don’t lose their foothold in the UK property market.
It is really refreshing to think that moving house doesn’t always have to dovetail between selling one house with the certainty of buying another perfect replacement.
What a great idea to take a breather and to remember that there is no set path, just follow your heart. And, most importantly, it is never too late.
Caroline Edwards
Partner
Residential Sales, Long Melford
T: 01787 888622
E: caroline.edwards@carterjonas.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment