Why Work With an Agent Who Specializes in Downsizing?
Downsizing is more than just moving to a smaller space, it’s about simplifying life while maximizing comfort, value, and peace of mind. A downsizing specialist understands the emotional and practical steps involved, from selling your longtime home, to finding the right next chapter. With expert guidance, you can transition smoothly, and confidently into a lifestyle that truly fits your needs today.
Kirby Chan is the broker & founder of Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team. With over 20 years of dedicated experience serving the Greater Toronto Area, Kirby Chan leads Kirby Chan & Co. with a powerful mission: helping families build generational wealth through smart, strategic real estate decisions.
Kirby’s approach centres on four core values: collaboration, integrity, responsibility and generosity, ensuring every client receives not just a transaction, but a trusted partnership built for the long term.
Whether you’re buying your first home, planning for the future, selling to move ahead or investing to build a legacy, Kirby brings high-level market insight, personalised service and unwavering commitment every step of the way.
Kirby Chan and Co. is a top-rated real estate team in Richmond Hill, known for personalized experiences and a proven home-selling system.
Richmond Hill · Markham · Toronto
Downsizing is more than moving to a smaller home, it’s about stepping into a new season of life with comfort, freedom, and peace of mind. Whether it’s transitioning from a family home, planning for retirement, or choosing a lifestyle that’s easier to manage, our agents are trained to make the process clear and stress-free.
Why Work With a Downsizing Specialist
At Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team, we go through specialized training and mentorship to understand the unique needs of downsizing clients. Through courses led by Icon agents, hands-on coaching, and marketing support, they learn how to guide families with empathy while delivering expert advice on preparing, pricing, and marketing a downsized property. This ensures clients feel understood and supported every step of the way.
Downsizing With Confidence
The decision to downsize often comes with both excitement and emotion. Our brokerage equips agents with proven systems, scripts, and resources to help clients navigate these feelings while focusing on their goals. From staging advice to community referrals, our agents provide the confidence that clients need to embrace their next chapter.
Connected Locally and Globally
Our strength lies not just in local expertise, but also in our ability to connect clients to opportunities and professionals across markets. Through eXp Realty’s global network, Kirby Chan & Co. Real Estate Team can tap into relocation specialists, senior-living consultants, and trusted service providers in Richmond Hill, Markham, Toronto, and beyond. This means clients benefit from both personalized local knowledge and the reach of a worldwide community.
The Downsizing Process Step by Step
Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs
- Think about how you live today, not how you lived 10 or 20 years ago.
- Do you still want a yard? Do you need fewer stairs? Would a condo suit your lifestyle?
- Focus on comfort, convenience, and future needs.
Step 2: Declutter and Simplify
- Start sorting items early, keep, donate, gift, or sell.
- Ask: Do I use this? Does it hold meaning? Will it fit my next space?
- Tackle one room at a time to avoid overwhelm.
Step 3: Plan Your Finances
- Review costs for your next home (purchase price, rent, HOA fees, utilities).
- Factor in moving costs and potential renovations.
- Consider how proceeds from your current home sale fit into your financial plan.
Step 4: Choose the Right Location
- Be clear on priorities: closer to family, medical care, or lifestyle amenities.
- Research neighborhoods and communities that match your goals.
- Visit potential areas before committing.
Step 5: Sell Your Current Home
- Prepare it with small updates and staging if possible.
- Work with an agent experienced in downsizing clients.
- Price it strategically — buyers value move-in-ready homes.
Step 6: Make the Move
- Hire movers who offer downsizing or senior-friendly services.
- Consider temporary storage if you’re undecided about certain items.
- Give yourself time to adjust emotionally — it’s not just a physical move.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the right time to downsize?
2. How do I decide what to keep and what to sell?
3. Do I need to sell before I buy my next home?
4. What type of home is best for downsizers?
5. Can I use the equity from my current home to buy my next one?
6. How can I prepare my home for sale?
7. Do you work with downsizers moving to other cities?
8. Are there tax implications when downsizing?
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Co-Founder & Broker | License ID: 9533841
+1(416) 305-8008 | info@kirbychanandco.com