Retirement Planning Beyond Finances: What to Know About Selling Your Home
By: Sara Fritz
When people think about retirement planning, the focus is usually on savings
accounts, pensions, and investments. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that can
have just as much impact on your quality of life- your home!
For many Delaware County residents, the home they’ve lived in for decades is both
their largest financial asset and the place where countless memories were made.
Selling it isn’t just a transaction; it’s a life transition that needs thoughtful planning.
1. Timing the Market to Your Advantage
The timing of your sale can influence how much equity you walk away with. While
spring is traditionally busy in real estate, local market trends matter more. In DELCO,
certain neighborhoods see strong activity well into the fall. A well-timed sale can put
tens of thousands more in your pocket and give you flexibility for your next move. That
being said, when you work with a real estate professional who knows the local market,
they can guide you as you consider timing (to the extent that you have that flexibility!).
2. Preparing Your Home for Today’s Buyers
Homes built in the 70s, 80s, or earlier often need a refresh to appeal to modern buyers.
This doesn’t mean a full renovation. Small updates like fresh paint, updated lighting,
and professional staging can go a long way. The goal is to help buyers picture
themselves living there, while still honoring the character of the home. As an agent, one
of my favorite things to do is strategize with potential sellers early on about things they
are thinking of doing and perhaps things they themselves will get to enjoy and not just
check a box to sell the home.
3. Considering Lifestyle in Your Next Chapter
Retirement isn’t just about downsizing; it’s about “right-sizing”- something we feel very
connected to at NextPhase Delco! Do you want to be closer to family? Have fewer
stairs? Be within walking distance of shops and restaurants? The sale of your home can
open the door to a property and a community that’s a better fit for the years ahead.
4. Planning for the Emotional Side of Selling
It’s normal to feel sentimental when leaving a long-time home. Planning ahead for
what to keep, what to gift, and what to let go of can make the process easier. One piece
of advice we have for sellers is that the timing will never be perfect and even if an
agent promises you they will make it simple and easy, you need to know even under
the best circumstances, this is a project and will have its challenges (and rewards!).
Please see my post about moving my parents out of their home (and my childhood
home) that they lived in for over 50 years!
5. Coordinating the Financial & Logistical Details
Selling a home in retirement often means aligning the timing with other life events, like
the sale of investments, the start of Social Security, or the move-in date for a retirement
community. Working with a real estate professional who understands both the
emotional and financial aspects ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Bottom line: Retirement planning isn’t just about money in the bank — it’s about
making smart, strategic decisions with your home. Selling at the right time, in the right
way, can give you the freedom, comfort, and peace of mind you’ve worked hard for.
Thinking about making a move? I help DELCO homeowners navigate every step of
the selling process, from market prep to moving day. Let’s talk about how your home
can support your retirement dreams.
About the Author
Sara Fritz
Sara brings her real estate clients a unique value and perspective. Her professional career path began as a registered nurse and evolved into healthcare analytics and project management. Throughout her nursing experience, Sara learned to work closely and effectively with others during stressful and often tenuous times in their life. Her work in business analytics has honed her ability to capture and quantify customer needs in order to help them make more informed decisions and to understand the market. Sara’s management experience supports her ability to build trust and communicate effectively which ensures seamless and successful real estate transactions for her clients. Sara maintains her nursing license and enjoys working as a nurse on a per diem basis at a local assisted living community.
As a lifelong DELCO resident and top-producing agent at Compass, Sara brings more than just real estate expertise—she brings heart, hustle, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Whether you're reimagining how and where you want to live, relocating to be closer to family, or preparing your home for sale, Sara’s guidance is rooted in empathy, strategy, and deep local knowledge. As a founding member of NextPhase DELCO, she believes every transition deserves trusted support and a personal touch.