The Downsizing Blueprint: Moving to a Low-Maintenance Condo
Ready to trade the lawn mower, the roof bill and the snow shovel for a home that takes care of itself? Our free Downsizing Blueprint is written for Greater Cleveland empty nesters and retirees moving from a house to a low-maintenance condo.
Get the free The Downsizing Blueprint: Moving to a Low-Maintenance Condo
For empty nesters and retirees: the equity math, a 12-month timeline, decluttering, an accessibility checklist, buy-before-you-sell options and 37 ranch and cluster condo communities with first-floor living. Enter your name and email and the PDF downloads right away.
What’s inside
- The equity math: an example of selling a Westlake house at the city’s median and buying a $300,000 ranch condo
- A 12-month timeline from first conversation to move day
- Decluttering without the overwhelm: room-by-room keep and let-go lists
- Accessibility and lifestyle checklist: first-floor living, no-step entries, elevators and more
- Buy before you sell: sale contingencies, bridge loans, HELOCs and rent-backs
- 37 ranch and cluster condo communities with first-floor living, recent prices and fees
Where Cleveland downsizers are buying
The west side, including Westlake, Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville, has the largest concentration of ranch condos. Strongsville, North Royalton and Middleburg Heights offer ranch and Cape Cod condos with lower fees. Lakewood, Rocky River and Beachwood have elevator buildings with indoor parking. Popular ranch communities include King James, Bay Landing, Carmel at Stonebridge, Muirwood Village, Cottages of Savannah and Lenox Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it smart to downsize to a condo in retirement?
For many retirees, yes: a condo can lower maintenance, free up home equity and offer first-floor living and amenities. Compare the condo fee and taxes with what you spend now on upkeep, and review the association’s reserves before you buy.
Should I sell my house or buy my condo first?
Options include a sale contingency on your condo offer, a bridge loan or HELOC on your current home, buying with cash and refinancing later, or a rent-back after you sell. Our team and our Condo Financing Specialist help you choose.
What is a ranch condo?
A condo with all main living space on one floor, usually with an attached garage, first-floor bedroom and laundry, and a patio. They are popular with downsizers across Greater Cleveland’s suburbs.
Will I owe capital gains tax when I sell my house?
Many sellers can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married couples) on a primary residence if ownership and use tests are met. Ask a tax professional about your situation.
Are there 55+ condos in Greater Cleveland?
A small number of communities are age-restricted, and many more attract mostly older owners. Ask us which communities fit, and check each association’s age rules.
More free condo guides
Talk to a Condo Specialist
Call the My Cleveland Condo team at (216) 916-7778 or contact us. For condo financing, call Matt Sheffey, our Condo Financing Specialist, at (440) 668-2942. For title and escrow, call Jennifer Schultz at Trilogy Title Agency, 440-371-4043.