Short Answer
It depends on the season of life you are in. Alex Mayer talks about seasons with every client, and downsizing often fits when the property starts to feel more empty than full.
Downsizing Is a Season of Life
The Property Gets More Empty
At a certain point you do not need all that space. That is often when people consider selling and moving into something smaller.
Nearing Retirement or Semi-Retirement
As you near the next season, a smaller home can mean a more affordable payment, if a payment at all. That is a big part of why people downsize.
Many Downsizers Buy in Cash
No Mortgage Means an Easier Lifestyle
A good portion of Alex’s downsizers sell and buy in cash. They no longer have a mortgage.
A Much Lower Monthly Cost
With no mortgage, the monthly payment is much less. Read more in our guide on paying cash or keeping a mortgage when downsizing.
A Downsizing Timeline
Months Before Listing: Decide What You Want
Think about location, layout, and how you want to live. Alex helps you picture the next season.
Months Before Listing: Walk the Property With Alex
Alex tells you what is worth fixing and what to skip. That protects you from spending on updates that do not pay back.
Weeks Before Listing: Get It Ready
Fix safety items and visible problems first, then clean and simplify. Alex gives you a short, practical list.
Price the Property and Know Your Net
Price to the Market as It Is
What is working today can be completely different from a few weeks ago. Alex looks at current activity, not old numbers.
Understand What You Keep
The price is not what you keep. Alex shows what you can expect to net after costs.
Buying Your Next Home
Decide the Order
You can sell first, buy first, or line them up. Each has tradeoffs, and Alex lays them out for your finances.
Look for Ease of Living
Single-level layouts, smaller yards, and low maintenance often rank high. Make your own list.
How Alex Mayer Supports Downsizers
Education
Alex is a teacher at heart. He explains the what and the why behind each step so you feel prepared, not pressured.
Communication
Shelly Kujawa said Alex explained things clearly and gave great advice on what was actually worth doing before listing. She said he set a pricing strategy based on market trends so they felt confident.
Responsiveness
She also said he got back to her right away and never made her feel like a bother. After they moved out, Alex stopped by to check on the property, sometimes with his dogs.
When You Call Alex, Alex Answers
Alex works through his Direct Representation Model. Your questions about repairs, pricing, and timing go to the agent who is representing you.
I built my support around my representation, not between me and the client.
When you call, you reach Alex. He often responds within minutes.
What Clients Say About Alex
Testimonial on Alex: one seller said this about learning what to fix and what to skip before listing.
Upon first meeting, Alex put me at ease explaining what was worth doing and what was not.
Cathy, seller, SoTellUs review
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start Planning to Downsize in Rochester MN?
It depends on your season of life. Months before you want to list is ideal, so you can prepare and decide without pressure.
Should I Buy My Next Home in Cash?
Many of Alex’s downsizers do, and they no longer have a mortgage. Talk with Alex and your financial professional about what fits you.
What Should I Fix Before Selling?
Only what helps. Alex walks the property and tells you what to fix and what to skip.
How Do I Know What My Property Is Worth?
A review based on current activity gives the best answer. Alex provides one with no pressure.
Can I Stay in My Property Until My Next Home Is Ready?
Sometimes. Aligned closing dates or a rent-back can help.
Does Alex Handle Both the Sale and the Purchase?
Yes. Alex handles both himself.
About Alex Mayer
Alex Mayer is a full-time Rochester MN real estate agent, a 4X winner of Best Real Estate Agent in Rochester MN with 350+ five-star reviews. His core values are Education, Communication, and Responsiveness, which guide every part of his business.
He has a “Direct Representation Model,” meaning his clients work directly with him, not a large team with junior agent handoffs. His promise: you’ll know what to expect, how to operate, and what needs to be done to be successful in the Rochester MN real estate market.
He specializes in first-time homebuyers, Mayo Clinic and other relocating buyers, and Rochester MN sellers, including move-up, downsizing, and estate sales. Alex is also known for his Alaskan Malamute dogs, Atlas and Kaia, who are featured in much of his local branding.