For many seniors and empty nesters across Maine, the family home that once symbolized comfort and stability can gradually become a source of stress. Stairs grow more difficult to manage, maintenance becomes overwhelming, and rising property taxes and utilities strain fixed or pre-retirement incomes. Yet despite these challenges, the idea of downsizing is often delayed—sometimes for years—because of emotional attachment and uncertainty about what comes next.
Helen La Count of Keller Williams Realty specializes in helping homeowners move through this transition with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Her approach is deeply personal, rooted in understanding both the practical realities and emotional weight of leaving a longtime home behind.
Recognizing When a Home No Longer Fits
La Count says the downsizing conversation usually begins with a series of in-home visits. “It’s about getting to know them and their space,” she explains. She looks at mobility challenges, home layout, and safety concerns—such as bedrooms located upstairs or deferred maintenance that has quietly accumulated over time.
“Often, once we talk it through, homeowners admit the home has become too much for them,” she says. The key, she notes, is not just identifying the problem, but determining a realistic and comfortable next step. That may mean moving in with family, transitioning to assisted living, or finding a one-level ranch or condo that better suits their lifestyle.
Restoring Financial Balance
For homeowners on fixed incomes, downsizing can significantly ease financial pressure. Property taxes, utilities, insurance, and ongoing repairs add up quickly in larger homes.
“Some clients qualify for senior housing in their local area,” La Count explains. “Whether subsidized or full-pay, the monthly cost is often far less than what they’re spending to maintain a home that’s simply too big for them.”
Reducing housing expenses can free up income for healthcare, travel, hobbies, or simply provide peace of mind—an increasingly valuable commodity as homeowners plan for the years ahead.
From “Giving Up” to Gaining Freedom
One of the most common misconceptions about downsizing is that it represents loss. La Count works to reframe that narrative.
“This goes back to understanding their story,” she says. “How will they feel when life becomes simpler and easier?” She encourages clients to visualize daily life without the burden of upkeep and to tour potential new homes—even those with waitlists—to spark excitement about what’s possible.
As clients begin identifying which belongings they truly want to keep, momentum builds. “It’s a process,” she says, “but once it starts, it often becomes empowering.”
Navigating the Emotional Side of Letting Go
For homeowners who have lived in the same house for decades, emotional attachment is unavoidable. La Count emphasizes the importance of involving family members or a power of attorney when appropriate.
“This is when we get everyone on the same page,” she says. “The goal is more time, more financial freedom, and a safer environment.” Many seniors, she adds, crave socialization, and once they see opportunities for connection and community, they often acknowledge that it may be time to move forward.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
The biggest mistake La Count sees homeowners make is procrastination. “The idea of sorting through belongings and letting go feels overwhelming, so nothing gets done,” she says. “Weeks turn into months, months into years—and then a health crisis or loss forces rushed decisions.”
Without guidance, families are often left managing a transition under pressure, rather than on their own terms.
Opening the Door to New Opportunities
For empty nesters in particular, downsizing can unlock a new phase of life. “They can lock the door and travel,” La Count says. “Life becomes simpler. They make new friends who are in the same stage, and spending more time with family gives them a renewed sense of purpose.”
Starting the Process the Right Way
La Count advises homeowners to begin by identifying where they want to go—whether staying local or relocating closer to family. From there, the focus shifts to selecting what to bring, inviting family members to claim meaningful items, and responsibly repurposing or removing what remains.
“As things thin out and take shape, people feel relieved,” she says. “They become hopeful and excited. Their next move stops being an abstract idea and starts becoming a reality.”
For seniors and empty nesters across Maine, downsizing does not have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, it can be a thoughtful transition—one that replaces stress with simplicity and uncertainty with confidence
About Helen La Count Realtor
I was born and raised in Orono Maine graduating from Orono High and the University of Maine Orono. I moved to California where I completed my education at San Jose State University. My entire career has been in Professional Sales, Sales Training, and managing sales forces for large organizations on the West Coast. I married in San Jose where Spencer was born and returned to Maine in 1995. Being back in Maine allowed me the opportunity to pursue my dream in the world of Real Estate. I was one of the first Buyer Agents on one of the only Teams in Maine- Patty T Young of ERA Home Sellers in South Portland where we won countless awards locally and statewide for performance.
In 2008 I joined Keller Williams Realty and helped build the Buyer Division of Universal Properties, now the Mateja Group where year after year we broke production records and were a top producing team. In June of 2018 Spencer and I partnered to form our own team La Count Real Estate- Count on La Count with Keller Williams Realty. We have a combined 32 years of Real Estate Experience to offer Buyers and Sellers a high level of service of honesty, Integrity, and experience. We are recognized and respected in our community and the Greater Portland market.
LICENSE #: BA904338
Phone:(207) 329-5526
Email: HELENLACOUNT@KW.COM