‘The Smiths’ had lived in their Oregon home for nearly 25 years. Transplants from California, ‘Dick’ and ‘Jane’ had moved north in their fifties to be closer to their grandchildren and fallen in love with their one-acre property and its stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. (On especially clear days, they could even glimpse Mt. Rainier.)

Now in their mid-seventies, maintaining their home and yard had become a challenge. Dick was facing knee replacement surgery, and Jane’s back pain made gardening almost impossible. With 3 levels and 4,800 square feet to manage, the couple decided in early 2025 that it was time to downsize to a single-level home with a simpler yard.

The realtor who’d helped them buy their home had retired and moved away, so they asked friends for recommendations. The name that kept coming up was Lara James of Waldman and James Realty Group, who had over 20 years experience selling homes in their area. Dick gave her a call, and within days, Lara was walking through their home, offering expert guidance and reassurance.

Lara’s warmth and clear-eyed professionalism immediately put the Smiths at ease. The house was already well cared for, but she outlined several practical steps to make it shine in a competitive market. “You’ve loved this house for 25 years,” she reminded them. “Give yourselves about six months to get it ready—and you’ll be in great shape.”

Here are the key strategies Lara shared with them:

1. Start by Simplifying:

Lara suggested hiring a senior move management company to help with the decluttering process. The goal, she explained, was to create a clean, open, and neutral environment that would let buyers imagine their own lives in the space. “You’re not erasing your memories,” she told them, “you’re making room for someone else’s.”

2. Focus on Curb Appeal:

First impressions matter. While a complete landscaping overhaul wasn’t needed, Lara recommended easy upgrades, such as a freshly painted front door, new lighting, and a welcoming doormat.

3. Freshen Up and Fix the Little Things:

Inside, small details could make a big difference. A light coat of neutral paint, tightened drawer handles, and updated light fixtures would help convey that the home was meticulously maintained and move-in ready.

4. Invest in Professional Staging:

Once decluttering and repairs were complete, Lara advised bringing in a professional stager to highlight the home’s best features. Staged homes, she explained, typically sell faster and for higher prices.

5. Set a Realistic Price:

Finally, Lara emphasized pricing based on market data, rather than emotion. Overpricing, she warned, can turn away serious buyers. Her team’s approach combined neighborhood insights, recent comparable sales, and the sellers’ goals to set a strategic price that attracted strong offers.

Dick met with a few other realtors (his motto in life has always been to get more than one bid) but the Smiths ultimately settled on Lara. With her guidance, and with help from The Move Makers, the Smiths tackled their to-do list efficiently. In fact, Jane’s competitive streak kicked in, and they finished preparing the house a month earlier than planned.

Their efforts paid off: the home sold quickly for slightly above the asking price. By early October, they’d settled into a comfortable 1,990-square-foot home in an over-55 community south of Portland.

When asked how it all went, Jane smiled and said, “We couldn’t have done it without Lara—and you guys, of course!”