Getting Your Edge: How to Downsize Your Home.

Judy Gratton and Dennis Day

Life Happens to Everyone! These events can force changes in how and where you live. How you react and manage those events is what matters. Join Judy Gratton and Dennis Day, two agents with over 30 years combined experience in real estate, as they provide you insights into managing the twists and turns life throws at you, so you can land on your feet and in the right place.Whether you need to downsize from your forever home, upsize to handle a growing family, or moving an aging parent into a safer setting, the “Downsize" Podcast will share the information you need to be ready. Using their personal experiences and interviews with experts in a variety of fields, like: financial planning, estate sales, or living abroad, our hosts will dish out the information and advice that will help you take on life’s challenges informed and prepared. For more information about the Edge Group Real Estate Team: www.EdgeGroupTeam.com

  1. JUL 30

    Secrets to Making Downsizing Super Easy!

    Jeannine Bryant's journey from North Dakota farm girl to right-sizing expert began with a childhood surrounded by grandparents and a natural gift for organization. Today, as CEO of Changing Spaces SRS in Lincoln, Nebraska, she leads a team helping seniors navigate the emotional journey of downsizing with compassion and practical solutions. "Keep the best, let go of the rest" isn't just Jeannine's business tagline—it's a philosophy that guides her approach to helping clients find the perfect balance between too much and too little. She introduces us to the concept of right-sizing, a positive reframing that focuses on keeping what's meaningful rather than what you're losing. Through stories from her decade of experience, Jeannine illustrates how our attachment to possessions can become barriers to necessary life transitions. The emotional aspects of downsizing take center stage as Janine explains how our identities become wrapped up in our things. She shares a poignant example of helping a couple move to assisted living—a necessary transition made significantly more difficult by their extensive ceramic figurine collection. This story perfectly illustrates her company tagline: "Life is hard enough. Don't let your stuff make it harder." Jeannine outlines her systematic five-step approach to right-sizing: decide what to keep, give to family and friends, sell what you can, donate what didn't sell, and remove the trash. She emphasizes that following this order is crucial—by identifying what you'll keep first, you can more easily let go of the rest. She also dispels market myths about the value of china hutches, punch bowls, and other once-prized possessions that now flood the secondhand market. Beyond her business services, Jeannine shares her passion for supporting seniors through volunteer work with caregiver organizations, offering insights into intergenerational living experiments, and providing resources through her books and website for those who can't access her in-person services. Whether you're planning a move, helping parents downsize, or simply seeking a more manageable home environment, Jeannine's practical wisdom offers a roadmap to living with less stress and more joy. Check out Jeannine's resources at easyrightsizing.com or learn about her services at changingspacessrs.com to start your own right-sizing journey today. 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:12 Meet Jeannine Bryant: Right Sizing Expert 01:57 Jeannine's Journey from Farm to Business 04:05 Understanding Right Sizing 06:12 Challenges of Downsizing 09:16 Emotional Attachment to Possessions 12:43 Strategies for Letting Go 17:53 The Five Steps of Right Sizing 21:13 Downsizing Without Moving 22:33 Safety and Comfort in Aging 24:15 Common Downsizing Mistakes 24:41 Understanding the Time Needed 26:01 Senior-Focused Organizations 29:18 Services Offered by Changing Spaces and Easy Rightsizing 33:47 Unique Downsizing Experiences 36:07 Compensation and Pricing 38:57 Handling Family Heirlooms 41:16 The Value of Items 43:06 Resources and Contact Information 44:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts We Would Love to Hear Your Feedback! Mid-Roll Ad

    46 min
  2. MAY 9

    Your Insurance Policy Isn't What You Think It Is

    Learn the truth about your insurance policy in this eye-opening video. Don't wait for a crisis to find out what your coverage really includes. In this enlightening episode of 'Getting Your Edge,' hosts Dennis Day and Judy Gratton dive into the complex world of insurance with expert Douglas Olson from USI Insurance Services. Olson breaks down the intricacies of insurance policies, the impact of recent natural disasters on the industry, and why your insurance policy might not cover as much as you think. The episode covers the challenges faced by insurance companies, including the reasons behind rising premiums and policy non-renewals, as well as the legalities and contractual obligations that come with insurance. Whether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, or simply an insurance consumer, this episode offers invaluable insights into what you need to know about your insurance coverage. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:34 Meet Douglas Olson: Insurance Expert 01:10 Understanding Independent Insurance Agencies 02:49 The State of the Insurance Industry 04:00 Consumer Expectations and Insurance Realities 05:22 Challenges in the Insurance Market 10:48 Impact of Environmental Factors on Insurance 22:03 Insurance Companies' Financial Struggles 34:18 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information   We Would Love to Hear Your Feedback! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2067330/open_sms)   We Would Love to Hear Your Feedback!

    35 min
  3. MAR 20

    Expat Life in Mexico: Downsizing, Living, and Working as an American

    Living and Thriving in Mexico: Expat Life and Running a Business Expat Life in Mexico: Downsizing, Living, and Working as an American! Join co-hosts Dennis Day and Judy Gratton in this thrilling episode of 'Getting Your Edge: How to Downsize Your Life,' as they chat with Ashley Werter, an adventurous spirit who traded Seattle for the sunny shores of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Tune in as Ashley, a talented professional photographer, opens up about her exhilarating journey as an American expat. Discover her first impressions of life in Mexico, the vibrant local culture, the surprising cost of living, and her son's educational adventures. Ashley shares the ups and downs of her exciting new life, her connections with both expats and locals, and how she navigates finances and healthcare in a new land. Don't miss part two, where we dive into the thrilling world of running a business in Mexico as a foreigner!  To View Ashley Werter's Professional Photography Website Click Here 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:17 Meet Ashley Werter: From Seattle to Puerto Vallarta 01:10 Life in Mexico: First Impressions and Daily Life 03:04 Language Barriers and Clientele 04:44 Cost of Living and Housing 10:03 Cultural Differences and Celebrations 13:42 Healthcare and Transportation 15:26 Residency and Legal Requirements 17:50 Social Life and Activities 30:46 Financial Tips and Banking 34:08 Final Thoughts and Advice We Would Love to Hear Your Feedback!

    35 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Life Happens to Everyone! These events can force changes in how and where you live. How you react and manage those events is what matters. Join Judy Gratton and Dennis Day, two agents with over 30 years combined experience in real estate, as they provide you insights into managing the twists and turns life throws at you, so you can land on your feet and in the right place.Whether you need to downsize from your forever home, upsize to handle a growing family, or moving an aging parent into a safer setting, the “Downsize" Podcast will share the information you need to be ready. Using their personal experiences and interviews with experts in a variety of fields, like: financial planning, estate sales, or living abroad, our hosts will dish out the information and advice that will help you take on life’s challenges informed and prepared. For more information about the Edge Group Real Estate Team: www.EdgeGroupTeam.com