Why is collaboration between Realtors® and Senior Move Managers so important?
Most downsizing clients need to sell their home as part of their overall transition—and that’s one of the things that makes the process more complicated. Selling a home on its own can bring enough emotional stress, hands-on work, and high-stakes decision-making to feel overwhelming. Add in the logistics and challenges of a downsizing move, and it’s a lot to handle all at once. Realtors and Senior Move Managers working together can make a world of difference.
That’s why we always recommend close collaboration between the downsizing team and the Realtor®. When coordination doesn’t happen, it can create a lot of unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
What happens when Realtors® and Move Managers aren’t aligned?
When the downsizing team and real estate team don’t collaborate, even the most well-intentioned professionals can end up working at cross-purposes. Without clear roles and communication, you may:
- Duplicate efforts on scheduling, hiring, and planning
- Create tension or confusion around expectations
- Miss opportunities to streamline and support the client
- Put unnecessary burden on the client to coordinate between teams
What are some common pitfalls to avoid?
Here are some of the areas where we often see breakdowns in coordination:
- Independent scheduling: Realtors® may move forward based on their own timeline, not realizing more time is needed for sorting and organizing.
- Overlapping referrals: Clients are sometimes referred to providers even after they’ve already engaged a trusted team.
- Unclear expectations: No one discusses what condition the home will be left in after the move.
- In-place staging pressure: Sellers are encouraged to stay in the home for showings, even when it’s not in their best interest.
- Disconnected timelines: The move and sale are treated as separate projects, missing key efficiencies.
- As-is assumptions: Agents recommend selling as-is, assuming there’s no time to clear out—when a good downsizing plan might make it very doable.
- “Helpful” interference: Professionals may offer to assist with downsizing, without the right experience or understanding of the process.
What’s the key to a smooth and stress-free transition for clients? Realtors and Senior Move Managers working together.
Seniors and Downsizers have the best experience when the Realtor® and Move Manager stay in close contact and respect the complexity of the project from all sides. Regardless of who brings the client to the table, it’s essential that both professionals collaborate throughout the process to ensure a successful and stress-free outcome.
How Realtors® Can Collaborate Effectively with Move Managers
- Clarify Pricing Options Early
Present all pricing strategies to your client—including pricing with and without recommended improvements. Respect the client’s preferences about how much they want to invest. - Include the Move Manager in Scheduling
Don’t set occupancy and move-out dates without involving the Move Manager. - Coordinate Pre-Listing Activities
Work together on scheduling repairs, painting, staging, and cleaning. - Defer to the Move Manager on Belongings
Let the downsizing team advise on what happens with unneeded items. - Share Your Marketing Plan
Tell the Move Manager what kind of furnishings and décor are needed to support your sales strategy. - Educate on Contract Implications
Talk to your client about how the closing date and potential rent-back options might affect their transition. - Set Up Clear Communication Channels
Agree with the Move Manager on how to stay in sync—without putting the burden of coordination on the client.
How Move Managers Can Collaborate Effectively with Realtors®
- Explain How Real Estate Changes Affect the Move
Help everyone understand that contract terms and contingencies can directly impact the move timeline, costs, and logistics. - Align on Scope and Timing Early
Share detailed information about the prep time, budget, and resources required to prepare for the move and clear the home. - Provide Written Expectations
Document what’s expected:- Timeline and prep period
- What stays in the home for sale
- Whether the client will live there during showings
- Final deadlines for clearing the home
- Partner on Pre-Listing Tasks
Collaborate with the Realtor® to schedule staging, repairs, and other listing prep. - Own the Belongings Process
Take full responsibility for organizing, sorting, and removing unwanted items. - Establish Direct Communication
Set up a clear communication path with the Realtor®—don’t rely on the client to relay updates or mediate between teams.
Stick to the Plan—or Speak Up
Respect the agreed-upon schedule, and if changes are needed, notify everyone promptly. Always prioritize the client’s comfort and success.
