Downsizing Guide

Downsizing is about choosing a home that works better for your needs today and in the years ahead. It can help reduce maintenance, improve accessibility, simplify daily responsibilities, or make it easier to live closer to family, healthcare, shopping, and activities.

There are several ways to approach downsizing. Some homeowners choose to remain in their current home and make changes such as adding grab bars, wider doorways, better lighting, or a walk-in shower. Others decide to move into a smaller house, condominium, townhome, cottage community, or senior living residence.

This Downsizing Guide will show each option comes with different costs and responsibilities. Before making a decision, it is important to consider your home’s value, remaining mortgage balance, property taxes, insurance, moving expenses, HOA fees, maintenance needs, and future housing costs. Storage, privacy, community amenities, and access to support should also be part of the conversation.

A local real estate professional can help you understand the Portland housing market, review suitable properties, and build a plan based on your needs and timeline.