Real Estate

Why Choose a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?

The needs of senior home sellers and buyers are different from those of younger home sellers and buyers. For those selling their long term homes, there are frequently emotional issues. It is hard for them to think about moving away from the place that has been so important to them for so long. Many seniors have a very difficult time making the decision to move and, once they decide, the whole process seems over-whelming. They just can’t get started with organizing and eliminating the unnecessary belongings.

Some of them have recently lost a spouse and their children want them to move closer to them. This is a very difficult decision. Should Mom or Dad stay in a place where they feel comfortable and thave friends and activities that they enjoy? Or should they move nearer their children who can help them if they need it? The seniors need to know that their children are very busy with their own lives and careers and may not have as much time for them as they planned. If the parent is slow to make new friends and join new activities, they may be very lonely in the new location. Most professionals recommend that the surviving spouse wait for at least a year to make a major move. I think this is a very good idea.

Other seniors move to a condo or independent living apartment at a retirement community that will be easier for them to take care of. Others are moving to a CCRC or assisted living. The move is frequently very difficult. There are senior move managers who specialize in helping seniors with these transitions. They will help them with finding the appropriate retirement community, downsizing from their current residence and all of the details associated with moving. They do not do the actual moving, but help seniors get ready for the move. Donna Robbins of Ultimate Moves has been moving seniors in the Bay Area for over twenty years. She can be reached at www.ultimatemoves.net Donna is regarded as the expert in seniors moving issues.

Seniors are not as concerned as younger families about the neighborhood schools, but do care about medical facilities and community programs for seniors. Many do not want to spend a lot of time on home and yard upkeep and are not interested in a big two-story house. They are looking for simplicity.

They do not need to be rushed and must be treated with respect and patience. If you are a senior or the family member of a senior, choose a realtor who is experienced in working with seniors. Look beyond the SRES designation (which many realtors are now obtaining) to find a realtor who understands the special needs of seniors and truly enjoys working with seniors and their families.

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Selling Your Home

If you are a home seller who has not been in the real estate market for awhile, you will be surprised at how the process has changed.  Preparing your home for market is more complicated, the number of forms and disclosures has multiplied and the purchase contract negotiations are often arduous.

In addition to these procedural changes are the evolving market dynamics.  The San Francisco Bay Area is not experiencing the real estate downturn common in other parts of the country, but there are local variations. In some Bay Area neighborhoods houses receive multiple offers, while in others they remain on the market much longer.   It depends on the type of property, its condition, and, of course, its location.

Houses that are in the best condition sell the most quickly and for the best price.  You may choose to make long overdue repairs, remodel the kitchen or bathroom, paint the inside or outside, refinish your hardwood floors, and landscape your yard.  You will need to go through your belongings to decide what to keep and what to give away. You may want to stage your home.

Before putting your home on the market it is a good idea to have a complete home inspection and a pest inspection.  I work with several excellent contractors, trades people, stagers and inspectors and will be happy to refer you to them.   If necessary, I can supervise any work that is done.

Your most important decision will be determining the list price for your home.  I will provide you with recent comparable sales in your neighborhood and my colleagues from Thornwall Properties will visit your home as a group to help with pricing.

There will be more forms for you to sign than when you bought your house.  The standard purchase offer is eight pages long and very detailed.  You will be asked to provide disclosures on many items that you might have taken for granted.

My job as a realtor is to clarify and simplify the process for you.  I will work with you throughout the listing process to make sure that your home is presented in the best possible way to maximize its exposure to the public.  Our marketing plan will be comprehensive, especially in regard to internet marketing.  I will keep you informed of all issues that arise related to the sale of your home and I will guide you in the contract negotiations.