Selling a home isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about the life built inside them, and the courage it takes to imagine something different. In The Exit Strategy, we share real stories from BREL clients who’ve faced that moment of change head-on, with all the emotions, questions, and tough decisions that come with it. While the names might be fake (to protect the privacy of our clients), these aren’t generic case studies. They’re lived experiences of people like Alex, a long-time Junction homeowner who turned to our team to help trade their house for a new chapter that now stretches from Toronto to Mexico. From the practical steps to the behind-the-scenes strategy, you’ll see how thoughtful planning, smart marketing, and the right guidance made the leap not only possible—but seamless.
The Story of Alex
Have you ever dreamed of following your heart to somewhere new? Alex did just that—and when opportunity knocked, answered with excitement and determination. Not your typical snowbird, Alex’s career is still thriving. But with the rise of remote work and the spark of a new romance, this Gen Xer decided it was time to embrace a life with more flexibility: winters soaking up the sun and summers enjoying the city. To make it all happen, Alex called on BREL to guide the journey of downsizing their Junction home.
From the start, Alex was clear about one thing: the process needed to be smooth and stress-free. The goal was to sell the home in the Junction first and find the perfect condo without ever juggling two mortgages (or crashing on a friend’s couch). While we initially thought the New Toronto/Mimico area might work best for the budget, Alex was reluctant to leave the familiar charm of the Junction. That’s where our expertise came in!
Here’s how we helped Alex turn the dream into a reality:
- A Home Transformation: We gave the home a fresh look with a complete refresh—painting every room, updating the light fixtures, and staging the space to attract the ideal buyer. These small updates made a big difference in creating a strong first impression.
- Focused Condo Search: While prepping the Junction home for sale, we toured several condos in different neighborhoods and with different layouts to narrow down exactly what worked. We even uncovered some options in the Junction that fit the budget—places they hadn’t considered before!
- Strategic Sale: We implemented a smart marketing plan, listing the home with a focused seven-day campaign that built excitement and led to a successful offer night. To ensure Alex had time to find a new place, we negotiated a longer closing date with the buyer.
The results? Alex’s home sold quickly for a great price, and within days, they secured a stunning condo right in the Junction. The timing was seamless, with both closing dates aligning perfectly.
Now, Alex is living the dream: spending winters working remotely from sunny Mexico and enjoying vibrant Toronto summers in a sleek, low-maintenance condo. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
If you’re considering downsizing or wondering if a lifestyle change like this could be right for you, we’d love to help make it happen. With the right guidance and a plan tailored to your needs, your next chapter could be just as exciting as Alex’s!
Read: The Complete Downsizing Guide for Homeowners