Friday, December 21, 2012

Helena Talbot's blog - Strategic Downsizing To Cut Costs


Everyone feels the strain of rising costs here and there. It may be groceries or it could be gas, but many of us are looking for solutions to an on-going problem. How to cut costs?

These days it becomes more of a strategy to save money. If you move to a walkable neighborhood you can cut down on gas, kids can walk to neighborhood schools, find entertainment at nearby parks and centers and more pep in your step means a healthier you.

You’re not just downsizing your space but you’re strategizing to move to a simpler life. You look at all the ways you can save on money just by moving to the right neighborhood. Ask yourself a few questions;

1. If you drive your kids to school or if your teenagers drive to school, wouldn’t it save money to downsize to a community where they can walk or buses will pick up?

2. What communities have shopping within walking distance? If you buy local you can save.

3. Which community could you move to that has a bus stop or train station nearby?

4. Are there banks/ATM machines in the community? Do you know how many times people must run out and drive to an ATM machine just to give money to the kids? What a waste of gas!

There's more than one way to reduce housing costs. A smaller home typically means a smaller mortgage and smaller property taxes. It also means lower utility bills and reduced maintenance costs.

The biggest problem with downsizing to new homes is that people have trouble parting with the past but you always have your memories and trinkets.

The bottom line is that costs go up and down but they will never be so low that you won’t feel pocket stings, especially when you get closer to retirement age. That’s why downsizing is strategic; you must focus on cutting your expenditures so you have more going in your pockets than going out.

Asking yourself is it Worth It?

In most cases, the answer is yes. Sizing down will almost always mean saving money. Lifestyle is perhaps your wild card in this equation, and depends entirely on your personal wants, needs and any changes you hope to introduce. 

If you strategize in the choices you make it can have a profound impact on your pockets and in your life.


I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. 
I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.
My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.
I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.
Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

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