Senior Real Estate Specialist 
Helping Seniors Make the Move
If you are considering a move as a senior, this may be a big change. Perhaps you are thinking of selling a family home and downsizing to a condo. Perhaps you are moving into a place where you can get extra help. Maybe you are making a move with the help of your family. Whatever the situation, I am passionate about helping seniors transition into their next home.
Here are some issues to consider as you go through this transition:
Your Plan
Smaller is Better
You may be moving to a smaller home. This option will give you the freedom to use your interior and exterior spaces as your own, but you should plan to spend at least 1% of the purchase price per year on maintenance. You may also want to think about getting help to maintain the interior or exterior either now or eventually.
Condo Living
Not only can condos be found in urban areas and in highly-desirable recreation areas, the benefit of owning a condo is that you don’t have to maintain the outside and you can lock it up and leave when you like! There are usually homeowner association dues that need to be factored into your monthly budget.
On-Site Help
There are a number of options when it comes to assisted living. Some people want to live independently and share an occasional meal with fellow residents while others may need extensive care. Once you determine the care you need and what area you want to live, you can narrow down your options.
Downsizing Your Belongings
Rooms & Square Footage
If you know where you are heading, it makes sense to categorize your current belongings and furniture by room. Think about how much space you have in each and only choose the belongings that are the right fit for that room.
Your True Needs
Now is a great time to think about the things you need moving forward and leave those things behind that no longer enhance your life. An old work uniform, backpacks from hiking in the 1970s, and the kids’ dirt bike helmets may be things that can be left behind. You will always have the memories!
Garage and Storage?
You may also want to think about the type of space that you will have in your next property. If you don’t have a garage or storage, you may not have room (or need!) for tools, garden supplies, camping and sporting gear, and car parts. Lack of room also means freedom from having to worry about these things.
Preparing Your Home to Sell
Deferred Maintenance
If you have lived in your home for a number of years, you may not be aware of some maintenance that needs to be addressed. Things like crawl spaces, air ducts, and even the roof should be reviewed for signs of deferred maintenance. In most cases, it is best to address these before the home goes on the market.
Polish
We want your home to appear move-in ready! That means a thorough cleaning. We will also take a look at options for updating and we can decide what strategy best suits your time, budget, and patience needs. It may not take much – if anything – to get your home to appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Decluttering
The process of getting rid of anything that no longer serves you well is a great start to downsizing AND it can help you get more buyers to see how they can live in your home. Once you understand how much space you are moving to, you can begin the process of selecting the best things to begin your new life with.
Your Senior Real Estate Specialist
- Years of experience working with seniors and their adult family members
- Contacts to help you: Movers, contractors, estate sales, and more!
- Special training obtained with Senior Real Estate Specialist designation
I am passionate about helping seniors transition smoothly into their next home. I look forward to helping you!