URBAN EXODUS

BY MELANIE ROBITAILLE SR. STAFF WRITER & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

As more and more people fly their city-sized coops for greener pastures, the concept of unplugging or downsizing is no longer a phenomenon reserved for empty nesters or senior citizens alone.

“I’d like to re-coin the phrase to ‘rightsizing’,” explained Ellen Butters, Broker of EXIT Cornerstone Realty in Madison, VA, who witnesses first-hand how this trend speaks to anyone tired of the cost of living or whose mindset is about getting back to basics. “Most 20-30-yearolds who buy are starting small, but I also see buyers consistently looking for a more efficient space that can be used for multiple purposes. The specifications are as unique as the people.”

Some would attribute this shift to the potential dawning of a new era as our deepening reliance on technology brings us ever more into what’s being dubbed as the Digital Revolution.

In the 2013 online article Toward a Digital Urban Exodus by William van den Broek, Cofounder of the France-based coworking space, Mutinerie he suggests, “In the same way as the Industrial Revolution moved the source of allowable values from agriculture to industry, the Digital Revolution has moved the values of industries toward intellectual production. However, intellectual production is not dependent on complex material infrastructures that we usually find in cities, but relies more on an ecosystem, whether it’s urban, rural or even virtual. The economic advantage of cities, which was decisive during the industrial era, now has a lesser meaning.”

At the forefront of this Digital Revolution is the Millennial generation, set to surpass one of the largest generations in history, the post-war Baby Boomers. Their sense of home is one where they don’t want to work to live in a place in which they never spend time. So, they’re trading down interior space to cash in on freedom, the world around them, and life experiences.

No matter what you call it, Ellen says a real estate professional who listens first and seeks to better understand you is pivotal; something she picked up from EXIT Realty CEO, Tami Bonnell.

“Listening and reflecting back the goals and dreams of the client is an essential element of the conversation from the start. There are two things Tami always says that resonate with me in my business. First is have a conversation. It will always lead somewhere, and for me 90% of the time it’s to sharing of dreams or goals, then trust, mutual value and ultimately a relationship that doesn’t end,” Ellen explained. “Second, Tami repeatedly asks us as REALTORS® , if she could wave a magic wand and grant us any wish, what would that look like? I do this with my clients, but ask what their perfect home looks like. It’s a starting point and even though I may not always be able to deliver due to budget, market, or other factors, my clients have been heard and know they’re valued.”

Whether you’re thinking smaller or “unplugging” as Ellen calls it, she recommends trying the lifestyle on for size first noting that clients almost always go through a cycle of education and revision.

“It takes time and patience. I recommend a weekend rental of a similar style Airbnb or simply taking a weekend to live in their area of interest. If children are transferring schools, taking the time to tour or meet and greet, as well as checking online rankings and programming is important,” she advised. “If my clients are purchasing land for future development, I offer checklists for buyers to complete to avoid being stuck with a property they can’t improve to their liking.”

One thing is for certain, the professionals at EXIT Realty understand that whether you’re going big or small, you’re going home. Find your perfect fit at www.exitrealty.com today.

Ace Your Exodus

If the bright lights of the big city have lost their sparkle and simpler, country life is calling, check out Ditch the City and Go Country by Alissa Hessler, Curator of urbanexodus.com, a blog site dedicated to sharing the stories of former city dwellers turned country dreamers. A self-confessed former city dweller as well, Hessler provides this no-nonsense guide to help chart a path into a new community and lifestyle.

Ditch the City and Go Country by Alissa Hessler