• Hot or Not? An In Depth Look at Seattle Area Real Estate
    Oct 28 2024

    Is the Seattle-Metro area real estate Hot? Or Not?
    In this episode of 'Getting Your Edge: How to Right-Size, Your Home Life Podcast', hosts Dennis Day and Judy Gratton explore the Seattle metro area's real estate market. They discuss whether it's currently 'hot or not', key statistics from the Northwest MLS, and detailed trends in Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties. Topics include median price changes, seasonal cycles, and inventory shortages. They highlight challenges like hedge funds, international investors, and short-term rentals impacting housing availability. Despite these issues, the area's robust economy and appeal persist. The episode also emphasizes their boutique real estate group's expertise in downsizing and client-centric services, inviting listeners to reach out for personalized assistance and explore their podcast and YouTube content.

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    28 mins
  • Conquering the Fear of the Unkown: A Therapists Guide to Downsizing with Confidence
    Oct 9 2024
    What happens when the walls that have held your family stories begin to close in? Elizabeth Clark-Stern, a seasoned counselor and therapist, joins us to unpack the life-altering emotions tied to downsizing. Together, we navigate the complexity of leaving a long-term home, equating it to the grief of losing a loved one. Amidst the conversation, Judy Gratton shines a light with her heartwarming children's book, inspired by her granddaughters and crows, weaving a narrative that echoes the bittersweetness of letting go and cherishing memories.

    As the heart wrestles with the head, we explore the balance of emotional attachments and pragmatic decisions. Elizabeth underscores the need for empathetic listeners who validate pain rather than fix it, while we explore how couples therapy can bridge communication gaps. Practical concerns like home maintenance and financial security become central themes, reminding us of the importance of facing realities. A simple pros and cons list emerges as a tool to discern emotional truths from practical necessities, guiding us through the maze of life transitions.

    Shifting identities and evolving family dynamics are laid bare as we draw insights from Richard Rohr's "Falling Upward," contemplating how our attachments to material achievements may be challenged during downsizing. The dialogue extends to family tensions, where children and parents may find themselves at odds. Yet, amidst the upheaval, we discover unexpected joy—renewed connections and community bonds that alleviate loneliness. Through stories of senior communities and outreach programs, we celebrate the invigorating power of connection in life's later stages.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • From The Big House to Sold: How Estate Liquidators Simplify Downsizing and Home Sales"
    Sep 18 2024

    Navigating the emotional and logistical maze of downsizing is a daunting process. Discover the secrets to a seamless transition as we chat with Jeff Marks from Seattle Magpies. Jeff walks us through the entire process, from figuring out what to keep and what to sell, to managing the emotional toll of parting with cherished possessions. You'll hear touching stories, like Neil's journey to a retirement home, offering a heartfelt look into the challenges and rewards of downsizing.

    Facing a hoarder house situation? Jeff shares invaluable insights on setting realistic expectations and the immense effort required to tackle such homes. With a compelling case study of Bruce, we delve into the tough decisions and strict guidelines necessary to bring order to chaos. Learn practical advice for those who must live through the liquidation process and why it's often best for homeowners to step back during their own estate sales.

    Curious about the ins and outs of estate sales? Jeff breaks down how to identify valuable items that can turn a profit and the various alternative options when a full estate sale isn't feasible. From pop-up and private sales to wholesale buyouts, you'll get a comprehensive look at how to manage unsellable items and why donations are often the preferred route. We also touch on the compensation structure for such services and underscore the importance of choosing the right estate sale company to ensure a smooth, efficient process.

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    40 mins
  • Revive and Thrive. Remodel to Sell without Upfront Costs
    Sep 4 2024

    Can strategic renovations really boost your home's value by 20%? Join us as we chat with Jessica Morrow, the Chief of Staff at Revive, to uncover the game-changing strategies that homeowners can use to transform their financial futures.

    She's here to reveal how Revive not only connects homeowners with pre-vetted contractors but also fronts renovation costs, all designed to increase your home’s market value dramatically. You'll learn how skipping pre-sale renovations could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table, and why downsizing is becoming a major trend, especially in California.

    In the second part of our episode, we share a Revive life-changing success story—how investing $100,000 in client's home during the pandemic skyrocketed its value and enabled her to retire comfortably. Jessica also offers a glimpse into the future with Revive's groundbreaking Vision AI tool, set to revolutionize the way you analyze your selling options. Plus, hear about unique cases where homeowners decide to stay post-renovation, showcasing the unparalleled flexibility Revive offers. If you’re curious about maximizing your home’s potential and want to hear success stories that could inspire your next move, this episode is for you!

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    26 mins
  • Top Five Reasons To Downsize Sooner, Rather Than Later
    Aug 21 2024

    In this episode, Dennis and his co-host Judy Gratton discuss the top five reasons why starting the downsizing process sooner rather than later is important.

    This episode discusses the financial and practical benefits of downsizing your home during retirement. It covers the costs associated with maintaining a large home on a fixed income and the financial flexibility gained from moving to a smaller or rental property. The current real estate market conditions are also explored, including the difficulties in selling a poorly maintained home. Additionally, the video emphasizes the importance of starting the downsizing process early to maintain control over decisions and avoid burdening family members.
    They highlight the importance of reducing the burden on loved ones and finding a balance between preserving memories and practical downsizing.

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    18 mins
  • A Community of Caring: Retirement Living At Its Best
    Aug 7 2024

    Ep. 47

    Imagine seamlessly transitioning into a vibrant retirement community where your physical, mental, and social wellness are all top priorities. Tune in as we chat with Cayce Miller, Sales Manager at Fairwinds Brighton Court in Lynnwood WA, who shares his compelling journey and the innovative Prime Fit Wellness Program that sets this community apart. Cayce reveals how Brighton Court fosters a welcoming culture for new residents and offers flexible care options to accommodate their evolving needs. From engaging events like the Forgotten Spirits gathering to exceptional dining options, he paints a vivid picture of life that’s both fulfilling and fun.

    Join us for an inside look at the support systems and amenities designed to make the move to Brighton Court as smooth as possible. Cayce discusses the pivotal role as the moving coordinator and the convenience of month-to-month rent without a buy-in requirement. Explore the array of activities that keep residents connected, from summer festivals to casino nights, and discover how the resident council contributes to the vibrant community spirit. We also delve into trends in senior living, the growing demand for flexible care, and the exciting future offerings at Brighton Court. Whether you're contemplating a move or just curious about retirement community life, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartwarming stories.

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    37 mins
  • "Chillin' and Relaxin': Your Hosts are on Vacation"
    Aug 1 2024

    We are on vacation this week to chill and relax. But, we'll be back with a new episode filled with valuable and useful information to help you right-size your life soon. Thanks for being a listener. We really appreciate your support.

    Dennis and Judy

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    1 min
  • Conquering Clutter: Downsizing Your Stuff and Living Simply
    Jul 31 2024

    Is clutter driving you crazy and stopping you from making the change you long for? You are not alone! A cluttered household is a natural part of living an American consumer lifestyle and remaining in your home for a long time.

    Want to do something about it, but feel overwhelmed by the thought of sorting through all that stuff?

    Meet Lisa Hawkinson, our guest for this episode, who turned her love for organizing into a thriving business: "How2getorganized.com". Lisa’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—from being teased as a child for her neatness to overcoming health challenges and helping others bring order to their lives. Learn practical downsizing strategies from Lisa's own experiences, like setting attainable goals, dedicating time, and starting with less emotional items. We'll explore the importance of a supportive friend and the benefits of letting go with a generous heart.

    Helping elderly family members downsize can be emotionally challenging. This episode is packed with heartwarming stories and creative solutions for making this process smoother. We discuss the significance of understanding and validating seniors’ feelings, especially when cognitive impairments are in play. From taking photos of sentimental items to creating new ways to honor their memories, Lisa shares invaluable tips on how to make these necessary transitions with compassion and respect. You’ll also hear about the delicate balance required to assist aging parents while honoring their emotional attachments.

    Unlock the secrets to an efficiently organized kitchen with Lisa's expert advice. Discover game-changing tips like using Lazy Susans, expandable shelves, and rectangular containers to optimize your space. Lisa introduces her unique touch, reach, walk, and hike strategy to keep your kitchen functional and clutter-free. Plus, learn about the supportive Smooth Organizer community, an affordable resource that offers guidance and accountability for decluttering your home.

    Finally, we share success stories like Charlie's journey of preparing his home for sale, emphasizing the power of willingness and supportive companions in achieving a more manageable lifestyle. Tune in to take the first step toward right-sizing your home and life.

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    38 mins