For many homeowners, especially here in Northern Virginia, your house isn’t just where you raised a family — it’s one of your largest retirement assets.

Recent research from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that once homeowners reach about age 70, they tend to receive lower sale prices compared to sellers in their 40s and 50s. By age 80, sellers may receive roughly 5% less for a similar home held over time. On a $800,000+ home, that could mean a $40,000 or more difference.

That’s not a small number — especially when your home equity is part of your retirement strategy. But here’s the good news: this trend is largely avoidable with planning and the right strategy.

As someone who has helped Northern Virginia families for over 23 years, I can tell you this isn’t about age — it’s about preparation.

Why Older Sellers Sometimes Get Lower Offers

The research points to a few consistent patterns:

1. Deferred Maintenance Adds Up

Small issues — aging roofs, worn carpet, outdated kitchens — often get postponed. Buyers notice. And they price it in.

2. Off-Market or Private Sales

Older homeowners are more likely to sell privately, sometimes to investors. Without exposure on the MLS, competition drops — and so does price.

3. Selling Under Pressure

Health changes, financial strain, or sudden life transitions can force quicker decisions — often leading to accepting the first reasonable offer.

None of these are inevitable. They’re planning issues, not market destiny.

What This Means in Northern Virginia

Here in the DMV — especially in Vienna, McLean, Arlington, and across Fairfax to Loudoun or Prince William County — the stakes are even higher. Northern Virginia homes often represent $700,000 to $3M+ in value. A 5% pricing gap in this region could mean $35,000–$150,000 or more left on the table.

And with baby boomers representing a significant share of homeowners nationally (as reported by Freddie Mac), we’re seeing more homeowners choosing to age in place — or sell later in life. That makes strategy critical.

How to Protect Your Equity (Before You Ever List)

If you’re 60+ and thinking about selling in the next 3–10 years, here’s what I recommend to my clients:

1. Create a 3–5 Year Home Plan

Instead of waiting until you “have to” sell, build a runway:

• Budget annually for maintenance

• Replace aging systems proactively

• Make updates in phases

Spreading improvements out reduces financial stress and prevents last-minute scrambling.

2. Modernize What Buyers Care About

In Northern Virginia, buyers consistently value:

• Updated kitchens and baths

• Fresh neutral paint

• Hardwood floors

• Energy-efficient systems

• Move-in-ready condition

You don’t need a full renovation. You need strategic upgrades with ROI.

3. Maximize Exposure — Don’t Limit It

While private sales may feel easier, they usually reduce competitive pressure.

Full MLS exposure, professional marketing, strategic pricing, and staging create leverage — and leverage drives price. Here is why you should consider listing with Joey Remondino and the J Group

4. Plan the Sale as Part of Your Retirement Strategy

Your home is not just shelter — it’s often 40–50% of total net worth in retirement.

Work with:

• A financial planner

• A trusted real estate advisor

• Adult children (if appropriate)

When everyone is aligned, decisions become clearer and less emotional.

Timing Still Matters in the DMV

While markets shift year to year, Northern Virginia typically sees the strongest activity in:

• Early spring (March–May)

• Early fall (September–October)

That doesn’t mean you can’t sell successfully at other times — but strategic timing can amplify results.

The Biggest Mistake I See

The homeowners who leave money on the table are not the oldest.

They’re the ones who wait too long to plan.

They assume:
“I’ll deal with it later.”
“It’s fine as is.”
“I don’t want to spend money before selling.”

But buyers in today’s market are analytical. They compare condition instantly. And they negotiate accordingly. Proactive planning protects leverage.

If You’re 65+ in Northern Virginia, Here’s Your Next Move

If you were sitting in my office in Vienna, Gainesville, Ashburn or Fairfax today, I’d suggest:

1. Get a no-pressure home value and condition assessment (J Group Can Provide This)

2. Create a phased improvement plan

3. Evaluate how the sale fits into your 5–10 year financial goals

4. Decide whether aging in place or transitioning aligns best with your lifestyle

This isn’t about rushing to sell. It’s about protecting one of your largest lifetime assets.

Final Thought

Your home is more than memories. It’s a retirement tool. Handled strategically, it can fund your next chapter — whether that’s downsizing to Arlington, relocating near family in Reston, or simplifying life in Loudoun County. Handled passively, it can quietly erode value.

At J Group Realty, we don’t just list homes. We build plans. And for Northern Virginia homeowners entering retirement, planning makes all the difference. If you’d like a confidential conversation about your home’s current value and how to protect it over the next few years, let’s talk. Click Here

Because smart selling isn’t about age. It’s about strategy.