SELLING A SENIOR'S HOME IS DIFFERENT
Choose an Agent Who Understands and is Designated as a Senior Real Estate Specialist
As a real estate agent I am always seeking out ways to better serve my community. As we and our loved ones get older, health, safety, and socialization within the home become a growing concern. After working with many clients and friends I have seen the importance of seeking expert help with senior living.
These changes are never easy, they require specific skills and compassion. Moving, especially for someone who has lived in the same place for decades, can be particularly stressful and overwhelming. However, I have noticed that once seniors settle into their new environment, they are extremely happy and wish they had moved sooner. As a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), I am uniquely qualified and have a designation to assist seniors with their home sales and purchases.
A PROVEN NETWORK OF SPECIALISTS
With years of experience, Lisa has trusted resources for all of your needs.
• Senior Moving Specialists for senior living communities
• Elder-care Attorneys
• Senior Home Care Services and Assistance
• Tax Specialists and Financial Planners
• Downsizing Experts, and Estate Sale Planners
• Reverse Mortgage Experts
• Aging-in-the Home Specialists
• Junk removal services and movers
• Book-keepers and Daily Money Managers
• Medicare Advisors
An SRES can alleviate stress by providing these additional benefits:
• Managing and minimizing the emotional demands the home sale can have on a senior
• Tailoring the listing, showing and selling process to accommodate the senior's needs
• Taking extra time to ensure that the senior client is comfortable with the complex selling process
• Depending on the senior's level of comfort with technology, an SRES will take the extra time to review contracts in person if needed
• Understanding of the local senior housing options and support services
• Access to a network of senior specialists
GOING THE EXTRA MILE MATTERS
Understanding the reasons
• Home maintenance gets more difficult and overwhelming
• Having a built-in social life, support system and assistance
• Aging parent may want to live closer to family
• Financial concerns make it difficult to keep the home
• Safety concerns of living alone combined with day-to-day physical activities that become more challenging in a larger home
Facing the challenges
• Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to begin
• Having years of accumulated "stuff" and the huge task of downsizing
• Emotions of leaving a place that has created so many wonderful memories
• Fear of being somewhere new, making a change and starting over in a new community
HOW TO GET STARTED
Understanding the issues before starting the process
• Are all relevant family members aware of a potential move and reasons for the move?
• Could the tax consequences of a sale have an impact on selling?
• Who will be acting on the behalf of the senior in decisions regarding the sale of the home?
• When might be time to assign power of attorney?
Housing alternatives vs. aging in place
• Understanding benefits of assisted and senior living options
• Understanding the pros/cons of a condo vs. maintenance-free homes/townhomes
• Consider making a home "safe" and handicap accessible
• Discuss bringing in help to assist in bookkeeping, home maintenance and caregiving
• Consider a reverse mortgage to be able to financially stay in the home
