The term "empty nest" has a sad sound to it, but, in truth, empty nesters have an exciting future in front of them. Fewer responsibilities mean they can focus on themselves and make some of their deferred dreams come true, particularly if they downsize by selling their home. Currently, the Franklin real estate market is perfect for those wanting to sell, but the seller's market won't last forever. Now is the time to make the move.

Downsizing offers many benefits to homeowners. Once the children move out, couples may have a number of unused rooms. Empty space still requires maintenance and also racks up heating and cooling costs. Downsizing to a home that has enough square footage but not too much saves homeowners money on a mortgage, utilities and basic maintenance.

Simply keeping a large home clean and the yard mowed can take hours of labor each week. When hired help takes care of these tasks, the cost can be prohibitive. Downsizing minimizes these costs and sets couples free from many home burdens.

The financial benefits mean that couples can add to their retirement savings and indulge in travel or other pursuits that they have postponed for too long. If they've always wanted to visit Italy, a profitable home sale can allow that trip to happen. Maybe they've dreamed of buying an RV and traveling around the country. Downsizing can allow them to achieve that goal. More importantly, downsizing can eliminate their worry about managing monthly expenses on a fixed income. These homeowners can also put some of the money toward an inheritance for their children.

Downsizing allows homeowners to move into a neighborhood that better suits their lifestyle. Perhaps they've always longed to live in the city but long ago purchased a home that was in the child-friendly suburbs. Now, they can move where superior medical care is readily available and retail stores are just down the street.

Homeowners in Franklin have even stronger reasons to downsize. The real estate market is booming here, and it's a strong seller's market. Home prices have risen steadily in recent months. Last year, the "Average price per square foot for Franklin was $186, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same period last year." Many sellers gained thousands of dollars in profit from this rise in home values. They were able to buy another nice home and put the rest of the profits to work in other ways.

For those considering downsizing, now is the time. Sellers are seeing healthy profits on their home sales. Franklin residents cannot afford to delay too long, however, because the trend toward higher home prices is gradually slowing. This "cooling" market means that hesitating can cost couples a significant amount of money.

Having an empty nest can actually expand a homeowner's horizons and improve the quality of their life. They can pay off debt, buy a more convenient home and spend time exploring their world. Downsizing a home can lead to expanding their lives.

Franklin residents have a terrific sales opportunity this year. In this seller's market, they can realize record profits, but the trend cannot continue forever. Selling a home in Franklin now can provide financial security and open up new horizons for empty nesters.

Are you ready to decide if downsizing is right for you? Click below to receive a free report of your Franklin, TN home's value by our expert team.