One of the most frustrating experiences I’ve had over my 28 years in the real estate business has been the misrepresentation of facts as to the strength or weakness of home sales. Many of us turn to our trusted newspapers to feel the pulse of the market so that we may time the sale of our home to maximize the amount received after their home sells. For over 40% of all seniors, the proceeds from the sale of their home are their greatest asset. Best of all most or all of the proceeds are free from capitol gain taxes ( a married couple is exempt up to $500,000 in gain, and a single homeowner is exempt up to $250,000 in gain) with the requirement that the home has been the primary residence for at least 2 of the last 5 years.

The real estate market just like most other commodity markets are subject to ebbs and flows, ups and downs, depending on many factors. On many occasions, the market has slowed down by (more…)

We all put off making decisions that take us out of our comfort zone. Imagine a decision as important as moving from your home that you’ve lived in for the last 35 years! In my survey of my senior clients, the average time lived in their last home before moving to senior housing was 34 years. This same survey pointed to fear of change as the number one reason my clients were not moving when a change was needed.

When procrastination takes center stage, we find reasons not to move forward. One main excuse not to improve our housing situation is convincing ourselves that we don’t need to make a change. One way to avoid a move is to convince ourselves that we live in our homes for free. In most or all cases, that is not reality.

I work closely with senior financial planners so that my customers have all of the financial facts before making an important decision such as moving to condominiums, apartments, or senior communities. These trained professionals will interview my clients and point out the costs to live in their homes. Utilities, taxes, insurance and maintenance are a few of these costs. Another major consideration is the cost of (more…)

Living in Wisconsin presents both beauty and diverse weather patterns. Our past winter and the rains of June have been challenging especially to home owners. We’ve seen problems such as leaky walls and roofs from the ice build up in winter. The flooding rains in June have caused other problems such as leaky basement walls, floors, and window wells, as well as sewer backups. Combine this with the angst due to the current real estate market and you have a seller who is reluctant to even attempt to put their home on the market! (more…)

Introduction
There comes a time in the lives of many seniors when staying in their current home is no longer a safe or wise choice. It may be because the stairs have become more difficult or impossible to negotiate. It might be that the general upkeep of the house has become overwhelming. Or it may simply be because they’re experiencing declining health. Sadly, too many seniors continue to live in homes which do not meet their physical and/or mental needs.

I have been a Realtor in the Metro Milwaukee area for over 30 years and am a Senior Real Estate Specialist – that is, a specialist in helping senior citizens to make appropriate housing decisions. I have been in the homes of hundreds of seniors, listening to their stories and watching their faces. In too many cases, those faces have painted a picture of fear and frustration. I needed to get to the root causes of their trepidations, hopes and desires. I wanted to know what seniors were really thinking about when it comes to such an important aspect of their lives – their home! Why were they staying in their homes when it was obvious a move should be made? (more…)