Downsizing to a Luxury Diamond Head Condo: What You Should Consider
There are countless reasons to downsize into a smaller, more intimate residence. Perhaps your children have grown and officially flown. Maybe you have reached the age of retirement and no longer want the obligations that arrive with owning an expansive house. You might desire the amenities, such as a swimming pool or a tennis court, that are typically offered at condominium complexes and communities. Maybe you have lived in a remote location for decades and are keen on experiencing life closer to action or would like an expert to handle the maintenance tasks you have been performing for years. Or perhaps you would like the freedom to see the world.
Whatever the reasons may be, downsizing can be a terrific decision that is rife with benefits–particularly if you elect to jumpstart a new life in a Diamond Head luxury condo. Between Oahu’s glorious weather and abundance of excellent restaurants, luxe shops, and fabulous outdoor activities, life here is downright sublime on a daily basis.
While the word “downsizing” suggests ease, there are certain matters to be aware of before you make this transition. Read on for Team Siu+Camacho’s top tips on ensuring it is as seamless and satisfying as possible.
Explore your options carefully
Oahu may be united by its stunning natural beauty and superb climate but not all parts offer the same details. The same holds true for Diamond Head luxury condos, which can vary significantly in terms of square footage, views, and amenities. Enlist the assistance of a seasoned real estate agent, who can show you the most splendid spots for your circumstances.
Pinpoint your desires and needs
A balcony to relish Oahu’s daily astonishing sunsets may be the chief reason you are searching for a luxury Diamond Head condominium. Others may be compelled because of the complex or community’s Olympic-size swimming pool and high level of security. Others still may want to find a condominium that offers a strong sense of community, complete with events specifically for residents. Do you want an on-site gym? 24/7 assistance? Determine the precise particulars that would lead to a serene, enjoyable existence, and share your list with your realtor.
Peruse the HOA covenants
A host of condominiums have strict regulations that may interfere with your ideal lifestyle, from prohibiting plants on your lanai to quiet hours. Guarantee you understand everything that will be asked of you within the community before putting in a purchase offer; the last thing you want is to buy a beautiful luxury condominium only to realize that your lifestyle–whatever that may be–is disallowed.
Adjust your expectations
Luxury condominiums may imply tranquility but some may be used as vacation homes–or operate as vacation rentals. If you have become accustomed to quiet and privacy in your last home, understand that condominiums may offer a different vibe–which may very well be precisely what you want. More people may be coming and going, just as there might be a higher level of noise. Knowing this well in advance can set you up for a much smoother transition.
Weigh the notion of new decor
One of the many beauties of downsizing to a luxury condominium is the blank slate and fresh start it provides. If you have grown tired of the decor in your current residence, hold onto–and store–your sentimental items and donate or sell the rest. Then, check out places such as Maui’s HUE Interior Designs and Oahu’s CIH Designs for inspiration.
You will most likely have to pare down your belongings
Single-family dwellings and large homes afford residents a good deal of space–depending, of course, on the home’s square footage. Condominiums, as luxe as some may be, generally have less room to store keepsakes and extra things. As you prepare to move, consider what to toss, what to keep, what to donate, and what to store. There are dozens of secure and immaculate storage units throughout south Oahu where you can stow away the belongings you still cherish but do not need in your Diamond Head condo.
You may have to shop for new furniture
The dimensions of your condominium will–or ought to–determine the size of your most important pieces of furniture. You may be extremely fond of the lovingly-worn, oversized sofa you and your family spent many Sundays on to watch football, but it may not only take up an enormous amount of space in your new condo but also look out of place. Prior to hiring movers, assess which pieces will fit–both logistically and aesthetically–before arriving at a decision. If few of your present items will fit, consider, too, the benefits of multipurpose furniture.
Transform extra space into a multi-purpose room
Proximity to Waikiki and its abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, gyms, studios, and salons–plus the beach and the longboarding, swimming, and snorkeling it offers–is one of the leading reasons people elect to invest in a luxury Diamond Head condo. The difference in space, for some, requires creativity to make it work–especially when your children, friends, or other family members visit. Transform extra space into multipurpose rooms–a place, for example, that is just as appropriate for your grandchild as it is to serve as your unofficial reading room.
Consult with an expert real estate agent
An experienced and enthusiastic real estate agent will walk you through all you need to know about downsizing and adapting to a more exhilarating yet stress-free existence. They will also steer you towards homes and communities that suit your lifestyle, personality, and ethos–all while ensuring you are delighted with your decision.
Team Siu + Camacho members are the realtors to call when you are ready to explore the gems Diamond Head has to offer. Book a consultation today for your private tour!
