Our parents have decided to sell the family home. It’s just not fair. We as children (and we are always someone’s child no matter what our age), never want to see our childhood home sold to someone or some family who have no idea of the history of this bastion of emotion.

This is the case for so many of us. We just assumed mom and dad would never sell the home that provided our safety and happiness for so many years. Well, like the inevitable change of seasons, the time has come for a major change in our parent’s lives as well as the children of seniors. Like any change, how we get through it will depend on the way in which we choose to view this event.

This is the time to put mom and dad’s self interests first. In many cases, it is only mom or only dad now, and just think of how difficult this decision is for a single spouse or couple. This decision had been a labored one, involving many days of anguish and uncertainty. This is the time to put your feelings aside, and think of the (more…)

Our home in many ways is deeply part of who we are, or is it? My real estate journey has taken me into many homes of seniors who are caught in a dilemma which at times seems too difficult to find a positive solution. The decision to leave a house, or better put, a lifetime of memories and experiences both happy and sad, is a decision that takes a great deal of thought and soul searching. The reasons for moving can be many: the death of a spouse, maintenance issues, health concerns, financial pressures, or the urge to be closer to children and friends. But reasons to move can also be self-directed and well planned. Why not consider a move to enhance and re-inspire your life so that you are enjoying life with freedom and simplicity! The happiest and most secure clients I’ve had are the folks that had taken the time to design their future as opposed to waiting for circumstance to dictate their next move.

Take a few moments to assess where you are right now. Yes, I know you are aware of your (more…)

We are all savers, all of us! Why do we collect so much ’stuff’ and put it away never to see it again? The thought of moving can be paralyzing due to the myriad of collectables over the years. Some of my clients either spent their childhood during the great depression, or their parents were living that nightmare. One of the lasting effects from that period was the thought that it might happen again, and you can never save enough if that nightmare becomes a reality. It is truly understandable.

One of the greatest misconceptions, is that we know our loved ones would want to have a piece of our family history, or our personal property that was so meaningful to us. The following story illustrates this thought pattern: A mother of two, saved decorative plates. Each month she would give away one plate to each of her two sons. She wanted to enjoy the giving and see the expressions of joy when they received her precious gift. One day, she called one of her sons to inform him she would be giving him the pride of her collection this month. She was so excited! Her son was at work when she called, and he put her on hold. She was a patient lady but he forgot to press the hold button, so she could hear every word that he said. His brother was there as his mother listened on ‘hold’. ‘Hey Bill, mom is on the phone and she has more junk for us.’ She was surprised but luckily found humor in the situation.

The moral of this story, is that we may think we know what (more…)

When speaking at my seminars about the entire home selling process, I seem to be asked most often about home inspections. Home inspections are a critical part of the real estate transaction.

When I started as a fledgling Realtor in 1977, we would sell a home and the buyer would rely almost 100% on the seller’s verbal statements as to the quality and soundness of their home. There were no condition reports as required by law today. A condition report asks the seller direct questions as to any problems they may have experienced over the years with the structural and mechanical condition of the home. Questions are direct such as ‘have you had any water coming in the basement?’ We interview the seller as to the condition of the furnace, plumbing, roof, electric and so on. If the seller has knowledge of any problems they’ve experienced, or have any reports from inspectors or contractors, this information is disclosed to the potential buyers who views the property. The buyers must sign this report when an offer is made.

The advantage of a condition report is (more…)

Over 45% of seniors state that their largest asset is the equity in their home. The incredible reality is that most of my clients have had a ‘general idea’ as to the value of their property! Imagine not knowing the value of your stock portfolio, or savings in the bank. I have found that for reasons to be discussed, many seniors have a vague idea as to the current market price of their home, which causes procrastination in other areas.

Procrastination is the number one issue detrimental to so many seniors when it comes to lifestyle changes to improve their living situation. Many times, I’ll visit with folks who have been in their homes for 40 plus years. They are reluctant to have me (more…)