By downsizing from a 2,400-square-foot home in Bellingham to a 980-square-foot condo in Sandy Point, real estate agent Molly Visser trimmed the excess from her family’s life, chased her dream of owning a boat, and simplified her family’s lifestyle. Recently, Visser sat down with WhatcomTalk to share her story and help others begin their own journey of downsizing.
Why Downsize?
As a real estate agent with John L. Scott for the past eight years, Visser understands the detail that goes into relocating a household — especially with a big family.
“I’ve lived in Bellingham for 30 years and have four boys,” says Visser. “My husband and I are almost empty nesters and we kept having the conversation about what we’re going to do when we’re free. One of the ideas was downsizing and maybe trading things in for more freedom. That was what spurred the conversation.”
The Vissers decided they wanted more mobility and less responsibility for their home maintenance, as they were living in a larger house with a sizeable yard. “My husband and I always wanted to have a boat and live on the water,” Visser says. What they found was a unique — and seemingly perfect for them — situation at Sandy Point. “It was a small condominium complex with a unit at the end and a big yard for our dogs, as well as a dock where we could store a boat.”
Pros and Cons
Despite the happiness with her family’s decision, Visser encourages folks to consider all the pros and cons before completely changing their lifestyle.
“The positive of downsizing is that you have less items to maintain and less square footage to maintain,” says Visser. “There’s less yardwork and it’s a simpler way of life. It requires getting rid of most of what you own, which creates a sense of freedom.”
On the other hand, downsizers would be working with limited space and more restrictions, especially if they were to buy a condo or other dwelling that’s part of a centralized community. “We have to present ideas to the board to get things done in our condo,” Visser says. “It’s a give and take.”
The Process
Downsizing can seem daunting for those who have families or a lot of materials to go through.
“I tend to get super excited about everything and make quick decisions,” says Visser. “We had just spent a year and a half remodeling the home we were going to live in forever, so when I found this place, it was a super quick decision.”
Alongside her husband and sons, Visser went through her home with lightning speed, putting items into piles for keeping or getting rid of, and creating a pile for items she was unsure about.
“I wouldn’t recommend going fast to people,” Visser says. “The things I wasn’t sure about keeping I put in a storage unit, and once we got settled in our condo, I was able to go back to the storage unit and decide whether or not I really needed those things. Most of them I actually ended up getting rid of.”
When sorting through tools or appliances, especially in the kitchen, Visser advises folks to keep things that can accomplish more than two tasks, promoting efficiency and saving space. Visser also recommends folks start downsizing their life six months to a year before they make a final decision about moving.
“Start cleaning out closets, weeding out your wardrobe and slowly start giving things away or donating,” says Visser. “So, when something comes on the market, you’re kind of ready to go. Even if you decide to change your mind, your house is organized, and you still simplified your life.”
Lifestyle Changes and Real Estate
The desire to simplify her life has had an enormously positive impact on Visser, and she would do it all again.
“This makes sense, and it works for us,” she says. “It feels good because we have what we need, and we don’t have too much stuff. Now we have a boat, and we can crab, fish, and watch the sunset on the water.”
Through her work with John L Scott, Visser promotes the same values she lives in her own life and encourages her clients to enjoy what makes Whatcom an incredibly special corner of Washington.
“It’s all about the people and the relationships,” says Visser. “In this job, I get to meet all kinds of people from all stages and walks of life. I love that I get to help them make an emotional decision and that being part of that decision creates a bond between us. We have so many cool treasures to share with people moving here from other places.”
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