Selling in Your 60s: New Rules You Must Know

Selling a home in your 60s is a major financial and emotional decision, yet many longtime homeowners approach it with advice and assumptions that no longer apply in today’s market. The market has changed, today’s buyers have changed, and even the rules around commissions and taxes have changed.

To protect your equity and move into your next chapter with confidence, you need to understand what selling a home truly requires today.

Here are the 10 things every seller in their 60s should know.

1. Understand today’s buyers. Buyers no longer drive around looking for yard signs. They shop online, compare data instantly, and expect homes to be move-in ready. If your photos look dated, cluttered, or in need of work, buyers will scroll right past. Clean presentation, modern updates, and strong online marketing are now essential.

2. The power of pricing. Pricing based on what you want, what a neighbor got years ago, or what you “feel” the home is worth leads to stale listings and low offers. Today’s buyers know market value before they step inside. Pricing correctly from day one creates urgency, prevents your home from going stale, and attracts serious, qualified buyers.

3. Brace yourself for inspections. Inspection reports are long, detailed, and often overwhelming, even for well-maintained homes. Inspectors are paid to find everything. A smart move is ordering a pre-listing inspection so you can fix important items ahead of time, reduce renegotiation, and avoid deals falling apart once the buyer gets their report.

4. Understand the real cost of selling. Recent commission lawsuits have changed how fees work. You may have the option not to pay the buyer’s agent, but the money comes from somewhere. Lower fees often mean lower results. Weak marketing, poor negotiation, and dropped details can cost far more than the commission you hoped to save.

5. Preparing and staging your home. Presentation is everything because your first showing happens online. Decluttering, depersonalizing, using neutral paint, and removing bulky or outdated furniture help buyers imagine their life in your home. Staging does not always mean buying new furniture. Sometimes less is more.

6. Be aware of market uncertainty. Deals can fall through even when everything looks stable. Financing problems, low appraisals, job loss, rate changes, or buyer hesitation can all send you back to step one, and earnest money is often refunded in these situations. Knowing your timelines and contingencies helps you avoid making big decisions before the sale is fully locked in.

7. The agent you choose can make or break you. There is a big difference between a real listing specialist and an agent who simply puts a sign in the yard and waits. The right agent brings strategy, preparation, negotiation skills, marketing systems, and experience coordinating complex downsizing moves. The wrong agent quietly costs you tens of thousands.

8. Timing is everything. While spring and summer are busy seasons, fall and winter often bring serious buyers and less competition. The best time to sell is when your home is prepared and your plan is clear, not when a calendar says demand is highest. Waiting for the “perfect” time can backfire when extra carrying costs eat into your final proceeds.

9. Buying your next home. Buying in your 60s requires different planning than buying while working. Lenders focus on documentable income, not just assets. Bridge loans are less available, and coordinating a sale and purchase takes experience and timing. Speaking with a lender early and preparing your home well in advance gives you more flexibility.

10. Managing your emotions and letting go. Selling a longtime home is deeply emotional. Memories, family history, and comfort make letting go hard, even when you’re ready for a simpler lifestyle. A good agent helps you navigate both the practical and emotional sides of the move. Sometimes the best offer is not the highest but the one that gives you peace of mind and less stress.

Understanding these new rules will help you sell with confidence, avoid unnecessary setbacks, and protect the equity you’ve worked so hard to build. If you have questions or need guidance on preparing your home for a successful sale, please call or text me at (215) 669-6285 or email dianeandteam@cardanohomeservice.com. I’m here to guide you through the process and ensure your home stands out in today’s market.