Conflicted downsizer needed encouragement as well as practical help near Towcester

Why they came to Stacks

Mr L did not want to trouble his children with his downsizing struggles, and looked for Househunting help on the internet, finding Stacks had a Regional Director who lived in his area.

He did not want to change his lifestyle, and loved his house and memories, although his hamlet was somewhat sleepy.  However, getting into a property that he could navigate even with restricted mobility was the sensible decision, but not one that he was eager to embrace.

Mr L also did not want to be the topic of local conversation, so using a Search Agent added a level of anonymity until his decisions were made.

What they were looking for

Single storey, or a property that could accommodate a lift. 

Privacy but not isolation. 

Space for a carer’s flat eventually.

What the local area could offer

Mr L knew the Towcester area very well, having lived here all his life. Towcester itself has all the amenities required, with Milton Keynes, Northampton & Buckingham only a short hop away.  The countryside around is very beautiful, and the villages with a shop of some kind were on our radar as possibilities.

Whilst we began his search with an open mind as to whether somewhere further afield may hold some attractions, our research began to clarify that maintaining his existing lifestyle was by far the preferred option, it was just the house that needed to change!

How Stacks helped

Mr L says “I am fortunate to be using Stacks Property Search. 

Rachel proved to be an enormous help.  The first stages of the search were her establishing my requirements, then she identified properties in my defined areas, previewed them and arranged visits for me.  Her knowledge of the area and her good relationships with the local agents helped me further define my requirements, whilst encouraging me to think creatively about what could work for me.

Her patience and sympathetic appreciation of my need was very helpful, and led to her finding a plot not yet on the market and persuading the developer to enter into an exclusive contract with me to build to my specification.  Rachel was very useful in shepherding the transaction through a local solicitor, maintaining good relations with the vendor whilst looking after my interests.

In short, Rachel has proved to be of enormous help to me, and I would not hesitate in recommending her to anyone looking for a property.”

The happy outcome

Regional Director for Buckinghamshire & Northamptonshire, Rachel Johnston, says “Practically, doing all the running around and previewing properties was going to be an obvious benefit for Mr L, however it was probably the emotional support that allowed him to relinquish an unsuitable house for a perfect retirement property.

By providing space to assess and evaluate options, Mr L became progressively more positive, considering properties and avenues he would never have thought would suit, such as a new build.  The research and Stacks’ process allowed Mr L to get to a decision-making place, so when I found a suitable plot & a vetted developer he was able to commit before the plot went on the open market. 

I then wrangled the purchase and build contract phases of the purchase process, particularly important when there is not a professional estate agent on the other side of the deal, and another aspect of the service that clients find extraordinarily helpful.

I know he’ll find living in his new home delightfully easy, as he’ll crack on with living his life to the full from a safe base!”

How Stacks made a difference

Life often occasions decisions that you are reluctant to make, and leaving your beloved family home is one of the hardest.  If you are struggling with committing to the move, a Buying Agent can be an impartial friend, helping you work through the decision you need to make, so you can move forward positively into the next phase of your life in a new property.  We’ll remove obstacles from your path, help you navigate the emotions and the practicalities of your decision, all whilst being on your side in the jungle that is the UK Property Market.

If you are in the wrong house and need to move to something more suitable, contact your local Regional Director to find out how more on how they help people just like you.