🏠 Who's downsizing

👀 Hello, Saturday! We're talking about the difficult task of downsizing.

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Real estate agent Connie Carter says DMV homeowners want to downsize, but it's not so simple: There's limited inventory in most buyers' budgets, thanks to high home prices and mortgage rates.

Why it matters: Finding a buyer isn't a problem — finding somewhere for the seller to go is.

Case in point: Robert Hanawalt says his empty-nester move all started with a Zillow listing.

• He and his wife weren't looking to sell their Dupont Circle townhouse, but an apartment in a familiar building launched them into a new home search.
• They saw a few units in the building before finding the right one. Meanwhile, their Dupont home had multiple offers almost immediately, and ended up with an all-cash offer over their original asking price.

By the numbers: D.C. home prices were up 9.8% in July, compared to last year, per Redfin data.

• There were 589 homes sold last month, down from 658 in July 2023.

The intrigue: More seniors are ditching homeownership entirely, with some moving into swanky apartments packed with pools and other perks.

• Others are seeking homes that feature aging-friendly designs such as single-level floor plans, shower seats and handheld showerheads.

Finding new homes for accumulated stuff can be even more daunting.

• Pro tip: Carter recommends hiring an organization company to help make a plan for what stays and goes.
• A four-hour in-home session with D.C.-based KonMari Method pro Jenny Albertini is $540. Creating Space D.C. offers half- and full-day packages for $360 and $650, respectively.

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Saying goodbye to a home packed with memories is a top challenge for home sellers aged 55 and older, according to a recent analysis from real estate platform Opendoor.

Between the lines: The typical D.C.-area homeowner has spent 13.6 years in their home, about two years longer than a decade ago, per Redfin.

Go deeper: America's homebuyers are getting older

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If you've worked with a real estate agent, tell us how you found them and how it went.

• What did you love most about your agent? Did they find your dream house? Guide you through the emotional ups and downs?
• What value did they add to your home buying or selling experience?
• Have you ever used an online or discount brokerage?

Email realestate@axios.com with your name and neighborhood or hit reply. We may feature your insights in an upcoming newsletter.

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Our picks:

🚁 Sami is reading this book.

🍁 Bri is returning to her fall comfort show.

Thanks to our editor Ashley May and copy editor Bill Kole.