YOUR NEXT CHAPTER · GUIDE 08
Will downsizing actually save you money?
A smaller home can change your expenses, but the purchase price is only one part of the picture. Use this printable worksheet to compare monthly costs and the cash needed for the move.
Compare the same period and the same expenses
Use monthly amounts on both sides. Divide annual bills by 12. Include costs paid through a mortgage escrow account only once. Use recent bills for your current home and written estimates for the next home; mark anything that still needs confirmation.
Keep monthly savings separate from moving cash
Selling proceeds, a down payment, and moving expenses are different from ongoing savings. Record them separately so a lower monthly payment does not hide a large upfront cash requirement. A down payment changes where your money sits; it is not simply a moving fee.
Use conservative estimates
Ask Linda for a property-specific sale-proceeds estimate. Ask your lender for financing and closing figures, your insurer for a quote, and the association for current fees and known assessments. Bring tax questions to your tax professional. This is a planning worksheet, not a quote or tax calculation.
Give the numbers some context
After completing the worksheet, write down the changes you value even if they do not create cash savings: fewer stairs, less yardwork, more time, or being closer to people you see regularly. A move can be worthwhile without producing the lowest possible monthly total.
Make it your plan
Print these blank worksheets and complete them by hand, or choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print dialog. Only the worksheets print from this page.
DOWNSIZING NH · LINDA JENNINGS, REALTOR®
Monthly cost comparison
Name / date: __________________________________
Use monthly amounts; divide annual bills by 12. Count escrowed taxes and insurance only once. Mark estimates with an E.
| Expense | Current home $ | Next home $ |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage principal & interest OR rent | ||
| Property taxes (exclude if counted above) | ||
| Home / renters insurance (exclude if counted above) | ||
| Association fees | ||
| Electricity, heating & water | ||
| Internet & other recurring services | ||
| Maintenance & repair allowance | ||
| Lawn care & snow removal | ||
| Storage | ||
| Other recurring costs | ||
| TOTAL MONTHLY COST |
Monthly difference = current total − next total: $____________
A positive difference means lower estimated monthly costs. A negative difference means higher estimated monthly costs.
Figures still to verify: __________________________________
Linda Jennings · Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty
603-340-3907 · downsizingnh.com
DOWNSIZING NH · LINDA JENNINGS, REALTOR®
Cash needed for the transition
Keep this separate from your monthly cost comparison. Use written estimates and allow for costs that may change.
| Sale proceeds estimate | Amount $ |
|---|---|
| Expected sale price | |
| Less mortgage / lien payoffs | |
| Less estimated selling costs | |
| Less agreed repairs / concessions (not already counted) | |
| Estimated net proceeds |
| Uses of cash | Amount $ |
|---|---|
| Next-home down payment OR cash purchase price | |
| Purchase closing costs / rental deposits | |
| Moving & packing | |
| Temporary lodging & storage | |
| Preparation / repairs not already counted | |
| Overlapping housing costs | |
| Other transition costs | |
| TOTAL CASH NEEDED |
Available proceeds + other cash allocated: $____________
Less total cash needed = cash remaining / shortfall: $____________
Keep emergency savings separate. Confirm timing of funds with your lender and closing team. Ask your tax professional about your situation.
Linda Jennings · Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty
603-340-3907 · downsizingnh.com