Downsizing in the Oklahoma City Metro
Moving to less house, with help deciding what to keep, what to let go, and when to move.
Where do I even start?
Most people who are thinking about moving to less house start with the same two questions. Where do I even start? And what do I do with all this stuff? Both are fair, and neither has to be answered before you call us. The first conversation is how you work out the order of things, before anything goes on the market.
We've moved a lot ourselves. We've made 14 moves of our own and have helped move our own parents, so we know it's rarely just about the house. It's the timing, the belongings, and the decision about where you want to live next.
Sell first, buy first, or both at once
The order matters more than people expect. Selling first tells you exactly what you have to spend, and you may need somewhere to stay between closings. Buying first lets you take your time on the next place, but you could carry two homes for a while. In Oklahoma there are real ways to bridge the gap: an offer that depends on your sale, closings on the same day or close together, and equity-based financing through a lender that covers the stretch in between. We lay out the realistic options for your situation and let you choose. See selling to trade up for how those work, since the same tools apply when you're buying less house.
Mark started in mortgage lending, so he can explain how your equity and the next purchase fit together before you talk to a lender about exact figures.
Fix it, or leave it?
When you're leaving a house, every dollar and hour you put into it counts twice. Most houses don't need a remodel to sell. Kelli walks through with an interior designer's eye and tells you what's worth doing and what isn't. Sometimes she'll say I wouldn't spend money on that. A lived-in house priced for what it is can sell fast, and the next owner makes it their own. Selling your home shows how we price and prepare a house without overspending.
On your timeline, with no pressure
You decide when. We'll tell you what we'd do and why, then leave the decision to you. A good first step is a free home value walkthrough, where we both walk through your house and give you a price range with the reasoning behind it. There's no pressure to do anything with the number.
Talk to Mark and Kelli, or call the team line at 405-593-8326. You can also read more about The Osterman Team, or see Edmond and Northwest Oklahoma City for the areas we work.
This page describes our general approach. It isn't legal, tax, or lending advice. A lender can confirm what you qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sell my house first or buy the smaller one first?
It depends on your equity, your financing, and how fast homes like yours sell. We run your real numbers and lay out the options, which can include an offer that depends on your sale, closings close together, or equity-based financing through a lender.
Do I need to fix up my house before I sell it?
Usually not. Most houses don't need a remodel to sell. Kelli will tell you what's worth doing and what to leave alone, and a house priced for what it is can sell quickly.
How soon do I need to decide?
You decide. We'll tell you what we'd do and why, and there's no pressure to move on anyone's timeline but yours.
Is the home value walkthrough free?
Yes. We both walk through your house, then give you a price range with the reasoning behind it.
Keep exploring
Ready to make your move with The Osterman Team?