Smart-Sizing for the Next Chapter: Navigating Retirement Moves in the Jersey Shore Real Estate Market
- Susan Heckman
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
For many homeowners in Monmouth and Ocean County, the family home represents decades of memories: holidays, milestones, and everyday moments that make a house truly feel like home. As retirement approaches, many homeowners begin to reassess whether that home still fits their lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs.
But as retirement approaches, a common thought starts to creep in:
Do we still need all this… house?
In today’s real estate market, this transition presents a unique opportunity. Over the years, I’ve helped homeowners near (or post) retirement successfully sell their family homes and smart-size into properties that better support the next chapter of life, while taking advantage of strong local market conditions.
Why Smart-Sizing Makes Sense
Monmouth and Ocean Counties continue to attract strong demand from buyers seeking primary residences, or second homes at the shore. This demand has helped many longtime homeowners build substantial equity, often more than they realize.
Smart-sizing lets you put that equity to work for you, and does not always mean simply reducing square footage. For many of my clients, this means:
Trading a big, multi-level home for something easier to manage
Choosing one-floor living, newer construction, or amenity-rich communities
Saying goodbye to high maintenance, big tax bills, and constant upkeep
Staying close to the Jersey Shore lifestyle they love—beaches, golf, parks, friends, and favorite restaurants
Creating more financial flexibility (and fewer headaches) in retirement
It’s Not Down-Sizing, It’s Smart-Sizing — A Tale Of Two Moves
Story #1: Same Beach Town, Smarter Fit
I recently helped a retired couple relocate within their beloved Point Pleasant beach town. For them, smart-sizing didn’t mean smaller—it meant better. They gained more entertaining space and an open floor plan… and happily gave up the maintenance that came with an in-ground pool.
Inventory was tight, and their wish list was specific, so the search took time—but they weren’t in a rush. Because they could buy without a home-sale contingency, they secured the right home first, then sold their original home quickly and on their own timeline. Less stress. Better outcome.
Story #2: One Floor, No Stairs, All the Right Boxes Checked
Closer to home, my neighbors in Lincroft wanted one-floor living in a 55+ community—still in Monmouth County, close to friends, shopping, and restaurants, but with less maintenance and zero stairs.
We found the right home in Ocean Township. There were multiple offers, but because they were able to purchase without selling first, they won the bid and closed successfully. That flexibility made all the difference.
A Common Question: “What If I Sell And Then Can’t Find The Right Next Home?”
This is by far one of the most common—and valid—concerns I hear, especially with limited inventory at the Shore.
Here’s the key thing to know:
Selling first is not your only option.
With proper planning, many homeowners are able to purchase their next home before selling their current one, creating a smoother and far less stressful transition.
Buy Before You Sell: Smart Options for Today’s Buyers
I regularly work with trusted mortgage partners, and Robert Kinney of Citywide Home Mortgage, has helped many of my clients, including both of the examples above, navigate buy-first strategies. Below, Rob shares some of the financing programs available to sellers.
One of the biggest challenges buyers face today is timing—finding the right home without having to sell their current one first. The good news is there are several strategic financing options that allow buyers to move forward confidently, without making a contingent offer.
CashReady is a powerful solution for buyers who want to compete like cash buyers. With this program, a third party purchases the new home in cash on the buyer’s behalf. Once the buyer sells their existing home, they "buy" the new home back using traditional financing. This removes the home-sale contingency entirely, and makes the cash offer far more attractive to sellers.
A Bridge Loan is another strong option. It allows buyers to purchase a new home without selling—or even counting—their current home. After the existing home is sold, the buyer refinances out of the bridge loan into a lower balance and typically a better long-term rate. This provides flexibility and breathing room during the transition.
For buyers with significant equity, a home equity loan or HELOC can also be an effective strategy. By tapping into existing equity, buyers can fund a down payment—or even purchase the next home outright—before selling. Once the current home sells, the equity loan can be paid off, simplifying the move.
Bottom line:
Buyers don’t have to choose between selling first or missing out. With the right strategy, they can move forward on their timeline—and make stronger, cleaner offers in the process.
Benefits of Buying First in the Jersey Shore Market
When executed correctly, buying before selling can offer meaningful advantages, including:
Reduced stress in a competitive, low-inventory market
Better preparation and presentation of your current home for sale
Greater confidence with fewer rush decisions
Thoughtful Guidance Makes All the Difference
Smart-sizing is more than a real estate decision—it’s a personal and financial milestone. And while values and demand vary significantly by town and neighborhood, having informed, local guidance can make all the difference.
If you’re beginning to think about a move—whether it’s months or years away—I’m always happy to provide insight into your home’s current value, estimated equity, and the options available to you, along with trusted resources that can help guide the process.
There’s no pressure and no obligation—just clear information to help you make confident, well-timed decisions for your next chapter.
Reach out any time for a confidential consultation. I am here for you.
Susan Heckman
Broker-Associate
732-687-9980
The Gallery Residential Brokerage
Serving New Jersey home buyers and sellers from Spring lake, NJ
Special thanks to Robert Kinney, Producing Branch Manager, Citywide Home Mortgage. NMLS# 589175.
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