Tag: moving

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Moving? Use a Senior Real Estate Specialist.

If you’re planning to buy or sell real estate, it’s a good idea to consider working with a senior real estate specialist or SRES like Atlanta Seniors Real Estate.

Here are a few reasons why an SRES will be beneficial:

  1. Experience: A senior real estate specialist has extensive experience working with clients who are 50 years of age or older. This means they understand the unique needs and concerns of seniors when it comes to real estate transactions.
  2. Knowledge: SRES designees have received specialized training in senior real estate, including topics like reverse mortgages, age-restricted communities, and estate planning. They are equipped to provide expert advice and guidance on these topics.
  3. Connections: Senior real estate specialists often have strong connections with other professionals who work with seniors, such as estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and senior living communities. They can help you build a network of resources to assist you in making informed decisions.
  4. Advocacy: A senior real estate specialist can serve as your advocate throughout the real estate transaction, ensuring that your interests are protected and your needs are met.

Overall, working with a senior real estate specialist can help ensure a smoother and more successful real estate transaction, especially if you or a loved one is a senior.

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A Guide to Senior Housing Options

It’s time for a move — perhaps it’s downsizing or moving into housing that offers a level of care that you or a loved one needs. There have never been more options for senior living than now, but with so many choices can come quite a bit of confusion.

The list includes:

RETIREMENT LIVING

  • Retirement/Active Adult Communities
  • Senior Apartments
  • Senior Cohousing

LONG TERM CARE

  • Assisted Living
  • In-Home Senior Care
  • Active Senior Housing
  • Independent Living
  • Continuing Care Communities
  • Congregational Retirement Communities
  • Nursing Homes
  • Specialized Care
  • Hospice

How do you know which type is right for you? Do you know the questions to ask? SeniorLiving.org is out with an update to its Senior Living Guide. They do a great job of explaining the differences between different options. Then, when it’s time to sell your home and relocate, contact a Senior Real Estate Specialists like Atlanta Senior Real Estate to help you with options in your own community.

>>Check out the Guide and look for options in your area.

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What home sellers can expect for 2023

Is it the right time to buy and sell in Atlanta?

Seniors toying with the idea of selling a home, downsizing or simply looking to move closer to family found themselves a bit confused with the crazy real estate activity of 2022. While it may have been a great time to sell a home, it was challenging to find another one — especially in the Atlanta area which has been named one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.

So, is 2023 going to be a better year to sell and move into another home? While buyers are returning to the market looking for more reasonable home prices without competing against a dozen other buyers, it really depends on interest rates and, most importantly, homes being priced appropriately.

A recent NBC News article said, “prices will have to be attractive for homebuyers to take on interest rates that remain elevated. Home sellers have already resorted to mortgage buydowns — a type of deal allowing buyers to secure lower rates, at least in the first few years of homeownership — or concessions like new appliances to persuade buyers to sign on the dotted line.”

To navigate this challenging time in real estate, contact a Senior Real Estate Specialist who has the resources available to guide you to a successful and less-stressful transaction. Contact Atlanta Seniors Real Estate to learn more.

>>Read the full article from NBC News here.

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Atlanta – 2023’s hottest real estate market

A CNBC report recently looked at the country’s hottest real estate markets for 2023 and found their top ten all had one thing in common – they’re in the south. Atlanta leads the list which looked at such things as affordability, housing availability, and job growth.

The report shows that Atlanta, with its median home price of $371K, allows more than the national average of renters to afford a home. Plus, the city’s real estate ranking is boosted by numerous tech companies relocating to the area.

This is good news for seniors wanting to make a change whether downsizing, moving closer to their children or exploring senior living options.  For many, the time is right to list your home or at least start making preparations to take advantage of buyers wanting to move to the country’s hottest real estate market.

>>Click here to read the full CNBC article.

>>Click here to contact me and learn more about what you can do now to prepare to list your home and what you can expect in the process.

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The 2023 Real Estate Market

What do real estate professionals think is in the housing forecast for this year?

Insider talked to real estate and real estate technology professionals about what they anticipate for 2023 when it comes to both commercial and residential real estate transactions and development. Among comments – big growth expected in the southeast, more emphasis on housing affordability, and watching to see how inflation impacts buyers and sellers.

It’s good information and interesting perspective about what lies ahead for all of us whether we are in the real estate business or you’re a home buyer or owner.

>>Click here to read the full article from Insider.

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Hot housing markets for 2023

Realtor.com is out with its real estate predictions for 2023 and one Georgia city makes its top ten list of housing markets positioned for growth. Augusta, GA ranks sixth on the list. The article recognizes that remote work is allowing families to seek out affordable housing in cities with strong economies as alternatives to larger and more expensive locations.

(Excerpt from Realtor.com)

The move toward affordability will continue in 2023, as high prices and mortgage rates drive buyers to find lower-priced homes. The top markets expected to perform well next year offer a solid mix of local economic conditions, proximity to larger employment centers, and critically, more affordable housing. Even in an environment where families are finding that their dollars no longer stretch as far as they did just a few months ago, cities like Hartford, El Paso, Louisville, or Chattanooga offer a larger share of affordable homes for a median income.

In the Top 10 metros for 2023, about 23% of housing inventory is affordable at the median income level, a noticeable improvement from all the other markets. When considering all other markets and excluding the Top 10, only 17% of available homes for sale are affordable to a household earning the median income. And that affordability picture worsens considerably in the 10 metros where sales and price growth is expected to be weakest in 2023. In these areas less than 4% of inventory is financially attainable to a family earning the local median income. 

>>Click here to read the article including its Top 10 Housing Markets Positioned for Growth in 2023

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Is now the time to buy a home?

I read an article recently and it sums up my entire feeling about the real estate market right now and actually the type of response I have given to customers who ask… Is now a good time to buy a home? 

Yes, it is. In fact, winter and spring 2023 will likely be the best window homebuyers will have for the next several years.

Here is what’s really going on in the housing market – and why now is the time to buy if you’re qualified.

Interest rates are better than you think

The historically low interest rates seen in 2020 and 2021 were remarkable. Rates in the 2% range are almost unheard of for a mortgage. But the COVID-19 pandemic was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. It was inevitable that rates would increase again in time, which they have.

Some homebuyers may wonder whether they missed the boat or whether they should wait for rates to drop again. Rates aren’t going to go back down to the 2% and 3% range, so if you weren’t able to buy then, you have to take your lumps and move on. But 7% is actually a pretty good rate for a home. And if rates drop again, you can refinance your mortgage to take advantage of it. If they increase, however, you’ll be glad you locked in your loan at 7%.

Either way, the sooner you buy, the more time you have to build equity in the home. That’s significant because home equity is a cornerstone of wealth-building in the U.S.

Housing prices aren’t going to crash

Like interest rates, housing prices were unprecedented during the COVID-19 pandemic. They soared in many places across the country, leading some people to believe that prices would ultimately crash. That’s unlikely, however. Price increases have slowed, but home values increase over time …home sale prices in the U.S. have consistently trended upward since the 1960s.

Rather than waiting for a price crash, take advantage of the fact that this is a buyer’s market and that sellers are more likely than they have been in years to negotiate on price and other concessions.

source: Fairway Independent Mortgage

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Is cohousing the right choice for you?

One of the new trends for seniors is cohousing. So, what exactly is it?

If you Google it, you’ll see that it’s defined as “a type of living community that combines private homes with clustered living spaces. A senior cohousing community includes 20 to 40 single-family or attached homes arranged so that everyone shares the same lawn space and walkways.”

It’s a sort of communal living arrangement that allows for independence among people who also support one another. The elder cohousing concept came to the US from Denmark back in 1988 according to TheSeniorList.com. And its popularity is growing as active adults search for alternatives to traditional and extremely expensive senior living communities.

In many of these communities, residents share some responsibilities like cooking or cleaning and with that comes some financial savings. But, as with anything, cohousing comes with both benefits and costs to consider.

Kiplinger looks at a couple of these neighborhoods and how residents feel about this new approach to active adult communities.

>>Read the full article here.

Want to know more about cohousing in general? Visit cohousing.org. There are currently at least two cohousing communities in Georgia – East Lake Commons is intergenerational and Lake Claire Cohousing has residents up to the age of 50. You can learn more about both of these communities on the website.

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When is the right time to move to an assisted living facility?

senior packing

Today, there are so many options for senior living and when each option should be considered is different for everyone. But what is certain, is that there are discussions that need to be had with the senior and their family. And there are specific questions to ask.

A recent article in the online news outlet MinnPost, explored how a family knows when it’s the right time to look for space in an assisted living facility and they found that there is one major key factor in the decision. The article says, “One expert said the first and most important factor that should be considered is the older person’s feelings about leaving their home for a different living situation.”

The article has a great list of factors that trigger a next step discussion with loved ones including physical safety, whether being at home is isolating, and their existing neighborhood may be undergoing a change.

>>Read the full article in the MinnPost.

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Active Adults are Shopping for a Lifestyle

Today, seniors are different from previous generations. They’re living longer, healthier lives than ever before. And they’re different when it comes to real estate and downsizing. Real estate professionals have found that many seniors and active adults are really shopping for a lifestyle rather than the building itself.

It was the top of discussion at an investment conference in Washington DC recently — how seniors are driving changes in the senior housing market. While they’re active and want to be around other active adults, many are also seeking housing that will allow them to age in place, so they don’t have to keep relocating.

They found the pandemic had an effect on how 55+ individuals want to live moving forward – they want to be around other active adults, not isolated, and investors are responding to the need for that type of housing community.

>>Read more about the conference findings at rebusiness.com

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Which home upgrades matter?

Home upgrades can sell your home 40% more quickly than homes without upgrades. So, which projects will benefit your bottom line when you sell? SRES from the National Association of Realtors says that projects in your kitchen and bathrooms will help you sell your home more quickly. And, SRES reports that a full-on renovation isn’t necessary – paint, new carpet, vanity upgrade or power wash can all help you close the deal more quickly.

Read more in an analysis by Knock (https://www.knock.com/blog/home-improvements-buyers-love/) about what makes homes sell faster.

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13 Tax Breaks for Homeowners & Buyers

A quick and informative read from Kiplinger

Uncle Sam has a few tax tricks up his sleeve to help you buy a home, save on home-related costs and sell your home tax-free. Some of them are complicated, limited or come with hoops you have to jump through, but they can be well worth the trouble if you qualify. And if your budget is already stretched thin, you need all the help you can get. So, without further ado, here are 13 tax breaks that can help you buy a home and prosper as a homeowner.

  1. Using retirement funds for down payment
  2. Mortgage points deduction
  3. Mortgage interest deduction
  4. Mortgage interest credit
  5. Home office expense deduction
  6. Credits for energy saving improvements
  7. Credit for electric vehicle charging equipment
  8. Deduction for medically necessary home improvements
  9. Deduction of rental expenses
  10. Property tax deduction
  11. Foreclosure or short sale debt forgiveness
  12. Capital gain exclusion when selling home
  13. Increased basics when selling your home

Read more about each of these: 13 Tax Breaks for Homeowners and Home Buyers | Kiplinger

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Establishing a Healthy Aging Plan

A great article in Forbes Health about how families can go about establishing a Healthy Aging Plan which includes exploring senior living communities which provide a safe environment with various levels of support which may be needed. Senior living facilities and communities are popping up everywhere and this article gives families are road map to planning a senior move.

(From Forbes Health) As we age, we can acquire health and physical issues that can impact our ability to live independently. In such situations, living at home—especially alone—might not be the safest option. Fortunately, planning ahead for a more suitable living environment can boost their overall quality of life. Read on to learn more about how various forms of senior living can fit positively into a balanced future and the importance of assisted living planning for a smart and healthy aging plan.

>>Read the full article

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How a move manager can help you downsize

A recent Washington Post article looks at “how a move manager can help you trim down on your belongings.”  There are several of these companies in the Atlanta area including franchises Caring Transitions and Smooth Moves. They are extremely helpful for homeowners or their adult children who need to clean out, liquidate items or pack in advance of a move or to simply ensure the space is clutter-free, clear and safe.

Like a senior real estate specialist (SRES), these organizations specialize in helping older adults downsize and relocate. Check out this article from the Washington Post and here are links to a couple of the senior move managers in Atlanta.

They will provide you with a quote for the services you need.

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The top senior housing trends for 2022

Senior housing is bouncing back after a struggle through the pandemic. So, what’s popular now when it comes to senior living?

Senior Housing News explores the latest senior living trends.

(From Senior Housing News) More senior living projects will be focused on the small-home trend, to create affordable environments that are easier to secure from an infection control standpoint. Such projects might involve campuses of modular or prefabricated tiny houses, or dwellings arranged in “pocket neighborhoods.” Dr. Bill Thomas is a proponent of such communities, with the Kallimos Communities and Minka initiatives. The trend also includes the growth of franchised residential assisted living, as exemplified by Majestic Residences.

Not only will communities become bigger and smaller than ever, but some will redefine the high end of the market, while senior living will also become more accessible than ever for less affluent consumers.

In terms of luxury, the urban offerings from Coterie, Inspir, Sunrise and Watermark already are setting the bar higher than ever, with designs, technology offerings, hospitality services, health care, prime locations and other components justifying monthly rates of $20,000 or more. Providers such as Balfour Senior Living, Solera Senior Living and Galerie Living are also pushing the envelope on luxury. In 2022, expect further innovations in luxury senior living, such as the recently announced plan from Hallmark Properties to create three “ultra luxury” residential assisted living communities of fewer than 20 rooms, with residents having access to a gourmet chef and a personal butler.

At the same time, more senior living providers will make good on their plans to serve middle-market consumers in 2022. On the leading edge of this trend, 2Life Communities just announced plans for its first middle-market Opus community, making progress on a concept that has been in the works. 2Life is just one of many senior living organizations that has been contemplating how to serve the middle market, given the incipient demand that was quantified in research released in 2019. The next 12 months will bring more concrete examples of how providers and investors believe they can meet this demand, with Transforming Age and Seasons Living being two such organizations to watch.

>>Read more

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Veterans Benefits Helping with Long Term Care

What you need to know about VA Aid and Attendance benefits.

As Seniors Real Estate Specialists, we come across many veterans who are preparing for alternative accommodation due to their health conditions and they are not always aware of some of the benefits that they may be eligible to receive. Our initial consultations often reveal details that allow us to offer support and or services that will assist them on their journey.

Veteran benefits are just one of the services we have shared with our clients that allow them more flexibility to afford their preferred senior living community. Such as in the case of Mr. & Mrs. B, who would have settled in a place not close enough to their adult children, if we didn’t help them find out about a veteran benefit that would help them. It provided them with more than $2,000 per month which would go directly toward their living expenses for a beautiful 2-bedroom cottage located in a Senior Living Community within 10 miles of their children (they were over 40 miles away before the move!).

In today’s economy, families are having to make tough financial choices, but some have relief available when it comes to long-term care for their loved ones. Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit (not widely known about), is a government program that can help families better manage the costs of caring for an elderly veteran or dependents.

So, what is Aid and Attendance?

VA Aid and Attendance is a monthly pension benefit that provides tax-free payments to Veterans who served during wartime. In addition to being available for Veterans, single surviving spouses and dependent children are also eligible for this benefit.

You may be eligible for this benefit if you get a VA pension, and you meet at least one of these requirements.

  • You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing, or
  • You have to stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness, or
  • You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or
  • Your eyesight is considerably limited

For more detailed information please visit VA.gov.

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How to help your parents downsize.

Helping your parents downsize is an emotional process for you and for them. With some compassion, tact, preparation, and possibly some outside help, it can be a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta offers some wonderful tips to help you begin and go through the downsizing process with older loved ones.

Before helping your parents, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Sometimes the emotional aspect of downsizing goes overlooked as you focus on the more practical aspects. Checking in with yourself and setting your perspective goes a long way in creating a more positive experience.

Recognize that this won’t be easy. Even with a plan, downsizing can bring up some tough emotions. Expect the process to be a little messy and stressful and be compassionate towards your parents and yourself.

Be patient. Downsizing can be especially difficult if your parents are leaving the family home, or if an upsetting circumstance triggered the downsize. On top of that, it often takes longer than expected, depending on how many possessions must be decluttered. Put yourself in your parents’ shoes as best you can. A little patience goes a long way.

Don’t try to take over. Unless there is an issue of impaired cognitive function, know that your parents are ultimately the decision makers. Trying to force them into anything will only be counterproductive. If your parents are losing cognitive functioning, still be respectful and involve them as much as you reasonably can, so they feel they still have some control.

>>Click here to read the remainder of this important article on how to help your parents and loved ones downsize with many more tips to help you.

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Decluttering – Keep the Memories & Lose the Stuff

Everyone needs a little help with decluttering a home — a little outside perspective is helpful as you look at items such as collectibles you’ve had for years, perhaps decades. Check out this episode of Free Thinking with Montel. He interviews Matt Paxton who is a featured cleaner on the television show “Hoarders” and “Legacy List”. The leading downsizing and cleaning expert discusses how to simplify your life by decluttering.

Want to see more from Matt Paxton? He has a show called Legacy List all about downsizing, relocating, and discovering your family’s legacy.

>>Click here to select and view episodes of Legacy List online.

>>Click here to see a sample episode of Legacy List featuring Shirley Macon who packed up her home of 50 years and moved from New Jersey to Atlanta.

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Finding an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Long Term Care Community

Moving into a long-term care community is a significant life change and requires someone to consider several factors when deciding where to live. When the time comes for extra support while aging, everyone deserves to feel welcome and safe accessing long-term care.

Welcoming policies, practices and culture are all factors which should be considered when trying to find an inclusive and welcoming long-term care facility for LGBTQ+ elders. Learn how to properly screen facilities for these and other factors in a resource created by HRC Foundation and SAGE.

>>Click here to learn more by visiting the SAGE website where you can download a PDF guide to finding an LGBTQ+ Long Term Care Community.

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Russian Invasion May Impact Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates in the U.S. have risen this year and are expected to continue doing so, but the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could throw a wild card into those projections.
A picture of a 2D wooden house miniature with question marks painted on small wood squares surrounding it.

© takasuu – iStock / Getty Images Plus

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed by 37 basis points over the first two full weeks of February, according to Freddie Mac. But last week, as Russia invaded Ukraine, rates dropped to 3.89% for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
“When global investors sense increased uncertainty, there is a ‘flight to safety’ in the U.S. Treasury bonds, which causes their prices to go up, and their yield to go down,” says Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American. “Consequently, amidst heightened uncertainty due to the worsening events in Ukraine, there is a possibility that investors flock to U.S. Treasury bonds, which may result in a temporary, short-term decline in mortgage rates.”
The Federal Reserve has announced it would be raising the funds rate multiple times this year and says it will address this more at its next meeting, March 15 and 16. But how aggressive the Fed is with rates could change, predicts The Mortgage Reports. The Fed’s key rate does not directly affect mortgage rates but can influence them.

Published by the National Association of Realtors.  Source: “How Russia Invading Ukraine Could Impact U.S. Interest Rates,” The Mortgage Reports (March 1, 2022)
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Signs It’s Time to Get Organized

(Posted with permission from Mike DeLeon at Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta)

Has your “stuff” taken over your space?

The items that fill our homes can be cherished, but when those items start to get in the way, it may be time to clear clutter. If you care for your home and an aging loved one too, this can become even more complex.

We have signs to help you decide if your possessions are holding you or a loved one back from being organized. In both cases, we can easily become blind to the number of items we accumulate over time and grow accustomed to clutter being there. If you’re not sure you need to remove excess “stuff” from your living environment here are signs clutter has taken over and it’s time to get organized.

In Your Home

Streamlining in your home to save space will help you stop clutter from taking over your space. Each room should have designated spaces for everything that belongs in the room.

Signs you may have too much “stuff” in your home:

  • You planned to clear clutter and get organized for a while, but haven’t had time.
  • You have more clothing and shoes in your home than can be worn in a specific season and laundry has become overwhelming.
  • You have trouble finding items like keys or other daily essentials frequently.
  • You have multiple spaces where “stuff” consistently continues to accumulate.
  • You have a large amount of items connected to memories or emotions that have taken up too much space.

3 Tips to Start Getting Organized

  1. Create a plan. Start the process by deciding which items are most meaningful to you and what you need for your family’s daily routine. Then identify heirlooms and keepsakes you are certain you want to keep.
  2. Know your space. Understand the layout, limitations, and organization wishes for your home. Decide what you believe should comfortably be in each room.
  3. Sort your items. Decide which items you want to donate or consider selling. Evaluate the best options to help you with that task.

In Your Loved One’s Home

Here’s a list of significant changes that could indicate your parents may currently or soon need additional support streamlining or professional decluttering help:

  • You observe stacks of unpaid bills or late notices.
  • Your loved one has trouble finding important or daily use items.
  • Changes in housekeeping that indicate parents are having trouble with clutter.
  • Clutter is causing numerous safety concerns in the home, such as covering heat and air conditioning ducts or trip and fall hazards.
  • Clutter is leading to issues with disorganized medications, spoiled food in the fridge, lack of healthy food items, infestations or mold.

3 Tips to Help Loved One’s Streamline

  1. Help your loved one get rid of items that belong to other people. Have they held on to your childhood furniture and keepsakes or stored items for family and friends? If your answer is yes, start clearing those items.
  2. Dispose of broken and outdated items. In most cases, broken items are no longer useful or functional, but a hazard. Be sure to discard these items to clear room as well as for safety.
  3. Be patient and prioritize the well-being of everyone involved. In a world driven by immediacy, we often want instant results. Remember this is a process that works best with a plan and lots of patience. If the task exceeds what you comfortably do, experts like those at Caring Transitions can help.

If these signs describe your home or your loved one’s home, it’s time to reclaim your space and get organized! This can be an overwhelming task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Experts at Caring Transitions can help you clear space. Learn more by contacting Mike DeLeon at Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta – mdeleon@caringtransitions.com.

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Helping Older Adults Through the Moving Process

(Posted with permission from Mike DeLeon at Caring Transitions)

Here are a few tips from the experts to help you create a plan that can help you manage a move for an older adult.

  1. Don’t make seniors feel guilty. Avoid saying things like “Why did you hold on to this for so many years?” while sorting through belongings. Statements like this can cause stress and make seniors feel like a burden.
  2. Save photo albums for LAST. They can surface too many memories at once, which slows the process and triggers waves of emotions.
  3. Set a timer. Grab a kitchen timer or your phone and set it for one hour. Take a break once that hour is up.
  4. Color-code with Post-It Notes. Seniors have a tough time reading small writing. Color-code with post-it notes so PINK is pack, GREEN is sell, and BLUE is give away.
  5. Bring a door stopper. Doors get in the way, especially for older folks. Bring door stoppers to prop doors open to allow for easy room access for Grandma, and for large boxes and furniture.
  6. Consider online platforms for estate sales. Most seniors are not internet savvy, but their children/grandchildren usually are. There are many online estate platforms like CTBIDS.com, that sell everything online as buyers bid.  No in-person estate sales with strangers walking through the home and haggling over prices. The online estate sale platform handles it all, allowing the family to make money from hidden treasures around the home. 
    Best Sellers:  Electronics, jewelry, collectibles, and durable medical equipment.
    Items That May Not Sell Well: Large off-trend furniture, off-trend or well-worn clothes and kitchen utensils.
  7. Keep a schedule. Many seniors like a routine and stress if it’s altered. If the senior goes to bed at 10pm every night, don’t try to keep packing late at night.

Caring Transitions® takes steps to train and screen every employee and has developed estate sale standards that uphold the values of integrity and honesty for over 10 years. Since many of our clients are older adults, each of our offices are independently certified to support a “senior move” and help mitigate the effects of stress, health and common cognitive issues which are frequently challenges for late life relocations. In Atlanta, contact Caring Transitions’ Mike DeLeon – mdeleon@caringtransitions.com.

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Will You Downsize or Rightsize?

Is it time to move to a larger or smaller space? Whether choosing to move now or later, you should start asking the right questions today.

Here’s how to tell if you should move to a larger space:

  • You need to make room for aging parents or relatives who cannot afford to age in place or an elder care facility
  • You must make room for returning children
  • Your home is overflowing with furniture and miscellaneous items that have no place to go
  • You are running out of storage space

How to tell if you should move to a smaller space:

  • You or your partner has health complications that are not suited for the current layout of your residence
  • The thought of caring for your yard, multiple bedrooms, or general upkeep seems stressful
  • Moving could save you money in retirement
  • Your home has lots of space that is never used

A few other factors to consider before deciding to rightsize:

  • You’ve decided to move closer to children or grandchildren to make new memories with family
  • As your wants and wishes change, your neighborhood may no longer provide what you need
  • Your home no longer appeals to you and you are not in the position to nor desire to remodel
  • Selling your home could yield exponential financial benefits

Rightsizing can be new, exciting, and in some cases frightening. Considering the tips on this list can give you a great head start. Your next best option is to contact a Seniors Real Estate Specialist who will help you work out a plan of action and time frame best suited to your needs.

For Full Article of questions and video to help you when it comes to relocating Click Here
Source: Lisa Haskell, Owner of Caring Transitions of Central Gwinnett  Click here to contact them.

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Independence from Mortgage Payments!

Did you know you can purchase a home, even new construction, with a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage? It’s a reverse mortgage that doesn’t require you to make a monthly payment.

I’ve had many conversations about this very issue with numerous senior clients who are concerned with having a mortgage in their 80’s and 90’s. Especially now, when the cost of living just seems to keep on rising for them.

In this time, most people are realizing the power of cash – accessible cash that is.  As we age, it is important to have access to the money we have earned over the years in order to help us manage our chosen lifestyle and our health in the retirement years. A forward mortgage, such as a conventional home loan, a VA or FHA loan requires you to spend every month by paying back principle and interest, which puts pressure on your bank balance. Whereas a reverse mortgage allows you to keep your money in your pocket to use how you wish, with an option to pay or not to pay a monthly amount toward principle or interest.

Beware, not all reverse mortgages are equal. Be sure to speak to a professional who is willing to sit with you at your kitchen table (or their office) to explain the details. Online services are unlikely to do that, and may lead you into signing documents without explaining everything you need to know.

Consider this information as a tool you can use for your financial wealth.

3 Ways to Buy a Home

Presented in partnership with Genie McGee a Reverse Mortgage Planner with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.

If you need to know how much equity you have in your home, contact me for a complimentary real estate market analysis.