What I Learned Moving Myself

After 23 years of helping clients buy and sell homes across the Greater Toronto Area, I recently found myself on the other side of the transaction. My family made the decision to sell our long-time home in Lorne Park and downsize to a townhome — and while I thought I knew what to expect, living through the process reminded me just how emotional and challenging a move can be.

➡ The Decision: To Renovate or Not to Renovate

Even as a Realtor, I found myself weighing the same tough questions my clients often face:

• Should we renovate further to attract top dollar?
• Or should we sell as-is and let buyers bring their own vision? (the home showed well pre-sale reno but some areas were more dated than others and the kitchen was not renovated)

We opted for targeted reno’s — focusing on the areas that would make the biggest impact without over-investing. It was a careful balance between ROI and practicality. The experience reinforced how strategic, targeted improvements (and good advice!) can make all the difference. 

• We gutted and renovated the kitchen. Top to bottom with custom cabinets, stone counters and backsplash, herringbone white oak floors and a nice Dacor commercial style Gas Range
• We updated the hardwood flooring (which was high-end 1/4 cut white oak) and made the colour light and natural instead of dark and traditional
• We updated the powder room with a custom vanity, fresh paint, new mirror and lighting
• We updated the Primary Ensuite with a stunning 94" long 9-drawer double sink vanity 
• We had renovated the main 2nd floor bath the year previous - removed the tub and put in a wall to wall shower
• We changed out the carpet in the lower level media room and put in herringbone luxury vinyl
• We updated vents and vent covers thru-out
• We finished all the little miscellaneous projects and items that hadn't yet been completed

➡ Decluttering and Staging: Easier Said Than Done

I’ve told clients for years that decluttering and staging matter — and now I can say firsthand that it’s not always easy. Letting go of “stuff” collected over decades is both physically exhausting and emotionally draining. But once we pared things down and staged the home, the difference was remarkable. The space felt larger, fresher, and more appealing — even to us!

It reminded me how important it is to see your home through a buyer’s eyes. Sometimes the hardest part is emotionally detaching long enough to make those changes.  We rented a storage locker and filled it with 'stuff' that we couldn't decide on and/or couldn't part with. 

➡ Living in a Show-Ready Home

Keeping a house in “show condition” while still living in it? That’s a challenge all on its own. From last-minute tidying before a showing to juggling family schedules, it required teamwork, flexibility, and patience. But every effort paid off when buyers walked in and felt the home’s warmth and care.  Being the Seller and Selling Agent, I had the unique insight of direct feedback from the listing agents along with prospective Buyers I showed it to.  Fortunately, we received generally consistent positive feedback.  The market was challenging and had shifted towards a Buyer's market - the feedback I received was more an issue of the Buyer's financial ability rather than the value the agent perceived the home to be worth.  We adjusted our asking price slightly (5%) to see if we can entice anyone off the proverbial 'fence'.  We sold to a wonderful young family who we managed to negotiate a fair deal for both sides.  A win-win!  

➡ Finding the Next Chapter 

Once our sale was complete, the next question loomed: Where do we go?

Downsizing sounds simple — until you start weighing lifestyle, budget, and priorities. We wanted something that offered comfort, less maintenance, and proximity to the amenities we love. We even considered storing our stuff and travelling for a while before making the decision. We had some places in mind and after I was lucky enough to find an off-market property (one benefit if being 'dialed in' to the local market), we struck a deal on the perfect fit in a townhome that complements our new stage of life without feeling like too much of a compromise.  It checked the boxes 📦, a double - car driveway and garage, spacious feel, high ceilings and enclosed backyard that we were looking for.  

➡ What I Took Away

This move gave me more empathy than ever for what my clients go through, particularly as Seller's.  The process can be stressful, daunting, and long.  Helping others navigate it, is easier when you are not the actual Seller! 

Even with decades of real estate experience, I still felt the mix of excitement, stress, nostalgia, and uncertainty that comes with change.   It reminded me that real estate is never just about bricks and mortar — it’s about people, families, and major life transitions.  A learning experience for sure!!