Toronto Real Estate  ·  Specializing in Downsizing


Specializing in Toronto Downsizing & Life Transition Real Estate

Downsizing in Toronto: The Full Transition, Not Just the Transaction

Most Toronto agents handle the transaction. Othen Group handles the full transition. That includes professional staging through Kelly Allan Design, which other agents charge $3,000 to $8,000 for, at no cost to you. Sell, buy, coordinate, and manage the full move in one place. Because selling the family home deserves more than a listing and a handshake.

 ·  Written by Jacquie Othen, SRES

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Find out how much equity you could unlock, and what comes next.

No obligation. Jacquie personally reviews every inquiry and responds within one business day. 90+ five-star Google reviews.

"Our house sold almost immediately, for a little over asking."

Sara B. · Google Review · Downsized after 30 years

Or call 416-486-8282


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What to Expect

What happens when I contact Othen Group about downsizing?

One conversation. No pressure. Real answers about your home, your options, and your numbers.

The Short Answer

When you contact Othen Group, you'll first have a free 20-minute call with Jacquie Othen, SRES. She asks about your timeline, your home, and what you're hoping for in your next chapter. You'll receive an honest assessment of whether now is the right time, a free equity estimate showing what your home is worth and what you could unlock after transaction costs, and, if it's a fit, a personalized transition plan covering timeline, target neighbourhoods, staging, and move coordination. No commitment is required at any stage.

Free 20-Minute Call

Jacquie asks about your timeline, your home, and what you're hoping for in the next chapter. You get honest answers about what's realistic, what the full transition would look like, and whether now is the right time. No sales pitch, no commitment required.

Your Free Equity Estimate

We run the numbers on your home's current value and how much equity you could unlock after all transaction costs. For many Toronto homeowners, that number is larger than expected. You have a clear financial picture before you decide on anything.

Your Downsizing Plan

If it's a fit, we build a personalized plan: timeline, target neighbourhoods, staging prep, and full move coordination. You set the pace. We handle everything else. At every stage, you decide what happens next.

Let's Start Here

What is downsizing in real estate?

Downsizing a home means selling your current property and moving into one that better fits your life right now, not the life you had 10 or 20 years ago. It is not just for seniors. Empty nesters, divorcing couples, professionals simplifying their lives, and anyone paying for space they no longer use are all downsizers. In Toronto, downsizing typically means moving from a detached family home into a condo, townhome, or smaller detached property. The financial benefits are real: most Toronto downsizers free up $500,000 to $2M+ in net equity, reduce their monthly carrying costs, and save on property taxes, utilities, and maintenance.

Here's what most people don't say out loud: many Toronto homeowners are living in homes they've outgrown in reverse. The kids are gone. The extra bedrooms sit empty. The backyard takes more work than it gives joy. The mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance costs keep climbing for space you're barely using. Downsizing means stopping that. It's not giving something up. It's trading one set of circumstances for a better one.

The Short Answer

Downsizing in real estate means selling your current home and buying a smaller, more manageable property, typically moving from a detached family home to a condo, townhome, or smaller detached house. In Toronto, downsizing isn't exclusively a retirement decision: empty nesters, professionals simplifying after separation, and anyone paying for space they no longer use are downsizing. The financial benefit is material: most Toronto homeowners who downsize free up $500,000 to $2M+ in net equity, and monthly carrying costs (property tax, utilities, maintenance) typically decrease. Jacquie Othen and the Othen Group have guided Toronto families through this transition for 15+ years.

Want the full breakdown before we talk? Our Complete Toronto Downsizing Guide covers timelines, home evaluations, budgeting, neighbourhood options, decluttering strategies, and the 7 biggest mistakes we see families make.

Who We Work With

Who is downsizing in Toronto, and is it right for me?

Toronto downsizers aren't all the same age, in the same situation, or making the same move. What they have in common is a need for a team that understands the full picture, not just the transaction.

The Short Answer

Downsizing is right for you if your home is larger than your current life requires, and the financial or physical cost of maintaining it outweighs the benefit of staying. As of October 2026, Othen Group's downsizing clients in Toronto span four main situations: empty nesters (most common, typically ages 55 to 70), seniors planning for accessibility and reduced maintenance, right-sizers who want a different lifestyle rather than simply less space, and relocators moving to or within Toronto who need local neighbourhood expertise. The SRES designation Jacquie Othen holds is specifically designed for these life-stage transitions.

Empty Nesters

The kids have moved out, and you're maintaining a home built for a family that no longer lives there. You want to unlock your equity, simplify your life, and find a home that actually fits how you live now. This is the most common transition we help with, and the one where strategy matters most.

Right-Sizers

You don't necessarily want less space. You want the right space. That might mean a walkable condo instead of a suburban house. Maybe it means a townhome with no yard work. Maybe it means staying in the city, but finally in a layout that makes sense. We help you figure out exactly what right-sized means for your life.

Senior Downsizing

Downsizing for seniors at 65 or 75 involves more moving parts: estate considerations, accessibility for health, coordinating with family, and often decades of belongings to work through. Our SRES designation means we're trained specifically for these transitions, and our full-service downsizing and relocation support handles everything from partnering with Downsizing Divas for decluttering to coordinating estate lawyers and senior-focused movers.

Learn more about senior downsizing services →

Relocators

Moving to Toronto from another city or country, or relocating within Toronto to a completely different neighbourhood, requires someone who knows the market deeply. You need honest neighbourhood comparisons, building-level knowledge, and someone who won't steer you toward the wrong fit.

Learn more about relocation services →

Not sure which situation fits you? One conversation is all it takes to find out.

Get My Free Equity Estimate
Why Families Choose Us

What makes Othen Group different from other Toronto realtors?

We don't hand you a sold sticker and disappear. We stay in it until you're settled. That means professional staging through Kelly Allan Design at no cost (most Toronto agents charge $3,000 to $8,000 for comparable staging), full move coordination, vendor management, and one point of contact from first conversation to closing day.

The Short Answer

Othen Group is Toronto's full-service real estate team for life transitions. Jacquie Othen holds the SRES designation, the credential specific to senior and life-stage real estate. Professional staging through Kelly Allan Design is included at no cost for every home listed. Othen Group coordinates what it calls the Full Transition: real estate, free staging, packing and sorting through Downsizing Divas, senior-focused movers, estate lawyers, and financial planners, all under one contact. Clients don't coordinate vendors. Othen Group handles the rest.

What working with us actually includes:

  • SRES designation: specialized training in life-stage transitions, not just real estate mechanics
  • Free professional staging through Kelly Allan Design for every home we list
  • Partnership with Downsizing Divas for packing, sorting, and move coordination
  • Vendor network covering estate lawyers, financial planners, movers, trades, and organizers
  • One point of contact managing every moving part, so you're not chasing vendors
  • of hyperlocal Toronto neighbourhood knowledge: which buildings, which streets, which condo corporations to avoid
Our clients don't manage vendors, chase trades, or coordinate lawyers. That's what we're here for.
Professional home staging included with Othen Group

We include professional staging for every home we list, at no extra charge.

Watch First

What should you know before downsizing in Toronto?

Jacquie Othen covers the decisions that matter most: timing your move, choosing the right property type, picking the right condo building, and protecting your investment at every step.

Bungalow, Condo Townhome, or Condo: Which Is Right When Downsizing in Toronto?
Bungalow, Condo Townhome, or Condo: Which Is Right When Downsizing in Toronto? Watch on YouTube
How to Pick the Right Toronto Condo When Downsizing and Protect Your Investment
How to Pick the Right Toronto Condo When Downsizing (And Protect Your Investment) Watch on YouTube
The Support You Actually Need

What does downsizing support in Toronto include?

Most people don't need more information about downsizing. They need someone to actually do it with them.

The Short Answer

Downsizing support from Othen Group means end-to-end coordination, not just the real estate transaction. This includes: a free equity estimate showing what your home is worth and what you could unlock; professional staging at no cost through Kelly Allan Design; decluttering, sorting, and packing coordination through Downsizing Divas; a vetted network of estate lawyers, senior-focused movers, organizers, and financial advisors; buyer representation for the next home with your lifestyle priorities built into every search; and aligned closing dates so you move once and move right. One call to 416-486-8282 starts it all. You decide the pace. We handle the rest.

Practical Downsizing Support

Contents management, decluttering, donation coordination, and packing through Downsizing Divas. We have worked with them for years and trust them with our clients' homes unconditionally.

Financial & Legal Support

Referrals to estate lawyers, tax advisors, and financial planners who understand life-stage transitions. Not general practitioners. People in our network have done this work before.

Emotional Support Through the Process

Jacquie Othen has helped hundreds of Toronto homeowners through this transition. She knows what it feels like to sell a home you've lived in for 25 years. The pacing, the honesty, and the lack of pressure are deliberate. This kind of decision deserves that.

Selling Your Home

Should I sell my house before buying a condo when downsizing?

In most cases, no. A smarter approach is to find your next home first, make a conditional offer, then list your current property.

The Short Answer

Othen Group recommends finding your next home first, making a conditional offer, then listing your current home. Selling first creates a hard deadline, giving buyers of your next property negotiating leverage. Buying conditionally first lets you control both timelines and align closing dates: one clean move with no gap in housing and no interim storage costs. This approach requires an agent who can manage two simultaneous transactions, which is a core part of the Othen Group downsizing service model.

Reviewing Toronto real estate options for downsizing

We help you understand your options before you decide.

Selling first puts you under time pressure and often means settling for a condo you don't love because the clock is running. Finding your next home first gives you control over both transactions and typically one clean move with aligned closing dates.

Othen Group sells a downsized home in these steps:

  • Honest market analysis upfront. We tell you what your home is actually worth, not what you want to hear
  • Room-by-room preparation review to identify what needs attention before you list
  • Professional staging is included through our partner, Kelly Allan Design
  • Full coordination of cleaning, painting, and minor repairs through trusted trades
  • Pricing and offer strategy built around your specific timeline and next move
Finding Your Next Home

What Toronto neighbourhoods are best for downsizing?

The best Toronto neighbourhood for downsizing depends entirely on how you want to live, not just what you can afford. Walkability, transit access, community feel, building quality, condo fees, and proximity to family all factor in.

The Short Answer

The top Toronto neighbourhoods for downsizing in 2026 are Yonge & Eglinton (Walk Score 96, highest transit access, full condo amenity market); Summerhill (quieter midtown feel, Summerhill Market walkable, lower density); Lawrence Park (best for staying in a house with less maintenance); Leaside (strong community character, served by the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, open since February 2026); Don Mills (Eglinton Crosstown LRT Science Centre station, open since February 2026, mixed condo/townhome market, Shops at Don Mills); and The Beaches (Queen Street lifestyle, boardwalk, Walk Score 95). Jacquie Othen has transacted in all six of these neighbourhoods and provides neighbourhood-specific comparisons in every consultation.

Yonge & Eglinton

Toronto's most walkable midtown hub. Grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, restaurants, and the TTC are all within a short walk. High condo density with a wide range of building types and price points. The top choice for downsizers who want to eliminate car dependency.

Explore →

Summerhill

Quieter than Yonge & Eglinton but still excellent access to transit and amenities. Tree-lined streets, Summerhill Market, and a neighbourhood feel that many downsizers prefer to the bustle of a major intersection.

Explore →

Lawrence Park

For downsizers who want to stay in a house but with less maintenance. Smaller detached homes and townhomes in one of Toronto's most established neighbourhoods, with quiet tree-lined streets.

Explore →

Leaside

Strong community feel with excellent parks and local shops. Popular with empty nesters who want a quieter pace but still want neighbourhood character and walkability to local amenities.

Explore →

Don Mills

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5) has served Don Mills since February 2026, with Science Center station at Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue. The Shops at Don Mills provide walkable retail and services today. Mix of condos, townhomes, and smaller detached homes in a family-friendly area.

Explore →

The Beaches

For lifestyle downsizers who want waterfront access, boardwalk, and Queen Street community feel. Higher walkability than most Toronto neighbourhoods at 95/100 Walk Score.

Explore →

Many downsizing moves involve senior transition coordination alongside the standard transaction: family communication, power of attorney, and care-facility moves. If that applies to your situation, our dedicated seniors real estate service covers these additional dimensions in full.

Estate Sales & Executors

How does Othen Group help with estate sales and probate properties in Toronto?

When you're managing a parent's estate or handling a probate sale, you need someone who understands the legal side, the family dynamics, and how to coordinate everything without adding stress.

The Short Answer

Othen Group offers full-service estate sales and probate property transactions in Toronto. This includes coordinating with estate lawyers and power-of-attorney representatives, preparing and staging the property (through Kelly Allan Design at no cost), donating and selling estate items through trusted partners, and keeping all family members informed throughout the process. Executors and out-of-town family members have one point of contact to manage all vendors and legal coordination. Jacquie Othen's SRES training covers the legal and emotional considerations specific to estate real estate transactions.

What We Handle

  • Coordination with estate lawyers and powers of attorney
  • Property assessment and preparation for the market
  • Estate sale and donation coordination through trusted partners
  • Staging and repairs are managed so executors don't have to
  • Clear communication with all family members throughout

Who This Is For

  • Adult children managing a parent's estate
  • Executors handling a probate sale
  • Families with a property that needs to be sold quickly
  • Out-of-town family members who need local representation they trust
What Clients Say

What do downsizing clients say about working with Othen Group?

Selling the family home after decades is one of the most consequential decisions a family makes. These are Toronto families who have been through it, in their own words.

Clear Guidance

"Jacquie and her team of professionals are in my opinion the best in Toronto. She sold my home in a timely fashion and supported me through out the whole process - throughout by going above and beyond and relating to me as if she was my own daughter."

Leslie F. · Google Review

Strong Results

"We had a challenging situation; downsizing after 30 years in a tough market. Jacquie and her team were extremely supportive, and did exactly what they said they would do; surpassing all our expectations. With their help, our house sold almost immediately, for a little over asking."

Sara B. · Google Review

Estate Sale Coordination

"After my mother passed, I was overwhelmed by everything that needed to happen with her house. Jacquie handled every single piece of it, the estate lawyer, the stagers, the movers, the cleanup. I just had to show up at closing. I can't thank her enough."

Michael R. · Google Review

Right Move, Right Timing

"We were nervous about giving up our house. Jacquie was completely honest with us about what to expect and found us the perfect condo in Leaside, two blocks from our daughter. The staging was beautiful and we got more than we were expecting for our house."

Carol & David T. · Google Review

90+ Toronto families have trusted Othen Group with their most important move. Find out if we're the right fit for yours.

Book a Free 20-Minute Call
Choosing an Agent

How do I choose a downsizing realtor in Toronto?

Choosing the wrong agent for a life-transition sale is costly. The right one makes the whole process feel manageable. Ask these questions before you commit.

The Short Answer

Jacquie Othen, SRES, of Othen Group is a Toronto sales representative focused on downsizing in midtown and east Toronto. The three criteria that matter when choosing a downsizing realtor are: (1) the SRES designation, the industry credential requiring specialized training in senior and life-stage transitions; (2) a full-service model that includes staging, vendor coordination, and move management, not just the transaction; and (3) a verified track record with downsizing clients specifically. Othen Group has 90+ five-star Google reviews, 15+ years working the Leaside–Lawrence Park–Don Mills corridor, professional staging through Kelly Allan Design at no cost, and a partnership with Downsizing Divas for decluttering and move coordination. Call 416-486-8282 to confirm fit before you commit to anything.

Ready to find out what your home is worth?

You've done the reading. Next, schedule a free, no-pressure conversation with Jacquie. Find out what your home is worth today and what your full transition could look like.

✓ No obligation ✓ SRES-certified ✓ Response within one business day

Prefer to talk? Call 416-486-8282 directly.


What do people most want to know about downsizing in Toronto?

Is downsizing only for seniors?

No. Downsizing is for anyone whose home no longer fits their life. Empty nesters in their 40s and 50s, professionals simplifying, separated couples, and people relocating are all downsizing. We work with clients at every stage of life.

Should I sell before I buy when downsizing?

In most cases, find your next home first, make a conditional offer, and then list your current home. Selling first creates time pressure that often leads to settling for a property you don't love. We structure both transactions to align your closing dates.

How much does it cost to downsize a home in Toronto?

Downsizing costs include real estate commissions, legal fees, land transfer tax on your next purchase, and moving expenses. Most downsizers come out well ahead financially. In Toronto, the gap between a detached family home and a condo or smaller property can free $500,000 to $2M+ in net equity after all transaction costs. Your ongoing property tax, utility, and maintenance costs typically drop, too. Othen Group includes professional staging at no cost, which removes one of the biggest expenses other sellers face.

Can you coordinate the entire move?

Yes. Through our partnerships with Downsizing Divas, senior-focused movers, estate lawyers, and organizers, we manage every aspect of the transition. You'll have one point of contact to manage all vendors.

What Toronto neighbourhoods work best for downsizing?

It depends on your priorities. Yonge & Eglinton for walkability. Summerhill for a quieter midtown feel. The Beaches for lifestyle. Lawrence Park or Leaside, if you want to stay in a house. We tour all of these with you based on what matters most in your life.

Is it smart to downsize your home for retirement?

For most homeowners, yes. Downsizing your home for retirement frees up equity to fund your lifestyle, reduces monthly carrying costs, and eliminates the physical burden of maintaining a larger property. The key is timing it right and working with someone who understands the financial and emotional sides of the transition. We walk you through the numbers so you can decide with confidence.

How long does it take to downsize a home in Toronto?

The full process typically takes 3 to 6 months from initial decision to moving day. A focused seller with a market-ready home can complete both transactions in roughly 90 days. A more complex situation (estate involvement, extensive belongings, or a specific target neighbourhood) may take 5 to 6 months. We build a timeline specific to your situation in the first consultation.

What should I look for in a Toronto downsizing realtor?

Three things: credentials specific to life-stage transitions (the SRES designation is the industry standard), a service model that goes beyond the transaction (staging, move coordination, a vendor network), and a verifiable track record with downsizing clients specifically. Ask how many downsizing clients they've worked with, whether staging is included, and who manages the moving parts after your listing goes live.

What are the tax implications of downsizing a home in Ontario?

Your primary residence is exempt from capital gains tax in Canada when you sell. This is the principal residence exemption. If you've lived in your home for the entire period of ownership, you pay no tax on the sale proceeds. You will pay Ontario and Toronto land transfer tax on your next purchase (calculators are available at Ontario.ca). Legal fees, moving costs, and real estate commissions are transaction costs, not tax deductions in Canada. Consult your accountant before closing, especially if you used any portion of the home for business or rental income, which may affect the exemption.

How much equity can you unlock by downsizing in Toronto?

The amount depends on the price gap between your current home and your next property, minus transaction costs. As of June 2026, a Leaside or Lawrence Park detached home selling in the $2M to $3.5M range and replacing it with a Yonge & Eglinton or Summerhill condo in the $700K to $1.2M range could free $800K to $2.5M in equity after transaction costs. Transaction costs typically total 3 to 5% of the combined sale and purchase values. Othen Group calculates a personalized net equity projection in the first consultation. No obligation, no estimate without real numbers.

What does downsizing support in Toronto include?

Downsizing support from a full-service team like Othen Group covers every stage of the transition: a free home valuation and equity estimate; professional staging at no cost; decluttering, packing, and contents coordination through Downsizing Divas; a vetted vendor network of estate lawyers, senior-focused movers, organizers, and financial advisors; buyer representation for the next home; and aligned closing dates so you move once cleanly. You make decisions. We coordinate the rest. Call 416-486-8282 to learn what this looks like for your situation.

What are downsizing realtors, and what do they do?

Downsizing realtors specialize in the unique challenges of life-stage property transitions, while general sales agents may help with downsizing. The practical difference: a downsizing realtor holds credentials like the SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation, has a vendor network for staging, decluttering, moving, and legal coordination, and structures both the sale and the purchase to minimize the stress and cost of moving between two properties simultaneously. Othen Group, led by Jacquie Othen SRES, is one of Toronto's dedicated downsizing practices, with more than 15 years of experience, 90+ five-star Google reviews, and free professional staging on every listing.

How can I get help with downsizing my home in Toronto?

The fastest way to get help with downsizing in Toronto is to call Othen Group at 416-486-8282 for a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation. In that call, Jacquie Othen walks through what your home is worth today, what equity you could unlock, and what the full transition would look like on your timeline. If it's a fit, we build a personalized plan covering staging, decluttering, listing, your next-home search, and move coordination. No commitment required at any stage. Just a clear picture of your options before you decide.

What is a retirement downsizing strategy in Toronto?

A retirement downsizing strategy in Toronto typically involves three decisions made in the right order: (1) establish how much equity your current home holds and what a realistic next home costs, to confirm the financial case for moving; (2) identify the right neighbourhood and property type for your retirement lifestyle, including walkability, transit, proximity to family, building amenities, and low-maintenance living; (3) time the transaction to align with your retirement date, health timeline, or family circumstances. Othen Group builds this strategy in the first free consultation, including a net equity projection and a list of target properties in Toronto neighbourhoods that match your priorities.

What are the best downsizing services in Toronto?

The best downsizing services in Toronto combine real estate expertise with full transition support. Othen Group offers SRES-certified representation led by Jacquie Othen; free professional staging through Kelly Allan Design; decluttering and move management through Downsizing Divas; a vetted vendor network of movers, estate lawyers, and financial advisors; and buyer representation for your next home, built around your specific lifestyle requirements. As of October 2026, Othen Group has 90+ five-star Google reviews, a 15-year track record in Toronto's midtown and east-end corridors, and a no-pressure approach that has made this team the first call for hundreds of Toronto families through a life-stage move.

Get In Touch

Ready to Figure Out Your Next Move?

Whether you're actively planning, just starting to think about it, or managing an estate that needs attention, one conversation gives you real clarity: what your home is worth today, your options, and what the transition could look like on your timeline. No obligation. If it's not the right time, that's fine too. You'll leave the call knowing exactly where you stand.

Not quite ready to talk? Start with our Free Downsizing Guide: a clear, honest walkthrough of the full process, costs, and timeline.

Jacquie Othen, Sales Representative. Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Brokerage.

FEATURED LISTINGS

Browse our collection of featured listings. You might just find the Home of Your Dreams!

  • Client Stories

    What do Toronto families say about working with Othen Group?

    "We were nervous about selling the family home after 30 years. Jacquie made everything feel manageable. The staging was incredible, and we had multiple offers in days."

    Ava & David
    Downsized from Leaside

    "As a first-time buyer, I had no idea where to start. The Othen Group was patient, answered every question, and never made me feel rushed. Found exactly what I needed."

    Nicole P.
    First-Time Buyer, Davisville

    "I'll be honest, I was skeptical about hiring an agent. Jacquie changed my mind completely. She was straightforward, knew the market cold, and got us more than we expected."

    R. Gupta
    Sold in Don Mills

    "Dealing with my mother's estate was one of the hardest things our family has been through. Jacquie was compassionate, organised, and guided us throughout. The sale went smoothly and we felt completely supported."

    The Morrison Family
    Estate Sale, Lawrence Park
    On YouTube

    Where can I get honest Toronto real estate advice?

    Jacquie shares honest, practical advice for Toronto families, from downsizing timing to mortgage renewals and renovation returns. No fluff, no sales pitch.

    Every Home Has a Price Ceiling: Know Yours Before You Renovate
    Every Home Has a Price Ceiling: Know Yours Before You Renovate Watch on YouTube
    1 Million Mortgages Are Renewing in 2026: Don't Make This Mistake
    1 Million Mortgages Are Renewing in 2026: Don't Make This Mistake Watch on YouTube
    Free Resource

    Get the 2026 Toronto Real Estate Transition Guide

    A straightforward, no-fluff guide covering everything from timing your sale to choosing the right neighbourhood for your next chapter. Written by Othen Group's team, based on 15+ years helping Toronto families through every kind of transition.

    No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Othen Group respects your inbox.


    Choosing the Right Agent

    How do I choose the right Toronto real estate agent for a life transition?

    Not all agents are equipped to handle the emotional and logistical complexity of downsizing, estate sales, or senior moves. Here's what to look for.

    Jacquie Othen, SRES®, has guided Toronto families through life-transition real estate since 2010. The SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation requires specialized training in the financial, emotional, and legal needs of clients 55+. As of March 2026, Othen Group has 90+ five-star Google reviews and is registered with TRREB and regulated by RECO under TRESA.

    ✓

    Ask if they hold the SRES® designation (not all do)

    ✓

    Confirm staging is included, not a costly add-on

    ✓

    Check their neighbourhood-specific sales history, not GTA-wide volume

    ✓

    Read verified Google reviews from clients in similar situations

    ✓

    Ask how they handle estate sales and probate if relevant

    ✓

    Make sure they're registered with TRREB and regulated by RECO

    Common Questions

    Questions Othen Group Hears Every Day

    Thinking about your next move? Here are the questions Othen Group hears most often from Toronto families, answered honestly, with no sales spin.

    Q What does it cost to downsize in Toronto?

    Costs typically include Realtor commission, legal fees ($1,500–$2,500), moving costs, and any land transfer tax if you're purchasing. With Othen Group, professional staging is included at no extra cost. Most agents charge thousands for this. Every client receives a full cost breakdown before listing.

    Q What is right-sizing, and how is it different from downsizing?

    Downsizing means moving to a smaller home to reduce costs or simplify. Right-sizing is about finding the home that fits your life today: fewer stairs, better walkability, a condo instead of a detached, or simply a neighbourhood that suits how you live now. Othen Group helps clients think through both to find what actually works.

    Q What is an SRES® designation, and why does it matter?

    SRES® stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist: specialized training in the financial, emotional, and lifestyle needs of clients 55+. Jacquie holds this designation, meaning she understands everything from estate considerations to the emotional weight of leaving a family home. The transition, not just the transaction.

    Q How does Othen Group help with estate sales and probate in Toronto?

    Estate and probate transactions have unique legal timelines and family dynamics. Othen Group coordinates with estate lawyers, handles property preparation, and manages the emotional complexity with patience. As an SRES®-certified team, Othen Group understands both the legal process and the human side of these transactions.

    Q Do I need to renovate before selling in Toronto?

    In most cases, no. Fresh paint, decluttering, and professional staging deliver a much better return than major renovations. Othen Group provides complimentary staging with every listing and gives honest advice during the initial walk-through on what's worth doing and what isn't.

    Q Can I buy before I sell my current home?

    Yes, it's possible. Some clients use bridge financing to cover the gap. Others prefer to sell first and arrange a longer closing. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Othen Group sits down with every client, reviews the numbers, and helps determine which approach makes the most sense for their situation and comfort level.

    Q How long does it take to sell in Toronto right now?

    It depends on the neighbourhood, property type, and market conditions. Well-priced, properly staged homes across Othen Group's core neighbourhoods (Lawrence Park, Leaside, Don Mills, Yonge and Eglinton, Summerhill, Willowdale, and Bayview Village) typically sell within 1 to 3 weeks. Current 2026 data is provided at every initial consultation.

    Q What neighbourhoods does Othen Group serve?

    Othen Group specializes in Toronto's most established residential neighbourhoods: Lawrence Park, Leaside, Don Mills, Yonge and Eglinton, Summerhill, Willowdale, Bayview Village, North York Centre, Victoria Village, and The Beaches. Deep hyperlocal expertise, not GTA-wide generalism.

    Q Does home staging really make a difference to the sale price?

    Yes, and the data is consistent. Professionally staged homes in Toronto's midtown and east end typically sell faster and closer to (or above) asking price than unstaged equivalents. Othen Group includes professional staging through Kelly Allan Design at no cost on every listing. Most agents charge $3,000–$8,000+ for equivalent staging. That cost difference comes directly off your net proceeds.

    Q Is 2026 a good time to sell my home in Toronto?

    As of March 2026, Toronto's resale market has stabilized after the rate correction of 2023–2024, with well-priced and well-presented homes in established neighbourhoods selling within 1–3 weeks. Timing depends on your specific neighbourhood, property type, and personal situation. Othen Group provides a free, no-pressure market assessment so you can make that decision with current data, not headlines.

    Have a question not listed here? Othen Group is happy to chat; no pressure, no obligation.

    Ask Us Anything
    Take the Next Step

    Let's Talk About Your Next Chapter

    Whether downsizing, right-sizing, managing an estate, or making your first purchase, Othen Group has been guiding Toronto families through every kind of real estate transition since 2010. The conversation starts with a single call.

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    OUR AGENTS

    Jacquie Othen
    Jacquie Othen

    Sales Representative

    AJ Gillani
    AJ Gillani

    Sales Representative

    Lydia Campeau
    Lydia Campeau

    Agent

    Client Care Coordinator
    Client Care Coordinator

    Client Care Manager