5 Reasons More Older Adults are Choosing to Rent

According to a recent study, baby boomers (the generation born between 1945 and the early 1960s) now account for about 29% of renters.  Let’s look at 5 reasons more older adults are choosing to rent vs. own their home:

1.  Convenience.  After years of homeownership, one of the biggest perks of renting is that the maintenance is no longer their responsibility.  If the air conditioner isn’t working or the sink is clogged, they can simply call the landlord.  This can be a huge relief for older adults. 

2.  Savings.  A large home can be a great expense.  Mortgage payments, property taxes, upkeep and utilities can take a toll on finances.  A smaller place with less maintenance can mean big savings for those looking to make their retirement dollars last as long as possible

3.  Less wasted space.  As empty-nesters, there is no need to have all of the extra rooms to clean and maintain (or heat and cool).  Downsizing is the answer for many seniors.  There are options to fit any lifestyle - smaller houses, apartments or independent senior living communities. 

4.  Flexibility.  There are no long-term commitments, which is nice for those who aren’t quite sure where they want to settle or who may need to make a change in the future for health reasons. 

5. The sale is done.  Selling a home can be very stressful, and even more so when there are health or other issues at play and decisions have to be made for you.  By selling while healthy, older adults avoid the extra stress on themselves and their families.

If you’re interested in finding out more about downsizing, download our free guide, “5 Easy Steps to a Successful Move” or give us a call at (817) 330-9235 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

 

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,boomers,rent

Late-in-Life Moves Present Challenges to Seniors and Their Families

Senior Downsizing Experts Offer Solutions for a Smooth Transition

As senior adults and their families begin to face the challenges of “downsizing" -- a move for the elder from a larger family home into a smaller home, apartment, or senior living community -- they can feel overwhelmed. Many don't know where to start or what their options are.

To help Dallas/Fort Worth seniors and their families to better deal with the complexities involved in late-life moves, Senior Downsizing Experts Ingrid and John Sullivan have put together a casual and interactive workshop entitled “Downsizing Made Easy." The next free events are as follows:

April 9 at Brookdale Arlington (formerly Town Village) from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

April 18 at the Lake Arlington Branch of the Arlington Public Library from 10:30 am to noon

April 22 at Atria at Hometown in North Richland Hills from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

During their hour-and-a-half presentation, the Sullivans discuss questions to consider before making a move, senior living options in the DFW area, questions for touring senior living communities, tips for hiring various professionals related to the moving process, guidance on estate sales, and more. They urge attendees to look at all of the options available for a new chapter of life that requires less maintenance and allows for more freedom and fun.

"In many cases home ownership proves to be a financial burden and a source of isolation for seniors. While remaining in the home may have been a goal earlier in life, by the time home ownership starts to feel unmanageable, the prospect of evaluating other options and actually moving, can be completely overwhelming," says Ingrid. “As a DFW Realtor specializing in the 55+ real estate market, it is my goal to insure that older adults and their families are adequately equipped and aware of all the senior living options and resources available to them. This part of my job is a great joy. Seniors and their families often don't know which way to turn when making these important decisions and we are happy to be here to help."

For more information, or to register for one of the free seminars, please visit www.seniordownsizingexperts.com or call 817-635-1043.

About The Sullivans:

The Sullivan & Sullivan Team of Keller Williams Arlington have made it their mission to help older adults navigate the obstacles they face as they begin thinking about downsizing and selling their home. The Sullivans have completed extensive training and are both certified Senior Real Estate Specialist® by the National Association of Realtors. Ingrid has also achieved the more in-depth Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP®) designation through the Seniors Real Estate Institute. The Sullivans have managed late-in-life moves for hundreds of clients - including their own parents - and are aware of how emotional and complicated the process can be. Their message to seniors and their families: "You Are Not Alone."

 

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,arlington,north richland hills,free,seminar

Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team Aims to Empower Seniors to be Proactive about Late-in-Life Housing Choices

Seminar Educates Seniors and their Families on Options for Downsizing

As the population ages, more and more senior citizens and their caregiver families are faced with the challenges of “downsizing" -- a move for the elder from a larger family home into a smaller home, apartment, or senior living community.

To help Dallas/Fort Worth seniors and their families accomplish this life transition with the most ease, real estate agents, Ingrid and John Sullivan of the Sullivan & Sullivan Team at Keller Williams Arlington, have put together a free seminar entitled “Downsizing Made Easy." The next two events are scheduled for:

March 21 from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm at Watercrest Mansfield and

March 26 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm at Heritage Village in Hurst

"In many cases home ownership proves to be a financial burden and a source of isolation for seniors. While remaining in the home may have been a goal earlier in life, by the time home ownership starts to feel unmanageable, the prospect of evaluating other options and actually moving, can feel completely overwhelming," says Ingrid.

That is exactly the reason that the Sullivans have stepped into the role of DFW's top advocates for a proactive, positive approach to where and how to spend one's later years. For more than six years, the Sullivans have made it their mission to help older adults navigate the obstacles they face as they begin thinking about downsizing and selling their home.

In the last few years, homeowners over 65 accounted for about 25% of all homes sold, and that figure is on the rise. As such, the Sullivans are urging seniors to evaluate their options and make decisions about late-in-life housing arrangements well before they get to the point that decisions have to be made for them. "It's never too early to become informed, " Ingrid emphasizes.

During their hour-and-a-half presentation, the Sullivans present a framework for getting started on a plan, and urge attendees to look at all of the options available for a new chapter of life that require less maintenance and allow for more freedom and fun. Guest speakers will include specialists in Title and Escrow, Packing and Moving, Home Repair and Estate Sales.

“As a DFW Realtor who specializes in helping senior citizens and their families with their real estate needs, this part of my job is a great joy. Seniors and their families often don't know which way to turn when making these important decisions and we are happy to be here to help,” says Ingrid.

To find out more, or to register for the free event, please visit www.SeniorDownsizingExperts.com.

Technorati Tags: seniors,downsizing,seminar,watercrest,town village

Do You Really Know What You Think You Know About Reverse Mortgages?

The Reverse Mortgage - you've heard about it, but do you really know what it is and how it works? There are many misconceptions out there so it is important to have the facts before deciding if it is right for you.

In a nutshell, a reverse mortgage enables seniors to convert their home's equity into cash while retaining ownership of the home. There are no monthly payments and repayment is deferred as long as the borrower lives in their home. The funds can be used in a number of ways.

Michelle White from Ideal Flooring says her company helps older adults make their homes more "aging- friendly." "We can help you refresh your flooring so, as you age, it will accommodate your mobility needs, making navigation of any type easier for you."

"A reverse mortgage can help older adults stay in their homes as long as possible and avoid nursing homes," says Jenna Robinson of BrightStar care, a home healthcare company. Some of their clients have used reverse mortgage funds to hire in-home help for both medical and non-medical needs.

Ingrid Sullivan is a realtor in Arlington, Texas devoted to making life easier for her senior clients. "Many seniors are in homes that aren't appropriate for 'aging in place.' A reverse mortgage can help them purchase a new home that is better suited to their current and/or future needs."

To find out more about how a Reverse Mortgage can best work for you, attend our complimentary dinner workshop on January 22 at 5:00 pm in Arlington, Find all the details at www.SeniorDownsizingExperts.com.

Technorati Tags: Reverse Mortgage,Seniors,Free Workshop,Dickey's BBQ,Arlington

Senior Cohousing–New Options for Retirement Living

A new option for seniors who wish to “age in place” is Senior Cohousing.  Cohousing usually consists of developments of smaller homes clustered together around a shared community space.

In these communities, residents have their own private home but can also enjoy the benefits of a common house which can include things like community gardens, libraries, guest rooms for visitors, laundry facilities, kitchens for common meals and room for get-togethers.  Some also have fitness facilities, media rooms, office space or workshops.

Social interaction is a great benefit – residents always have a buddy for walks, shopping excursions or a visit to the movie theater – but they still have the option of their own private space when they want time to themselves.

While these communities are geared toward the senior population, many “boomers” have chosen the cohousing life as well.  Some are opting to move into these communities while they are still in good health, planning ahead for times when they might need more assistance from their neighbors and friends. 

Cohousing is a growing trend, but is not yet available everywhere.  For more information about cohousing options in your area, visit The Cohousing Association of the United States.

Find more great senior tips and information on our website.

Technorati Tags: seniors,senior cohousing,cohousing,senior living

Beautiful Home and Best deal in Robson Ranch

One of the nicest Active 55 Communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is Robson Ranch in Denton.  If you are looking for a  Beautiful Home and Best deal in Robson Ranch, look no further.  This home is 1818 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a study.  The home has designer colors, crown molding, extended covered patio and a spacious master bedroom.
For more information 9504 Ravenwood Drive in Robson Ranch click on this link.
Watch this video of the property

Robson Ranch Home for Sale 9504 Ravenwood Dr. Denton, TX

If you have any questions about downsizing, buying and selling homes please contact the Sullivan & Sullivan team, we are happy to answer your questions.

Technorati Tags: 9504 Ravenwood Dr,Denton TX,Home for Sale,Robson Ranch

A Team of Professionals Can Help Make Senior Downsizing Stress Free

Moving can be a stressful experience for anyone. For Seniors, Moving and Downsizing can be extremely stressful with all that is involved. Working with a team of professionals can help make Senior Downsizing stress free. Seniors usually have a life time of possessions to deal with and the stress of what to do with all of their stuff can be overwhelming. The Sullivan & Sullivan team have surrounded themselves with professionals who have a passion in working with senior clients. We help our clients organize their possessions and determine what to do with everything. Our packers and movers help the client determine what will fit in their new home, move them, unpack and get the clients new home set-up and organized. Our Estate Sale team can help clients sell possessions that they are not keeping or giving to family. Sometimes a client needs to do some repairs to the home they are moving from so that they can get the maximum return from their home investment. We have trusted home repair experts who can help make repairs reasonably and reliably. Our goal is to help clients have a downsizing experience that is as stress free as possible, so that they can start enjoying their new lifestyle.

Recently we help our client, Doris Woodard with the downsizing process and below is an interview with Doris regarding her experience.

Senior Downsizing Experience

Here are a couple more articles on downsizing:

Senior Downsizing a 5 Step Plan

How Do You Know It's Time to Downsize

Please click this link to contact the Sullivan & Sullivan Real Estate Team if you have any additional questions about Senior Downsizing.

Technorati Tags: Estate Sale,Movers,Packers,Senior Downsizing

How Do You Know It’s Time to Downsize?

Is it time to move to a smaller home or downsize? Do you live in a large home with stairs to climb, too many rooms to heat and cool and too much on-going maintenance? Maybe you could use some of the equity you’ve built up in your current home. As our lives change so do our housing needs. That too big home may have been perfect when raising kids, it offered plenty of room and was close to good schools, and was in a great neighborhood. Now the kids have moved on, the neighborhood has changed, and so have your housing needs. So, how do you know it’s time to downsize?

• Do You Need the Equity From Your Current Home?
  In 2010 the median home equity for those between the ages of 55 and 64 was $100,000, according to Reuters. Americans aged 65 and over did even better; they typically claimed $135,000 in home equity. This built up equity may be your main retirement savings. Sometimes selling a home and converting that equity to cash will help you move to a retirement community or smaller maintenance free home.
• Do You Have Too Much House?
  Are you paying taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance for a home that is too large for your current lifestyle? Would moving to a smaller, lower priced home, condo or apartment be easier to manage and save you resources?
• Does Your Home Work With Your Current Physical Ability?
  Do you have stairs that are now too much or unsafe for you to climb? Is there too much upkeep and maintenance for you to manage in your current home? Do you need more access ability for a walker or wheelchair?
• Do You Want To Be Closer to Family, Friends or Doctors?
  Would you like to move closer to family so that you can spend more time with your kids and grandchildren? Maybe your doctors or stores where you like to shop are not convenient. Are there good friend or relatives that you would like to live closer to?
• Would A Move Improve Your Lifestyle?
  Maybe you’ve always wanted to travel and would like to live in a small home that you could lock and leave so that you can visit those destinations on your wish list. Have you always wanted to live by a golf course, a beach or the mountains? Maybe you would like to live in a senior community that offers low maintenance living, social activities, bridge clubs, great meals, or health and wellness programs. Here are some of AARPs Best Places to Live lists.

As you can see there are a number of considerations when deciding to downsize. Downsizing can be for financial, health, family or lifestyle reasons. Consider the reasons, talk it over with your family and seek advice from financial, legal and real estate professionals. Careful planning and sound advice are crucial to a successful move.
We would love to assist you with planning for your downsize. 
The Sullivan & Sullivan real estate team specializes in helping older adults with the sometimes daunting downsize journey.   One of the resources we offer our clients is a complimentary “Downsizing Made Easy Guide.”  Click here to contact us for more information.

Technorati Tags: Senior,Adult,Downsize,Real Estate,Selling a home,AARP,Moving