I’ve been through many seniors' homes and have a very comprehensive list of successes and not-so-successful presentation techniques for selling the family home & Home Staging Tips. There are one-offs, of course, however, there are a lot of similarities when comparing family homes of seniors.    I’ll give you my favorite Home Staging quick wins for seniors when selling the family home.  I’ll also encourage you to think a little differently about what stays for the sale and what goes for the Home sale. 1) DO! Review your paint color inside and out A repaint is one of the quickest ‘bang for bucks’ you can do when preparing your home for sale. Look up some of the paint brand’s websites and browse through their pictures. I’ll challenge you to think, Do all the pictures need to come down anyhow? Does a lot of the furniture need to be moved anyhow? Did you want to steam clean your carpets anyhow? Why not use this as an excuse! Some of the paint companies will offer a color consultant with over a certain volume of paint bought, so why not enquire. Always hire a color professional they know what younger families want to see! 2) DO! Rethink your furniture As we get older, we know our children want to move around and often our friends start selling and moving too!  Things really do change as you get older, the street, then neighbors, and local facilities all change, so you may need to re-think things! 3) DO! Declutter, declutter, declutter! You’re going to a smaller house, so have a think about what you really really want to hang onto. Like all your furniture, what you take to your new place should really only be the items that you really really love. We have a whole activity in the training regarding how to approach and stage the declutter of your home. You’ll love it I’m sure. You need declutter timeframes, declutter order of rooms, declutter rewards…! I hope you love my favorite quick wins for seniors and DON'T! leave it too late or ignore what a refresh and declutter at your home can do when thinking of selling. My job is for you to have a stress free downsize and get the most out of your property sale, so head on over to www.rightsizeyourhome.com.au to learn much much more about downsizing and getting the most out of your property sale and getting the most put back in your pocket, you deserve it! Also, Read - IS IT OK TO USE OLD FURNITURE TO PRESENT THE HOME FOR SALE? RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE: PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

Ah - the “dreaded downsize” I hear you say!   Alas, not true, your downsize turns out just fine in the long run, I promise you and so do dozens of other downsizers that I’ve worked with over the years.  Here are my top tips for downsize house hunting, I suggest you sit down with a trusted loved one and seriously discuss this list. Tip 1 - Know where This means in which geographical area, not specifics.  This will determine numbers 2 and 3, who and what you want to be near to.  Research it properly and also ensure you give this information to your buyer's agent, so they have all the correct information and won’t waste yours and their time. Tip 2 - Know who want to be near to i.e. your friends/family (or an airport) As we get older, we know our children want to move around and often our friends start selling and moving too!  Things really do change as you get older, the street, then neighbours and local facilities all change, so you may need to re-think things! Tip 3 - Know what services you want to access to Services are critical too, think about your next phase and make sure you research and prepare well for this and the next phase.  No one likes moving again that is for sure! Tip 4 - Know the type of property you want to live in  I’ve got a great guide in my book that was drawn from an expert in his field Rich Harvey, CEO of property buyer.com.au, a business like theirs will assist you to fill them out and even get the whole process done for you.  In order to do this process well, however, you really need to sit down with that trusted loved one and seriously discuss the list. (refer to Buyer Wishlist found in page 96 of my book Rightsize Your Home: The Empty Nester's Guide to a Stress-Free Downsize) Tip 5 - Don't worry about the exact suburb necessarily - let a buyer's agent do all the work! Downsizing and the process of house hunting when you’re downsizing is a stressful occupation! I hope you enjoyed this short top tips list and it encouraged you to have a good think and have that ‘serious conversation' I referred to!  To find out more visit www.rightsizeyourhome.com.au, and in the book as well as the courses you’ll gain access to those helpful tips and checklists to get you in control of the downsize. RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE : PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

If you would like a guide to downsizing, read on here… My guide for you is taken directly from the comments of previous downsizers and their thoughts about what sort of downsize has proven to be successful. They are passing their gems of downsizing experience and wisdom through me to you!  Top of the ‘Where should I live?’ downsizing list is… Location Location Location - who do I want to be near? This could be in the form of clubs, family, services, medical specialists. Make sure who is top of your list. Now to confuse things - don’t necessarily rely on children for example, as they may want the freedom to move around. What type of Support do you want to be near. Remember, if you are currently living with someone, what happens if they are not around? You probably don’t want to think about it, but it does regularly happen. If you don’t want to move again (let's face it, who likes moving!) then think about this one carefully. In conjunction with #1 and #2 is What do I want to be near? Some of these things are available in many places too, so should be looked at in combination with the above. This may mean; airport, lake, mountains, beach, services etc, etc. What about the next phase? I really don’t want to scare you now, but think about all of the numbers 1-3 above for the ‘next phase’. You may want to be somewhere where your next phase is just around the corner (logistically)! For more information about ‘Shifting Your Mindset’ and thinking about these things, tap into the information in my book etc, etc. All of the information is from many years of working with downsizers and knowing their insights learned and secrets shared! RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE : PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

Thinking about retirement should be fun, and my advice is to start thinking about it as early as possible!  Everyone has different retirement ideas and there are many things to have ideas about. If you spoke with 20 people, they would all have completely different ideas about how and where to retire to, downsizing goals, and what they want to achieve. Retirement strategy and retirement planning, in general, is the essential component of success. It is also the key to a successful downsize. Essentially a great retirement strategy houses retirement ideas, retirement goals and ultimately, underpins how you retire and the downsizing plan. A great retirement strategy needs to be designed early on with the assistance of well-practised retirement experts. There are many parts that fit into a strategy, ie; the financial aspect, personal well being, where you live - just a general thought, not specific at this stage, where your friends and family live, how near or far you want to be from them, available transport, medical and the retirement housing of your choice and of course much much more. Your retirement goals determine all of this! Use the list above as a Q&A for discussion with your loved one, write them out and discuss them now, no matter how old you are! With all of these goals in place, this will formulate the strategy and what you want to accomplish. To read more about the professionals and the order in which to organise these discussions, you can read more in my book . Tune into the first part of the course which will help you wrap your mind around these goals and help you understand if there are any roadblocks in formulating your retirement and downsizing goals.  RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE : PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

After working with many senior downsizers, I feel reassured and glad that I invested my time speaking with them, learning, and listening.  These downsizing conversations and experiences motivated me to write my book Rightsize Your Home, the Empty Nesters Guide to a Stress-Free Downsize. I wanted their lessons to be passed onto the next downsizers, to help them with the challenges and pre-emptive steps which can be taken to avoid any unnecessary stress. When I hear advice from older people and advice from children taking care of elderly parents.  They say they are so glad they downsized when they did and strongly recommend downsizing to others to happen sooner rather than later when you are in complete control of your destiny. After working with these downsizers through the months of organising (and often more so in seeking advice themselves), I heard every downsizer, without exception, state they wished; number  They had downsized sooner or number  Thought the job was much easier than first anticipated. My advice for anyone taking care of elderly parents or parents-in-law who are in the lead-up and/or downsizing is to reassure them and even seek advice from other older people who have downsized themselves, they will all say the same thing.  Your parent/s will also say that they would never go back in the long run! There are many benefits of downsizing for people caring for elderly parents.  My advice is that downsizing your parents will be so much easier in the long run for everyone involved.  Approaching the advice about downsizing is of course an emotive subject and should be expressed with care, however, once you’ve started the conversation, don’t go back.  It is important to start the conversation and seek professional advice together.  Remember to seek advice from professionals who specialise in helping older people with financial and real estate knowledge. If you want more advice about ‘how to downsize’, tools and insights read the book. Click here to purchase the book. RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE : PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

Less loneliness, Better friendships and Less Stress… Reasons Why Downsizing is Beneficial for Seniors  There are many reasons why downsizing is beneficial for seniors.  I’m so passionate about it that I wrote my book because of it!  The downsizing benefits can mostly be linked with statistics that focus on mental health. Where a senior is happier, not lonely and less stressed with their surroundings, the flow on effect is enormous. Downsizing means the senior has more time to invest in themselves, their own interests, and relationship re-kindling or building. A decrease in loneliness is also a huge factor that is assisted with downsizing, and is linked to increased mental health.  Our first hand findings are that where a senior is either left on their own or is caring for another, it is far more difficult in a larger family home.  It is often harder to get out and socialise. Again, first hand experience of more happier seniors is seen when a couple is embedded into a downsized home and community, prior to losing a partner.  It works so much better when a couple is established with their networks and home prior to the event. Seniors will enjoy more freedom to move around and take time out for travel and spending time with relatives and friends.  If a senior is caught up in a larger home with maintenance issues, and/or having to get in the car to go everywhere, travelling to see people becomes a barrier to investing that time.  Again, contributing to raised stress levels. Other benefits include the distribution and control of items contained within the house, again this benefit correlates to lowering stress levels.  First hand research shows where seniors are in control of this process, the practice is far more enjoyable and frees the burden of constantly looking and being reminded of all those items around you. To find out more about how to shift your mindset about these benefits, click here. RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE : PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

What are the myths and facts about downsizing? Listen to Belinda Woolrych as she discusses this interesting topic for empty nesters.  Myth #1: Downsizing is for old people. Fact - In order to get more fun out of a downsize, my extensive research proves you can be as young as you feel! (No really) Downsizing should be a strong consideration for anyone whose kids have finished their exams and potentially Yr 1 at uni! Top Tip - book a meeting with your financial planner and get cracking organising. You will have some plans to put in place so please talk about it YEARS before you were expecting to! Myth #2: Downsizing is overwhelming Fact - It can be, if you let it, I have seen many downsizers in this situation. They do all tell me however, that they wish they had not have worried so much when it was all done. With careful planning and consideration of the full position, with the right people helping you, it will not be overwhelming. Shifting Your Mindset is designed to help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. You will also begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! Myth #3: I can’t afford to downsize Fact - You can afford it, with the right advice and the right people helping you. It may be that it is more expensive if you want to downsize to the golden triangle near the beach in your dreams. Getting the right people to advise on accurate property prices and off-market opportunities, you can afford to downsize. Myth #4: I’m too young to downsize Fact - Refer to Myth #1! Myth #5: I have nowhere to go Fact - Yes you do! There is always somewhere to go, and DO NOT let it stop you from starting to walk along the preparation road.. In fact it is more important for you to start working on your downsizing and decluttering before you have any next home locked in, so you don’t feel under pressure. Once you are decluttered and your property is looking fabulous then you are free to fall in love with the next home! RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE : PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

There are 10 tips you need to know about downsizing and I'm happy to share them with you. Watch here:  Tip 1: Start way before you start!  Downsizing is a process that can take months of planning Remember you can’t build Rome in a day.  Downsizing takes careful planning and preparation to do a great job of it.  So start thinking early and ensure you’re making moves long before you actually ‘move’! Tip 2: You don’t need to know where you are going before you start the downsize It’s helpful to not to know, then you don’t feel pressured.  However you can imagine the size and the scale of what you want to live in, so plan for that.  Then once you are ready to sell or lease your current home, you are free to fall in love with the next one! Tip 3: Downsizing is your choice, no one else's!  You must however take care of yourself and keep yourself safe It’s great to control the process, but remember if people are worried about you then they are going to be talking about it.  So listen to them for safety, and stay in control - back to point 1….. Start way before you start! Tip 4: Don’t do it alone, get help downsizing Simple - get help (proper help).  Maybe you can return the favour and help a friend of yours too? Tip 5: Dare to dream, downsizing will be better than you think Downsizing can be fun, and ALL the contributors to my book say the same - read it to believe it! Tip 6: Successful downsizing takes ‘mind over matter’ Start with the mindset and you will sail through the waters.  You can understand more at www.rightsizeyourhome.com.au Tip 7: It’s never too late to downsize If you’re worried it’s too late, its not, just do it! Tip 8: It’s never too early to downsize If you’re worried it’s too early, it’s not, just do it! Tip 9: Reward yourself on the downsizing journey Think of all the things you love to spoil yourself and roster them in with your hard work. Tip 10: You can do it!   RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE : PART 1 Shifting Your Mindset Understanding The RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, And How To Be READY For Your DOWNSIZE This online course for empty nesters is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full ‘Rightsize Your Home’ program. Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. Also, you will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this online course, click below now. TRY THE FREE LESSONS TODAY

Downsizing Dilemma: "My partner doesn't want to downsize." With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda in this workshop, “5 Tips to Help Senior Couples Downsize Together” including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! This online workshop is FREE.  Common Downsizing Issues by Senior Couples One does, one doesn't One is overwhelmed, one wants to get on Mismatch of end state desires Reluctance to 'end an era' Too hard a job Don't know where to go One links the process to losing control All these years upsizing, don't capsize Downsizing Mindset as a Couple What is your couple? This can be a mother-daughter team Align goals This is a combined and shared effort You are in this together Share the vision Set the combined path When Downsizing, Plan Ahead Together Fundamental of change management is stakeholder engagement Setting plan means 'hearing' each other Mutually accepted terms When in doubt, refer back to the 5 Top Tips to Help Senior Couples Downsize Together Missed the previous workshop? Watch or Listen to How to Sell Things You Don't Need When Decluttering from the Family Home Shifting Your Mindset Course Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset - Understanding The Right Time, Moving Roadblocks and How to be Ready for Your Downsize This course is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full 'Rightsize Your Home' program. Rightsize Your Home Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. You will also begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this course, click below now. Register here to try the Sample Module

Have you ever wondered how to sell things on eBay after you've decluttered the family home? Is there someone who can help you? Yes, there is a person who can definitely help you! eBay Trading Assistants are experienced eBay sellers who will sell your items on eBay for a fee. Work with a Trading Assistant and enjoy these benefits: Save time and effort. The Trading Assistant handles every aspect of selling your item on eBay, from listing the item to shipping it to the buyer. Watch the Workshop  With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda and Adrian Wakelin in this workshop, “How to Sell Things You Don’t Need When You Declutter the Family Home” including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! This online workshop is FREE. What are the options for selling your items? Auction Houses Classified sites like GumTree or Facebook Marketplace Garage Sales Fashion Consignment Shop Online Auction Site eBay Listen or watch to the workshop to find out what the pros and cons are for each of these avenues for selling your items. What are people looking for on eBay? You can sell virtually anything on eBay like antiques, furniture, household appliances, collectables, some high-end clothing & accessories, jewellery, watches, audio visual, cameras, phones, sporting equipment etc. Larger items are offered nationwide and smaller items that can be posted are offered worldwide. Collectors who collect specific items have searches set up with a keyword title like ‘Royal Doulton’. They are sent an alert that directs them to the listing. eBay is not an online garage sale people are after quality high end items as well as everyday items. Some examples are: $30k Rolex watches, boats, Louis Vuitton clothes to whole designer kitchens. What are the risks of selling on eBay? Sometimes a buyer will purchase an item and then not pay or collect it. The main risks are eliminated when an eBay Trading Assistant becomes involved with the sales process as you do not have to deal with the buyers this is all done by myself. Your eBay Trading Assistant may not be able to sell every single item but he/she can advise how to dispose of and can quickly identify the most saleable items. Top Tips on How to Sell Things on eBay After Decluttering the Family Home #1: Downsizing or selling your items can give you a sense of freedom. #2: Get expert help in knowing what your items are worth. #3: For special pieces we can set a reserve and that would be the starting price. #4: Remember your eBay trading assistant is working on a commission only basis so it is in his interests to achieve the highest price possible and will do his best to achieve this. Missed the previous workshop? Watch or Listen to 5 of the Best Techniques to Stay Calm and Motivated for your Rightsize How to Declutter Online Course Part 2: The Declutter Challenge - Planning and Getting 'Stuck In' to Your Family Home Declutter Are you feeling overwhelmed about the task ahead? Sorting through your things can stir up mixed emotions from the past and you may not feel ready to 'let go'. Rightsize Your Home Part 2: The Declutter Challenge helps future downsizers you learn how to move through the process in the right manner, so you can get the job done. This course will show the way with clear, straight forward steps. As you make progress, you will begin to notice how much better you feel. This is the ultimate motivator to keep you going! Try the Sample Module Today

How do you stay calm and motivated for your RIGHTSIZE? With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda in this workshop, “5 of the Best Techniques to Stay Calm and Motivated for your Rightsize” including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! This online workshop is FREE. Watch the Workshop Remember your "Why" Why have you decided to Rightsize? And why is this one of the best techniques? Over my years of expertise working with downsizers, something that really helps anchor and gets us back on track during what can be sometimes stressful is remembering your 'Why'? That's listening to your inner self and working out, finally, what to do with this. In thinking about getting back in control and keeping these techniques, I want you to always remember your 'Why'. Know the Impacts of Change This is actually about a bit of learning. This is about understanding the impact of change. What it does to you, if you can understand this cycle of change, it will actually help you to step back and out of the emotional complexities that happen, and look at it from above and see what to your thoughts, in your body and your reaction. Create your Bucket List and Know your Blockers Knowing your bucket list is pretty fun. Yours could be taking a holiday or spend time with your grandchildren. So have you taken a  moment to draft up your bucket list?  Knowing your blockers - what's stopping you? Is it a person? Is it a thing? Or, is it the process of Rightsizing?  Breathe and Exercise Give yourself something to do outside to take your mind off into and stay active through this process. There are different techniques for breathing, you can always look into meditation. Be in Control with your Team of Experts So you've got people who can really help in this they know what to do. They are excellent and well practiced at what they do. Free Resource We understand that Rightsizing can be stressful. That’s why we have created this printable guide on how you can stay calm and feel motivated when Rightsizing. Stick this on your refrigerator or anywhere you can see it so you can be reminded of what you can do when you feel overwhelmed. Get this Printable Guide in the Sample Module of Shifting Your Mindset Online Course. All you need to do is to REGISTER HERE. Missed the previous workshop? Watch or Listen to 10 Quick Wins and Tips to Make Your Property Shine Shifting Your Mindset Online Course Understanding the RIGHT TIME, Moving Roadblocks, How to be READY for your DOWNSIZE. This course is designed as the first step of a 3-part program focusing on improving your mindset and can be completed independently or as a pre-requisite to Part 2 and Part 3 for the full 'Rightsize Your Home' program. Rightsize Your Home Part 1: Shifting Your Mindset will help you understand where you are currently at and help you move through any overwhelming thoughts that may be stopping you from moving forward. You will begin to plan and feel more excited about your next chapter! We invite you to try this course, click below now. Register Here to Try the Sample Course

With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda and Ben Whiting, Director of Optimum Property Services in this workshop, “10 Quick Wins and Tips to Make Your Property Shine!” including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! This online workshop is FREE. Why do you need to make your property shine? Presenting your home for sale is absolutely critical if you want to make your property shine and get the attention of buyers. Your property doesn't get a second chance to make a first striking impression so right from the beginning, make sure your house is well presented before selling it.  The following are recommended areas that should shine when selling your property: Street Appeal  Interior Backyard / Exterior What is the risk in making your property shine? Use a reputable licenced tradesperson whom you trust If planning on selling for profit, you don't want to overcapitalise and blow out your budget Top tips and what to expect from the process Know the final costs and budget well on the right changes Consider lead times and make sure they fit in with your timeline Ask you tradesperson about the pros and cons of different materials You can expect, usually double the return on well invested makeover works  Makeover for your target market - not for you! ABOUT BEN WHITING: Experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. Skilled in Construction, Carpentry, Customer Service, Management, and Sales. Strong professional with a Certificate 3 & 4 focused in Carpentry/Carpenter and residential building from TAFE NSW.   Missed the previous workshop? Watch or Listen to What’s New & What are the Different Avenues for Selling Your Property? FREE RESOURCE: 7 Secrets to Property Selling Power I have included one of my favourite resources – the 7 Secrets for Property Selling Power. These secrets have been gathered from all of my years as a Property Makeover Specialist and seeing the results time and time again. If you can adopt these secrets – it will give you the selling (or renting!) power you need! Get this awesome resource for free by registering to our Members Portal. Inside the portal, go to the Sample Module of Part 3. Click here to Register   RIGHTSIZE YOUR HOME ONLINE COURSE PART 3: ADDING VALUE TO YOUR FAMILY HOME HOW TO PROFIT WITH YOUR BEST SALE AND PRICE OF YOUR FAMILY HOME This course is the last part of my 3 part Rightsize Your Home downsizing program, designed to break down the property presentation challenge ahead of you and get you into it! Rightsize Your Home Part 3: Adding Value to Your Family Home will get you on your way, covering all the practical tips and insights I have used over the last decade of helping thousands of homeowners get in control and get through their property presentation enabling millions of dollars of added property value and a more profitable and efficient transition process, whether they were selling or renting it out after their move. Try the Sample Module here

With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda and Ewan Le Bourhis in this workshop, “What’s New & What are the Different Avenues for Selling Your Property ?” including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! This online workshop is FREE. Different Avenues for Selling Your Property Workshop Top Tips When Selecting an Agent Select your agent wisely. Ask recommendation from friends. Do not trust too much online reviews. There is actually a joke about this, try to find a negative review on these websites. There are only positive reviews. Go to local open house to check how agents behave. Top Tip When You Do-It-Yourself (DIY) If you do it yourself, don't wait the last minute, document yourself on the process, start with an independent valuation by a professional valuer and connect with a conveyancer to get your contract of sales in order. Top Tips When You Mix the Different Avenues for Selling Your Property Don't wait the last minute. Start early. If there is an agent involved make sure you are involved in the selection. Start with an independent valuation. Final Tip Be ready and present your property well. ABOUT EWAN LE BOURHIS: He is a technical expert, he has delivered many successful products in the Health and Transport industry and he recently won a national contest to come up with a new way to selling your property. He is a Licensed Real Estate Agent and creator of Early Match, for sellers willing to receive offers from buyers for their property without being on the market. Pre-Market in Sydney.   Missed the previous workshop? Watch or listen to Top 7 Questions to Help You Find A Great Real Estate Agent Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 3: Adding Value to Your Family Home How to Profit with your Best Sale and Price of Your Family Home This course is the last part of my 3 part Rightsize Your Home downsizing program, designed to break down the property presentation challenge ahead of you and get you into it! Rightsize Your Home Part 3: Adding Value to Your Family Home will get you on your way, covering all the practical tips and insights I have used over the last decade of helping thousands of homeowners get in control and get through their property presentation enabling millions of dollars of added property value and a more profitable and efficient transition process, whether they were selling or renting it out after their move. Try the Sample Module

Top Tip in Top 7 Questions to Help You Find A Great Real Estate Agent "You've got to be on the same page with your agent about your property. We've got to put everything on the table: Look this is how it is, and then the real estate agent can then help you to position your property in its best light, and to understand how we're going to attract buyers to find the property and fall in love." With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda and Geoff Grist in this workshop, “Top 7 Questions to Help You Find a GREAT Real Estate Agent” including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! This online workshop is FREE.  Changes in work practices over 20 years The practice has evolved.  Before, there were only single agents, but now, there are team In the past, real estate agents had one-on-one service because there was no internet before. Required credentials of a Real Estate Agent Recent certificate changes Within four years, the agent must transition to Class 2 Every office must have 'licensee in charge' Class 1 Ongoing CPD Look up your prospective agents accreditation to ensure currency What costs and service standards should you expect No profit from marketing costs For your marketing spend, what do you get? What do you get for your commission? What are service standards? - feedback - buyer communication - seller communication - email, phone, in person How to interview a Real Estate Agent to sell your home (Questions to Help You Find A Great Real Estate Agent) Most like to meet 3 prospective agents Have a list of questions - download the free resource below. Cheap does not necessarily mean the right choice! Expensive does not necessarily mean the best! Ask for references Invest in your marketing Top tips for what to expect from your Real Estate Agent Be on the same page from day 1 of your journey Make sure you have communication plan is set Stay up to date with the market Most expensive/cheapest is not necessarily the best - do your research Missed the previous workshop? Watch or Listen to Declutter Challenge 4: The Doing and Declutter Challenge Download the Free Resource: To get the Top 7 Questions to Help you Find a GREAT Real Estate Agent, register to our Members Portal and go to Part 3: Adding Value to Your Family Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 3: Adding Value to Your Family Home How to Profit with your Best Sale and Price of Your Family Home This course is the last part of my 3 part Rightsize Your Home downsizing program, designed to break down the property presentation challenge ahead of you and get you into it! Rightsize Your Home Part 3: Adding Value to Your Family Home will get you on your way, covering all the practical tips and insights I have used over the last decade of helping thousands of homeowners get in control and get through their property presentation enabling millions of dollars of added property value and a more profitable and efficient transition process, whether they were selling or renting it out after their move. Try the Sample Module here

With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing and Decluttering covered by Belinda in this podcast, "Declutter Challenge 4 : The Doing and Resources - Decluttering Action Plan" including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home!  Declutter Challenge Recap Make the Decision Set Aside Time and Ask for Support Rostering and Rewards What is the 5-Step Decluttering Action Plan? This 5-step decluttering action plan is to make sure that all of these actions are going into manageable chunks which is easy to tick off. Label 5 boxes (Keep, Toss, Sell or Charity Donation, Fix or Return to Owner, Gift to Family or a Friend). Have these ready for Step 2. Remove all items from the area or room (where possible) Box items that are not needed Redistributing Assess the room To ensure that the 5-step decluttering action plan will really work, I want you to question every single item, "How much do I love you?" The Doing and the Resources There are 2 resources you will need to accomplish the declutter challenge: Emotional resources - You have 3 words to remember: Motivation, Rewards and Why. Physical resources - checklist of items, your support team and 3rd parties You have to include the resources above to get you to finish the Declutter Challenge and don't forget to include your 5-step decluttering action plan. Present Your Property - Make it Shine! Some questions to help you get started in improving the look and feel of your property after the declutter challenge: Where can you start to add value to your property? How can you add value to your property in a cost-effective way? Top Tips & Rightsize Your Home Framework Mindset - your emotional resources backed up by your physical resources Make it your goal to finish the Declutter Challenge including the 5-step Decluttering Action Plan Present your property - make it shine! Missed the Previous Workshop? Watch or Listen to Declutter Challenge 3: Roster & Rewards Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 2: The Declutter Challenge – Planning and Getting ‘Stuck In’ to Your Family Home Declutter Are you feeling overwhelmed about the task ahead? Sorting through your things can stir up mixed emotions from the past and you may not feel ready to ‘let go’. Rightsize Your Home Part 2: The Declutter Challenge helps future downsizers you learn how to move through the process in the right manner, so you can get the job done. This course will show the way with clear, straight forward steps. As you make progress, you will begin to notice how much better you feel. This is the ultimate motivator to keep you going! Register and Try the Sample Module to Get a Free Decluttering Handy Checklist

Top Tip in Declutter Challenge 3: Roster and Rewards "Why do we roster and why do we do rewards? This is continuing on from setting that calendar. Of course, it is critical to have your roster. I like to think that if you can view this downsize or rightsize, it actually ends up being your part-time job." With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing and Decluttering covered by Belinda in this podcast, "Declutter Challenge 3 : Roster and Rewards" including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home!    Roster & Rewards Think of downsizing as a part-time job. Downsizing or "Rightsizing" is not something you can squeeze into a Thursday night or Friday night because it happens over months. Come up with a roster for yourself that works out with your normal activities.  Rewards is critical to have in your calendar. When you add the rewards into your calendar, this will motivate you to stick to the plan.  What You Will Need in this Roster and Rewards Decluttering Challenge As well as your roster with allocated tasks and your rewards, you will also need to stock up on some items to help you in the process of decluttering such as boxes and packing tape. All of these items are essential and should be at hand so you keep going. Tackling Each Space You should be able to pick up an item and make a decision about that item. Should it stay, or should it go? Lighten the load and get rid of things you no longer need. 5-step approach to decluttering - use and do it once Remember if the item is going to stay in the room you are clearing, it must be above your '7' on your 'How much do I love you?' scale - you absolutely have to love it! Top Tips & Challenge Homework Brainstorm Rewards and Roster  Sketch up your 1 - 10 love scale! Display next to where you are working Refer back to your calendar and update your hours - ensure they are working /make adjustments as necessary Declutter challenge homework Watch or Listen to Declutter Challenge 2: Set Aside time and Ask for Support Rightsize Your Home Online Course Part 2: The Declutter Challenge – Planning and Getting ‘Stuck In’ to Your Family Home Declutter Are you feeling overwhelmed about the task ahead? Sorting through your things can stir up mixed emotions from the past and you may not feel ready to ‘let go’. Rightsize Your Home Part 2: The Declutter Challenge helps future downsizers you learn how to move through the process in the right manner, so you can get the job done. This course will show the way with clear, straight forward steps. As you make progress, you will begin to notice how much better you feel. This is the ultimate motivator to keep you going! Try the Sample Module Today to Get the Decluttering Handy Checklist

Top Tip in Declutter Challenge 2 "Make a plan that is personal to you. There's never a one-size-fits-all cookie cutter to this approach and it's based on many factors including how big your home is, what is your motivation, your health, people around you, all those sort of things. Also, the number of things that you have to redistribute so it all takes time time. Some properties can get done faster than others. What I need you to do is set an end date. You may plan to be packed up and done by your 65th birthday. So set an end date, what works for you and your loved ones too. But really, most importantly... for you." With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing and Decluttering covered by Belinda in this podcast, Declutter Challenge 2 : Set Aside Time and Ask for Support including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! Watch the Declutter Challenge 2 Workshop What you will learn in Declutter Challenge 2 Homework Recap & Moving Forward Read the book Sketch your desired plan List your identified key items to keep Your Timeframe If you do not have a particular timeframe, I would like to suggest you give yourself a maximum of 3 months, so this task does not drag on and on and you feel a sense of achievement as you move through the process. In saying that, do not put too much pressure on yourself, you have a lot of unwinding to do! Breaking Down the Tasks Decluttering is like a muscle, the more you do the easier it gets - just like when you do a jigsaw puzzle, so list your tasks and then we will go about sorting the order in which they should be done. Your Support Team & Sticking to the Plan It is time to connect. There are multiple members of a support team. Make plans to select yours. Top Tips from this Workshop/Podcast and further Questions Create your plan so you can move forward with direction and a clear path ahead Your timeframe will give you a reason to commit to a schedule. Decluttering is like a muscle, the more you do the easier it gets If you draw on people to help, you will less likely feel stuck. Declutter challenge homework: 1. Set an end date, 2. sketch your desired calendar and 3. list your identified key support team Watch or Listen to Declutter Challenge 1: Make the Decision here About Belinda Belinda Woolrych, author of Rightsize Your Home - The Empty Nester's Guide to a Stress-Free Downsize contributes every fortnight Friday at 10am to the community by her Rightsize Your Home Online Workshop. If you are a community-based seniors group and would like to book Belinda, you can enquire here. For upcoming Rightsize Your Home Online Workshop and Events, click here. Disclaimer Belinda Woolrych makes no representation and gives no warranty as to the accuracy of the preceding information and does not accept any responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies in, or omissions from, the information contained herein (whether negligent or otherwise) and shall not be liable for any loss or damage howsoever arising as a result of any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance on any information contained herein. No listener/workshop attendee shall rely solely on the information contained in this document as it does not purport to be comprehensive or to render specific advice. This disclaimer does not purport to exclude any warranties implied by law which may not be lawfully excluded. This workshop (which includes any workbook) is only for the use of the intended recipient/s and is confidential and/or privileged. Belinda Woolrych shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, viruses, loss and/or damage arising from using, opening or transmitting this workshop.

"Mind over matter: The first step in making the decision. Why mind over matter? In my view, it starts with the mind. You have to get your mind-set right then the logistics will happen. Putting your mind over matter is critical in the success of Decluttering. It's the process of getting through and having the motivation to work through it." With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda in this podcast, "Declutter Challenge 1: Make the Decision (Mind Over Matter)" including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! ? Make the Decision: Mind Over Matter Think back about your life experiences, many hard ones This always starts with the heart, then the head, then the matter There are challenges when you start, such as environmental distractions i.e. friends/family/opinions The Central point is YOU. Think about a blank floorplan vision - questions for you... What would make you happy? bedrooms/quilting room etc etc Make the Decision: Fitting into the New Space "What do I do with all my stuff?!" Step 1: Imagine your new home - just done. Step 2: Once you have drawn that space, the next step is work out what are your most favourite items and how they will fit into your new plan. What do you see - too much? too little? For now, you will see what we are aiming at. Here is an example of a completed floor plan with some appropriately sized furniture. Make the Decision: Don't Throw My Memories Away Real Memories are more valuable than things - don't throw them away! Think of ways you can remember. Memories could be: A great date in a dress, A birth, A loss, Travel and the list goes on and on... Treasure them and enjoy looking through your things as you work! Think of more space saving ways of savouring those memories.... There may be societies or groups who may love some of your old things. Examples are - Councils love old photographs of streets, Archives, Libraries, Collectors. The lists go on... Mind Over Matter: The Real Meaning of Value "How much do I love you?" That is the question I want you to ask yourself as you work through your calendar of decluttering! Every item you see in your chosen room should be asked a question.... "Do I love you enough to put you on my new floor plan and 1. Pack you, 2. Wrap you, 3. Box you up, 4. carry you downstairs, upstairs, up the road, in the truck, to the next place... then 5. Unpack you and 6. be with my most treasured items at my next new home?" Value does not equal = $$ Top Tips in Declutter Challenge 1 and Further Questions Set yourself as the #1 in the process - what is safe and healthy for YOU. Dream and sketch a floorplan of your desired space Decide on your most loved items and the effort to bring them Please note the real meaning of value. It is NOT what you paid for it, but how much you love it and your positive memories that come along with it. Declutter challenge homework: 1. READ book, 2. SKETCH your desired plan and 3. list your identified key items to keep Missed the previous workshop? Click here to watch or listen to How Furniture Hire Can Get You The Sale Rightsize Your Home ONLINE COURSE Part 2: The Declutter Challenge – Planning and Getting ‘Stuck In’ to Your Family Home Declutter Are you feeling overwhelmed about the task ahead? Sorting through your things can stir up mixed emotions from the past and you may not feel ready to ‘let go’. Rightsize Your Home Part 2: The Declutter Challenge helps future downsizers you learn how to move through the process in the right manner, so you can get the job done. This course will show the way with clear, straight forward steps. As you make progress, you will begin to notice how much better you feel. This is the ultimate motivator to keep you going!

"A lot of time you can visualize how the rooms in a home can be used, but sometimes the rooms are difficult to furnish or could be an odd shape. The aim of the stylist is to lay out the furniture really effectively to encourage buyers to see how space can be best used, therefore create competition and also add value." With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda and her special guest, Sarah Toland, one of the Senior Property Stylists of Advantage Styling, in this workshop, "How Furniture Hire Can Get You The Sale!" including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! This online workshop is FREE. ? Is it ok to use the furniture that I already have to present my home for sale? Yes, but make sure that your existing furniture align with the style of the house and demographic. Is it what your target market wants to see? Your existing furniture should be in good condition. The existing style of your furniture should tie into the new furnishing provided by the stylist. Is it better to show your home with nothing in it instead of hiring? The aim of styling is to encourage buyers to see placement of furniture and engage in the overall senses of the furnishings. An empty property can look cold and uninviting. Your house can take longer to sell when unfurnished. It can also look smaller and people may not not see how to use the space to its fullest potential. Why would you hire furniture instead of using your own? Existing furniture can look tired, worn out or over cluttered. The size of the existing furniture may be too bulky for the space and overpower the room. Existing furniture may not be aligned with the demographic or style of home. Using a stylist, they have the ability to streamline spaces for easy flow and use furniture to fit the space. Using a stylist, we can apply contemporary pieces to appeal to a wide range of buyers How much is it to hire furniture and how does it work? Each property, the space is divided into rooms and costed according to items required for that room. Pricing varies on the amount of items used to achieve the unique look and desirable style. When quoting, each room is broken down and inventory is itemised so the vendor knows exactly what is being provided into each room. Price ranges - 3 bedrooms house start from $4500 - $7000 Top tips for furnishing to sell plus Q&A Declutter Keep it neutral Use furniture to fit the space Focus on key rooms Add a touch of freshness with plants or floral arrangements About Sarah Toland: Sarah is one of the Senior Property Stylists of Advantage Styling. With a start in the corporate sector, Sarah blends her passion for interiors and property styling with exemplary client management skills. After graduating with an Interior Design diploma from Sydney Design School, Sarah went on to gain experience with interior design companies and also established her own property styling business. Sarah was Head of Styling in a Sydney styling agency before joining Advantage as a Senior Property Stylist. Having styled hundreds of properties across Sydney, Sarah's ability to move seamlessly between demographics, budgets, and trends is paramount to her success within the industry. Sarah specializes in styling properties throughout the North Shore, Hills District, and Inner City. Rightsize Your Home ONLINE COURSE Part 2: The Declutter Challenge – Planning and Getting ‘Stuck In’ to Your Family Home Declutter Are you feeling overwhelmed about the task ahead? Sorting through your things can stir up mixed emotions from the past and you may not feel ready to ‘let go’. Rightsize Your Home Part 2: The Declutter Challenge helps future downsizers you learn how to move through the process in the right manner,

With over a decade of experience as a Property Makeover and Change Specialist, Belinda has spent many years helping transform homes and lives. You will find all aspects of Downsizing covered by Belinda and her special guest, Jenny Simmonds, Director / Financial Adviser of Retire by Design, in this podcast, How Can I Afford to Rightsize? including Q&A asked by seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, your home! You will learn: Why would you think about Rightsizing now? How do I know if I can afford to Rightsize? How much does it cost to Rightsize? What does a great Financial Planner do? Wouldn't my accountant do that? Top tips for doing your Rightsize Home and Financial Freedom & Q&A Watch How Can I Afford to Rightsize?: About Jenny Simmonds: As an experienced and Certified Financial Planner, she is committed to providing her clients with quality straight forward advice and the highest levels of customer service. She is passionate about helping clients set and achieve their unique retirement lifestyle and financial goals and partnering with them throughout their various retirement planning stages. She has been in the industry for over 20 years initially building her experience working for various leading fund managers and product providers in diverse and challenging roles including Compliance Manager, Product Project Manager and Technical Manager prior to finding her niche in 2005 providing financial advice to clients on Sydney's lovely Northern Beaches. About Belinda: Belinda Woolrych, author of Rightsize Your Home - The Empty Nester's Guide to a Stress-Free Downsize contributes every fortnight Tuesday at 4pm to the community by her Rightsize Your Home Online Workshop. For upcoming Rightsize Your Home Online Workshop and Events, click here. Disclaimer: Belinda Woolrych makes no representation and gives no warranty as to the accuracy of the preceding information and does not accept any responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies in, or omissions from, the information contained herein (whether negligent or otherwise) and shall not be liable for any loss or damage howsoever arising as a result of any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance on any information contained herein. No listener/workshop attendee shall rely solely on the information contained in this document as it does not purport to be comprehensive or to render specific advice. This disclaimer does not purport to exclude any warranties implied by law which may not be lawfully excluded. This workshop (which includes any workbook) is only for the use of the intended recipient's and is confidential and/or privileged. Belinda Woolrych shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, viruses, loss and/or damage arising from using, opening or transmitting this workshop.