Our homes are a key component of our happiness and well-being. They can also be a burden if they aren’t suited to our present needs and abilities. It’s sad to see seniors who have successfully raised their families now live in homes that require too much care and maintenance. Their family home now separates them from those they love. What keeps us in the same home? Fear of change, coupled with procrastination. We will create a host of excuses to stay in our homes. Our families and friends can beg us to move somewhere that meets our current needs better. But still we stay.
How do you overcome fear and procrastination? Take a realistic look at your current situation both physically and mentally. You can also discuss the topic with friends who have done it recently or trusted family members. Often, people on the outside can see more clearly than those too close to the situation. If it is obvious that a change would improve your life whether you move closer to family or your favorite recreation then take these steps.
Start with these steps:
- Begin the process of educating yourselves to options available to move to
- Talk to your financial consultants or banker. FInd out what assets are available to purchase or to sustain a long-term monthly payment.
- Lastly, call me, Janey Bishop (a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist), to determine the current value of your home and develop a plan for the whole downsizing process.
Once it is clear as to what you can afford it is easier to assess the best move for your needs. Options maybe: a one story home, a condo or apartment, or a senior community. Depending on the budget will determine what is the best financial fit for you. Senior planners and placement specialists are great resources for information regarding the senior community’s amenities and services plus fees and upfront charges. I can refer to a number of very good placement specialists in the Los Angeles area.
Why wait for a health change, or death of a spouse, or crisis management to determine when you will move? My childhood friend, Gerry, reported that her parents “were in their mid-80’s and had waited too long to move so that It became too burdensome for them face clearing the family home”. Her father passed away and her mother was alone in the big, empty family house. As Gerry said “They missed the window of opportunity to move” to a residence with less worry, less maintenance and more social interaction and it saddened Gerry and her siblings.
Your number one goal should be to maintain freedom and independence in the most healthful and positive environment possible. Your home should be a source of comfort and security. Downsizing from the family home is akin to graduating from school – full of wonderful memories but often the best next step.
Don’t miss your window of opportunity to move! Don’t worry if you have way too much stuff as I am in no position to throw stones. 🙂
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Senior Real Estate Specialist Certified Divorce Real Expert
Certified Probate Expert Real Estate Collaboration Specialist
SRES, CDRE, RCSD, CPE, CPRES
