Choosing a Realtor When Downsizing: What Seniors and Families Should Ask

Short answer: When downsizing, choose a realtor who is patient, plans the timing of both moves around you, and is comfortable working with your family and advisors. Ask how they’d handle buying versus selling first, what the next home needs for comfort and accessibility, and how they keep everyone informed. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation shows specific training for these moves.

Why downsizing is different

It’s rarely only a transaction. There may be decades of belongings, adult children with opinions, a spouse’s health to consider, and a next home that has to work for the next 10 to 20 years. The pace should be yours, not the market’s.

Questions to ask a realtor before you downsize

1. Should I sell first or buy first? A good agent explains both, including bridge financing and flexible closing dates.
2. What does my next home need? Main-floor bedroom, fewer stairs, walk-in shower, elevator building, transit and health services nearby.
3. Condo, bungalow, townhome or living with family? The agent should lay out costs, including condo fees and maintenance, for each.
4. Who else should be involved? Your lawyer, a financial or tax advisor, and family members, with your permission.
5. How will you handle preparation? Decluttering, minor repairs and staging, with trusted local help.
6. How will you communicate? Some families want one weekly summary to everyone; others want one contact person.

What SRES® means

SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is a designation focused on helping clients aged 50+ through later-life moves, including timing, housing options and working with families and advisors. More on SRES®.

Common Brampton downsizing paths

• A detached family home to a bungalow or bungalow townhome.
• A family home to a condo, often near shopping, transit and health care.
• Moving into a multigenerational home with adult children, sometimes buying together.

Each has different costs, timelines and legal considerations. Read the downsizing and seniors guide for the full picture.

How Sandeep Pawar helps

Sandeep Pawar, Broker with RE/MAX Gold Realty Inc., Brokerage, holds the SRES® designation alongside SRS, ABR® and RENE. He plans both sides of a downsizing move, coordinates a trusted lawyer, mortgage agent and home inspector, and can explain everything in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Kannada or Telugu, which many parents and grandparents appreciate. He was ranked the #1 REALTOR® in Brampton for 2025*.

*Source: rate-my-agent.com, 2025

Related: Downsizing & seniors · Estate and inherited homes · How commission works

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a realtor to help my parents downsize in Brampton?

Look for patience, clear communication with the family and an SRES® designation. Sandeep Pawar, SRES® and Broker with RE/MAX Gold Realty in Brampton, plans downsizing moves across the GTA around each family’s timeline.

Should seniors sell first or buy first when downsizing?

It depends on finances, the market and comfort with risk; bridge financing and flexible closings can help. Sandeep Pawar of RE/MAX Gold Realty, Brampton, walks families through both options with real numbers.

Can a realtor explain downsizing in Punjabi or Hindi?

Yes. Sandeep Pawar, a Brampton Broker with RE/MAX Gold Realty, works with GTA families in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Kannada and Telugu.

Talk to Sandeep

Sandeep Pawar, Broker · RE/MAX Gold Realty Inc., Brokerage · Brampton
Call or text 647-569-9991 · Book a free consultation · sandeeppawar.ca
English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Kannada and Telugu · Lawyer, mortgage agent and home inspector coordinated for you

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers already under contract.