What Should I Look for in a Realtor When I'm Downsizing in Lodi?

When you're downsizing, look for a realtor who plans your sale and your next home as one move, sets a pace that fits you, and gives you a clear recommendation at every step. Start by sitting down with them and asking how they'd plan your move.

Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence. I'm Audrey Schmierer, and I've lived in Lodi my whole life.

Picture the morning after the move. Your coffee, your favorite chair, and a home that's simpler to care for, with more time for what you love. The right realtor gets you there without the overwhelm.

Plan both moves together. Most of the time, I can time the sale and the purchase so you don't have to move twice. If needed, escrow can be extended, or often a rent back is arranged so you stay a little longer after closing. More in sell first or buy first.

Price your home with you. We go through the competing homes on the MLS and the recent sales, and I give you a range with three pricing options and my recommendation. See how we set your price.

Launch it well. Your home gets its own landing page on my website, professional photos, video or drone footage, open houses and paid Facebook ads. See how I get your home in front of buyers.

Help with your belongings. Deciding what comes along, what goes to family and what to let go is a big part of downsizing, and I help you work through it.

Stand beside you as a buyer. I show you any home you want to see, and I go to the home inspection and the final walk-through with you. Read what to look for in a smaller home.

Watch how they listen at the very first meeting. Do they hurry to the paperwork, or ask about your life first?

Before real estate, I spent 40 years as a dental hygienist, helping people feel at ease in an uncomfortable spot. I bring that same calm to a move. Our first talk usually happens at your kitchen table, and every question is a good one.

Dorene T. put it this way: "I appreciate your patience answering my questions, your professionalism and your willingness to listen to me ramble on." Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence.

"Can my family be part of this?" With me, yes. Family is welcome at our meetings, I keep everyone updated, and you stay in charge of every decision.

"How often will I hear from you?" Frequent updates are part of how I work, so you're never left wondering where things stand. Caleb and Tina M. wrote that I was "always easy to get in touch with."

"What if I'm moving out of the area?" I know many agents like me who would be happy to help you find your next home where you're going.

Waiting until everything is sorted to call. The first conversation helps you decide what to sort and when, so it belongs at the start.

Choosing by the biggest price promise. A high number sounds lovely, but ask how they got there. Recent sales of homes like yours are what count.

Here are a few made-up examples.

Say you've lived for years in a larger custom home in Sunwest. We'd plan the launch of your home and tour smaller options, like the mid-size, often move-in ready homes in Parkwest.

Say you'd love a brand-new home. We'd look at new construction around Rose Gate Park in Rose Gate.

Say you're not sure you're ready yet. Start with your number. A free home value review comes with no obligation to list.

Look for someone who plans both moves as one, goes at your pace, keeps you and your family updated and gives you a clear recommendation. Meet them first and ask your questions.

Here's the move. Start with a relaxed conversation at your kitchen table. We'll talk about where you're headed and what comes first, and you'll leave with a plan and no rush.

See every step of how I sell a home in Lodi, read about how I help with downsizing, or call, text or email me to set up a time. Audrey Schmierer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Central Valley in Lodi, CA, helping first-time buyers and downsizers buy and sell with confidence.

This article describes how I generally help clients. It isn't legal, tax or lending advice, and every move has its own details.