Downsizing
Downsizing from your current home to a new smaller space sounds like a great idea, until you actually start the process. The flood of emotions is real when the decisions begin on what to keep and what to leave behind. Mike Reames and his team have created a simple process that helps families get through downsizing.
Downsizing sounds like a wonderful, beautiful thing - until you start actually doing it. Simplify your life, they say. Get rid of the clutter and your life will be easier, says all of the gurus. But when the object is actually in your hand, when you are holding that dish or bowl or coffee mug, and you have to decide to keep or let go - Downsizing isn’t very fun.
You’re moving to a smaller place or you just know it’s time to start paring things down. How do you even start the process of Downsizing? I’ve helped dozens of clients go through this process, and together we have figured out a lot about people and Downsizing. I have learned a lot about people’s relationship with things - and I’m ready to share what I have learned with you.
The first thing to understand about downsizing is that it is a negative emotion. What I mean is that when you make a decision to part ways with an object, you experience negative feelings: loss, regret, remorse, even guilt for thinking about parting with a keepsake. These are real feelings and very normal with so many of our clients. It’s really hard day after day to keep facing those negative feelings. But what do you do? You know all of this stuff can’t come with you.
Plan like you’re going on a trip. My wife and I are planning a trip this Spring to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We are going to be gone for 10 days and will be traveling lightly, moving the whole time. We are spending a lot of time and thought focusing on what few items and outfits we need to take with us on our trip. We’re excited about our trip and are having a lot of fun planning what to take with us.
If you know where you are going or have an idea of what you want in your next home, focus on what will be going with you. Start with a list of rooms that will be in your new home. You can write down on a piece of paper all of the rooms in your new home. Kitchen, eating area, living room, bedroom, bathroom. Next, start writing down what large pieces of furniture will be going into your new home. The kitchen table is definitely going with you. A China cabinet will look great on the wall in your daily dining area. But that side table, their just isn’t any room in your new home for that piece.
If your schedule allows, go ahead and move. See how your new home feels. Are you missing a piece or does your new home feel right. You can always bring a piece of furniture over with you.
Now, what do we do with everything else? If there are pieces of furniture or items that you know family members would like, this is the time to pass those pieces down. Maybe your children would like some family heirloom pieces. Estate sales are a good option to sell things that won’t be going with you. Estate sale company’s charge a percentage of the sale for their services but many estate sale company will remove all items that don;t sell and will leave you with an empty and clean home. We work with several estate sale company’s and we would be happy ro help introduce you to a good company.
Yard and garage sales are an option to sell furntiure and home good that won’t be traveling with you. Garage sales allow you to keep all of the proceeds from the sale but place all of the work on your shoulders. Pulling items out of cabinets and arranging them in a way for customers to view
Moving
Moving to a new home can be a daunting task when you’ve lived in the same home for a long time. You know everything can’t go, but what exactly will fit in your new home and how will you ever decide. The entire process can be completely overwhelming. Take a few moments and read how the Reames Realty team has helped sellers move to their next home.
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.
Getting Your Home Ready to Sell Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming
Everyone has some things that they have been meaning to fix; 25 year old carpet, a leaking tub - but it's ok because we but we don't use it much. I hear things like this from home sellers every day. But home Buyers don't want your old carpet and leaky tub. What are you supposed to do? Mike Reames at Reames Realty discusses how his team gets homes just like yours ready for the market and Sold.
You've lived in your home for 20 or 30 years. It's where you've raised your family, celebrated holidays, and made a lifetime of memories.
But now it's time to sell.
You know the house could use some work. The walls haven't been painted in years. The carpet is original. There are repairs you've been meaning to tackle, but life got busy. Maybe you're simply at a point where climbing ladders, moving furniture, or managing contractors isn't something you want to do anymore.
So what happens now?
For many homeowners, this is the biggest obstacle to selling—not finding a buyer, but figuring out how to get the home ready for the market.
That's where Reames Realty comes in.
More Than a Real Estate Company
For more than 15 years, we've helped homeowners maximize their return while making the selling process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Early in my real estate career, I noticed a pattern. Homes that needed updates often sat on the market for weeks or even months before finally selling for far less than the owners had hoped.
I learned an important lesson that has shaped our business ever since:
Buyers don't want to buy your old house. They want to buy their new home.
The better a home shows, the more buyers compete for it. More competition typically leads to a faster sale and a higher selling price.
Our goal is simple:
Maximize your return on investment in the least amount of time.
We Handle Everything
Preparing a home for sale can involve dozens of different projects. Fortunately, you don't have to coordinate them yourself.
Over the years, we've built a trusted network of contractors and craftsmen who have worked together on hundreds of successful projects. Because we've worked with these professionals for years, we know the quality of their work, the value they provide, and how to keep projects moving on schedule.
We've helped homeowners with projects of every size, including:
Interior and exterior painting
New flooring and carpet
Kitchen and bathroom updates
Granite and quartz countertops
Appliance replacement
Roof replacement
Window replacement
Landscaping and tree removal
Decluttering and personal property removal
Drywall and carpentry repairs
Plumbing and electrical work
Wall removal and remodeling
Swimming pool removal
Complete home renovations
If your home needs it, chances are we've done it.
Every Home Is Different
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that every house needs a complete renovation before it can sell.
That simply isn't true.
Some homes benefit from a fresh coat of paint and new carpet.
Others need more extensive improvements.
And sometimes, we recommend doing absolutely nothing.
Every recommendation we make is based on one question:
Will this improvement put more money in your pocket?
We don't recommend repairs because they look nice. We recommend them only when we believe they'll produce a positive return on your investment.
Your home is unique. Your financial goals are unique. That's why every renovation and marketing plan we create is customized specifically for you.
Why Reames Realty Is Different
Many real estate agents know a few contractors.
Construction has been my career for more than 35 years.
Before entering real estate, I spent 20 years as a commercial construction project manager overseeing some of the largest commercial and industrial construction projects in Hampton Roads.
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Science and Management from Clemson University, and that education—combined with decades of real-world construction experience—allows me to evaluate homes differently than most real estate agents.
When I walk through your home, I'm not simply looking at what needs to be repaired.
I'm evaluating which improvements will produce the greatest return on your investment and which ones won't.
That experience often saves our clients thousands of dollars by avoiding unnecessary work while focusing on the improvements that buyers truly value.
What Does It Cost?
Transparency is one of our core values.
Before any work begins, we'll provide a detailed proposal outlining every recommended improvement and its estimated cost.
We'll also review:
The projected selling price
Estimated closing costs
Recommended repair costs
Your expected net proceeds at closing
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions with complete confidence.
In many cases, we can even arrange for renovation costs to be paid from the proceeds of your home sale at closing, eliminating the need for large upfront payments.
Let's Talk
There's absolutely no obligation to meet with us.
When you invite me to your home, I'll take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your property, and explain exactly how we believe we can help maximize your home's value.
I won't show up with contracts.
I won't pressure you into making a decision.
I'll simply give you honest advice based on decades of construction and real estate experience.
If you're thinking about selling and wondering where to start, give me a call. I'd be honored to help you create a plan that gets your home sold quickly—and for the highest price the market will support.
Getting the Most Money for your Home
Selling a family home is a difficult task for any one. That home represents a lifetime of memories and gatherings. But it also is most families largest asset. Selling a home means taking the proceeds and buying a new place to live. Every penny counts - and we take selling your home very seriously. Our number one priority - Is getting your family the most money when selling your home.
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.
How long will it take to sell my home?
The uncertainty of selling a home can be very stressful for many people. One of the things that is so hard to predict is how long will it take to sell your home. Mike Reames and the Reames Realty team sell homes like yours every day. Their proven Home Selling Process has been repeated hundreds of times. Mike goes through the steps in a home sale and discusses how long it really takes to sell a home.
Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.
The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.