“We had some initial concerns as we needed to sell our home while living out of state. We’d been in communication with Michelle for a couple years until market conditions were…”
C. L.Seller living out of state · via Google
Downsizing & senior moves · Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
A thoughtful plan for your next chapter.
Whether you’re ready for less house or helping a parent with a move, I’ll help with the practical and personal decisions, at a pace that feels right.
Later-life moves
Moves that ask a lot, handled with care
Leaving a home you’ve loved for decades isn’t like any other sale. There are years of belongings to sort, questions about what comes next, and often several family members weighing in. It’s a lot to carry on your own.
As a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and a charter member of Compass Plus, I’ve trained to help older adults and their families with exactly these moves. I’ll explain each step in plain language, bring in the right people when you need them, and keep the whole family in the loop.
View My Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® Profile
- Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
- Compass Plus charter member
- Help with sorting, moving and preparing the home
- Clear updates for family near and far
Who I help
Every later-life move is different
Downsizing
Fewer stairs, less upkeep and more time for what you enjoy. We’ll find the right next home and sell this one well.
Moving closer to family
If family is the reason for the move, I’ll help you time the sale so you’re not rushing or paying for two homes.
A 55+ or senior community
From active adult neighborhoods to independent or assisted living, I’ll help you work through the timing of your sale so it fits with your plans for what’s next.
Helping a parent move
Adult children often start the conversation. I’ll work with you and your parent together and keep everyone informed.
Selling a family home
Settling a loved one’s home is emotional work. I’ll handle the details and work alongside your attorney and family.
Staying put
Not ready to move? I can help you think through updates that would make your current home easier to live in.
How it works
A plan you can see
- 01
Talk it through
We start with your plans, worries and timing, at your kitchen table or on a call with family included.
- 02
Make a plan
What the home is worth, whether to sell or move first, and what needs to happen when.
- 03
Sort and prepare
I’ll connect you with movers, organizers and contractors, and tell you which updates are worth it.
- 04
Sell with care
Careful pricing, staging and showings scheduled around your routine.
- 05
Settle in
I stay with you through closing and the move, and I’m still a call away afterward.
When family is helping
Everyone in the loop, no one overwhelmed
Many of these moves are a family effort, and sometimes the family is spread across several states. I’m glad to set up one point person, send regular updates and include sons and daughters on calls, so everyone hears the same thing at the same time.
For legal, tax and financial questions, I work alongside your attorney, accountant or financial advisor.
Client reviews
In my clients’ words
“Michelle is incredibly responsive. She typically responds to calls and texts within a matter of minutes, but at latest a few hours.”
Daniel H.Buyer · via Google
“Michelle worked with us for over a year, getting our house ready for sale in May of 2019. She was responsive in communications, prepared for all of our meetings and meticulous in…”
Charlotte and ShaneSeller · via Compass
“Michelle Gordon is an incredible realtor who helped make our home buying experience amazing. Michelle was with us every step of the way, encouraging, providing relevant and timely…”
Jeff W.Buyer · via Zillow
“Michelle is a great realtor, she is always professional, and easy going! Her knowledge of the market and the area are priceless.”
Oscar C.Buyer · via Google
“Michelle was amazing! We are so grateful we found her. She was with us every step of the way. Not only did she sell our house for over asking price but she helped us with so many…”
Burke homeownerSeller · via Zillow
Questions
Senior Move Questions
When is the right time to downsize?
There’s no single answer. Common signs are a house that takes more upkeep than you want, stairs that are getting harder, or wanting to be closer to family. Starting the conversation early gives you more choices and less pressure.
Should I move or age in place?
There isn’t one right answer for everyone. We can look at your current home, lifestyle, maintenance needs, proximity to family, and the costs and benefits of different options. Sometimes moving makes sense, while other times a few thoughtful changes can make staying in your home the better choice.
Is a senior living community right for me?
Senior living communities vary considerably in services, costs, independence and levels of care. Understanding entrance fees, monthly expenses, contract terms and future care options is important. I can help clients and their families evaluate the real estate considerations and connect them with appropriate professionals for additional guidance.
Should I sell first or move first?
Both can work. Selling first gives you a firm budget, and moving first avoids a double move. We’ll look at your finances, timing and the community you’re moving to and pick what fits.
What do we do with decades of belongings?
Take it one room at a time. I can connect you with move managers, organizers, estate sale help and donation pickups, so you only have to make the decisions that matter to you.
Can you work with our whole family, even if some of us live out of state?
Yes. I’m happy to include sons and daughters on calls, set up one point person and send regular updates, so everyone hears the same information at the same time.
What is Compass Plus?
Compass Plus is Compass’s group of agents who hold the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® designation and focus on later-life moves. I’m a charter member.
Let’s talk
Tell me what you’re planning.
Whether the move is next month or a few years off, a conversation now makes everything easier later. Or call or text me at 703-489-1627.
Downsizing: where to start
A gentle, practical guide for older adults and their families.
Read the Guide