Making the Aging in Place Decision: Stay or Sell?

By Mike Lentz | The Mike Lentz Team – Keller Williams Realty

Making the Aging in Place Decision: Stay or Sell?

At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up:

“Could I stay here long-term, or would it make more sense to move?”

It’s not always urgent. It often shows up in small moments. Going up and down the stairs. Keeping up with the maintenance. Or just thinking about what the next chapter might look like in this home.

And for most people, the answer is simple. They want to stay.

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found about 90% of adults over 65 prefer to stay in their homes as they get older (see below):

But even if staying feels like the right answer, it’s still worth thinking ahead. That’s where the right agent can really help.

What You Need To Plan for If You’re Staying in Your Home

Aging in place is definitely possible. But it’s better if you have a plan. And here’s why.

The home that once worked perfectly may need to change with you over the years. And it’s easier if you can anticipate those expenses.

• Sometimes that means small updates: like adding grab bars in the shower.
• Other times, you’ll have to make bigger decisions: like reworking layouts or moving key spaces to the first floor.

Some of those changes are going to be simple. Others can be a meaningful investment. And that’s why thinking about it early matters. Not because you need to decide anything right now, but because it gives you time.

• Time to understand what your home may need.
• Time to explore your options.
• Time to find the right contractors.
• Time to space out the expense of the upgrades.

According to ElderLife Financial, here’s a rough baseline of what it could cost depending on what needs to be done (see below):

And don’t worry. If your heart is really set on staying, but the costs feel like a concern, it helps to know you have options. Depending on your situation, there may be financial assistance programs available, along with tools like home warranties to help manage unexpected costs.

Just remember, if you’re thinking about making updates, it’s always worth having a quick conversation before you start. A real estate agent can help you understand which changes tend to make sense for your situation and how they may impact your home’s value based on your local market.

Financial Tools Available in South Jersey

Families across Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland counties have access to state and local programs designed to support homeowners who want to age in place. Many of these programs offer grants or low-interest loans for accessibility modifications.

Your equity can also play a role. If you’ve built substantial equity over the years, that can fund modifications without tapping into retirement savings.

When Moving Might Make More Sense

But staying isn’t always the best fit for every situation. According to Pegasus Senior Living:

“While most seniors hope to age in place, practical considerations sometimes make selling a home the wiser choice.”

Sometimes, it comes down to a simple shift. When the home that once made life easier, starts to make it harder.

That might look like:

• Maintenance or yardwork that’s starting to feel overwhelming
• Stairs or layouts that are getting harder to manage day-to-day
• Or needing more support or care or being too far from loved ones

And sometimes, it’s not about necessity at all. It’s about lifestyle. Some homeowners just don’t want to live through major renovations. Others are ready to simplify, downsize, or move somewhere that better fits this next chapter.

Whether that’s a smaller home, a 55+ community, or a place closer to family, moving simply means making daily life easier.

What the Market Looks Like for Downsizers Right Now

If you’re considering a move, timing matters. The spring market across our region has been active, with healthy buyer interest in all five counties.

Downsizing often means moving from a larger single-family home to a smaller property or condo. Those buyers tend to have strong equity positions, which can simplify the transition. You may also find that selling your current home and purchasing something more manageable happens faster than you expect when you work with an agent who understands the local market.

Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Some people stay and make updates. Others move to simplify things. Either can be the right choice. The goal isn’t to pick one today. It’s to understand your options early, so when the time comes, you feel confident instead of rushed.

If you want to talk through what this means for your situation, schedule a quick call and we’ll walk through it together.

For the full picture in your county, see our latest recaps for Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland counties.