As published in the Savannah Morning News - 22 September 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When listing a home, I am amused when my clients insist they have more bedrooms than I can count.  These “bedrooms” don’t include a closet, or you must pass through the room to get to another room.  They argue that when they bought the home, it was advertised that way, and they believed it. 

 

“Not so”, I say, feeling confident that I am backed by appraisers everywhere.   When financing is involved, appraisers are all about getting it right.

 

David Ekerdt, a gerontologist with the University of Kansas, was in search of answers.  He and his team wanted to know whether the sheer volume of possessions that seniors acquire over decades become an obstacle to late-life downsizing.

 

Specializing in senior move management and real estate services, I know how physically and cognitively daunting the process can be for my clients.

At this time of year, many of my neighbors are toiling under 98 degree heat, and above the hum of the lawn mower, I hear them swearing they want to move to a condo.   No more lawn mower…lots more golf!  

Sound familiar?  If the lure of a carefree, turnkey lifestyle appeals to you, then certainly a condo is a solution.  So, how does condo ownership differ from the home you just sold?

Working with hoarders – oh my! Part III 

For the last two weeks, we have looked at various hoarding characteristics, levels of hoarding, and discussed the dilemma we find ourselves in when a hoarder must be moved to a downsized home or to assisted living. 

Most often, family members, estate attorneys or financial planners contact me to help them with cleaning out a home, moving the occupant and ultimately selling it.  Sometimes the elderly parent or occupant is still living there, but in dangerous and unsanitary surroundings.

Working with hoarders – oh my! Part II 

Last week we cracked open a door on the subject of hoarding and I mentioned there are many types.  The toxic hoarders, requiring Hazmat suited professionals to do everything but tear the house down, are thankfully few and far between.  Today, we will explore problems associated with hoarding and the levels of hoarding that we face in the real estate and move management business.  

In the last 5 years, with foreclosures and short sales being a significant part of our real estate world, we Realtors® have experienced trashed or neglected homes, some with animals left behind, and many that require professional clean out.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 30 June 2013

Hoarding has become a popular subject, written about in magazines and is even the focus of television reality shows.  This is the first of a two part series, as we explore hoarding from a real estate and move management perspective.   

It is often a source of embarrassment for the person who suffers from this disorder, and is always frustrating for the family members who spend their lives trying to “fix” the situation.

Embracing the old – go Retro! 

What if my home is hopelessly out of date?  Realtors frequently face the dilemma of helping a client sell their home that has not been updated since the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s. 

When there is no budget for changing out counter tops and appliances, and major renovations are out of the question, then embrace it!  Going Retro has its own charm, and you can work with it instead of working against it.  And, believe it or not, the look is making a comeback!

Staging your property, inside and out, can make the difference between selling your house or not.  But do you know the philosophy behind staging and why it works?  

Adopting the “Hotel Philosophy” is another way of looking at this concept.  In a hotel, you carry in a small bag of personal belongings.  Everything else you need is there and no unnecessary items are cluttering up the space.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 2 June 2013

Last week we talked about visually expanding your space to create the illusion of larger rooms.  Space is luxurious!  It is a treasure, and buyers want more of it.   

So, now we will explore maintenance and repairs.  Boring?  Not really, because it can mean the difference between selling your house, or not.  

Buying a resale home is sort of like buying a used car…if a car is clean, smells fresh inside, and has all the maintenance records to prove it has been well kept, a person can reasonable conclude the car has been loved and appreciated.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 26 May 2013

In real estate speak, “cozy” means small, and “spacious” means large.  So, how do you make “cozy” seem “spacious”, which appeals to more buyers?  Here are some tricks of the trade…  

Let there be light! Brighter interiors are more compelling, more spacious, more attractive.  Lighting dark corners expands a room and visually makes it look larger.  Add lamps or accent lighting to fix dark spaces or create visual drama.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 5 May 2013

 

It’s been a rough six years.  We are spotting the survivors…peeking their heads out of the sand, working their way out of debt, improving their credit scores, saving for a down payment and working hard in their recovery efforts to buy a home again.  Many have lost jobs, spouses, have experienced illnesses, the collapse of companies, and yet we all share a common thread in the American Dream, that of home ownership.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 28 April 2013

 

It’s a sign of the times…the market appears to be coming back, and sellers are questioning their decision to sell now.  I may be having a flash back!  This happened often in the early 2000’s when I was selling nearly 300 homes a year and I was trying to make sure I listed the property high enough to not leave money on the table.  Appraisers were calling asking why I was setting my sales prices so high, and I had to explain that if I did not, by the time it closed, we would have sold it too cheaply.

 

The road map to a secure financial future, and knowing what you can afford to buy or rent after you sell your home, is all about planning.  Meeting with a financial planner is an important step in the process of knowing how long your retirement money will last and what you can afford to spend on your next home.

 

Too often I meet with senior customers who want to list and sell their home, but don’t have a clear picture as to what comes next.

 

 

 

We are living longer, staying healthier and enjoying life to the fullest.  Many seniors are “still in the game” with active lifestyles, and choosing the right community for your retirement home means finding the right fit.

 

For young retirees, it may mean turning a dream into a reality...moving into a second home that was planned for retirement.  Or perhaps, you are thinking about buying the perfect vacation home that will one day serve that purpose.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 10 March 2013

 

 

Whether you are looking for a vacation home that will become your retirement dream come true, or you want to downsize to simplify your life, or you have a large family that wants to visit all at the same time, there are things to consider when choosing your “last” home. 

 

Last week we began to discuss certain structural qualities to look for when buying a last home.  A home where you can age-in-place should include wide doorways, clear space for wheelchair mobility, barrier free entrances, with provisions that can be made for features to be adapted as needed.

 

 

The Azaleas are already blooming in the south, and the snow is still flying in the north.  Dreams of warmer weather and vacations homes are invading the sleep of the snow bound…and many northerners have escaped to our area to find their next, and possibly, “last” home.  With the market improving, downsizing makes sense, so are you thinking about a change?

 

The good news is, sellers are now more realistic in their pricing, and homes are selling again.

 

 

During February, a month about love, I have focused on the advantages of moving on with your life and living life to the fullest.  We talked about falling in love, and how putting yourself out there can allow it to happen.  We addressed the unconditional love of a pet, and how that companionship is so valuable to seniors.  In this article, I’m going to talk about friendship, and how easy it is to turn the page to a new exciting life.

 

 

This Valentine’s Day I wanted to share with you a special love story. There would be no story to tell if two friends had not made the choice to move to a retirement community.  Who would have known that sparks could fly, when friendship seemed to be the only thing in the cards.  But for Jon and Barbara Paull, it happened.  This is their story…

 

Jon, 90 (and looking good!), was a widower when he moved from The Landings to the Marshes of Skidaway Island seven years ago.

 

 

February is for lovers, right?  With all the hype of Valentine’s Day, cards, candy and flowers, it’s no wonder the single folks don’t climb back in bed for the whole month and wish it away.  Well, there’s hope for singles to find love again when you least expect it!  Just when you thought romance is over and you have become invisible, think again!

 

During February, this column will be devoted to living life to the fullest, and that includes romance!

 

 

Should you wait for the market to improve in order to sell your home at a higher price?  The truth is in the numbers.  National statistics are nice to know, but there are inherent differences in communities throughout the country that affect local markets

 

We have a military presence, a port, and a coastal community that makes Chatham County unique.  We have our own demographics, based on census statistics and area income levels.

 

 

Frequently, I consult with folks that are thinking about moving, but can’t quite take the plunge.  “I’m not ready” is a common comment heard by the retirement communities, and yet the same seniors are calling me to discuss the transition.  Surprisingly, the seniors that finally bite the bullet and make the move are grateful they finally did it.

 

My heart breaks when I watch seniors become lonely and reclusive, watching their friends move away to be with family or simply into a smaller maintenance-free home or retirement community.

 

 

To update...or not? 

That is theThis is the common question among seniors and their children when making a move.  Many seniors have owned their home for years, and often without updates.  What are your options when you have an “original” that must be sold?  I am not referring to historical treasures…a 70’s ranch is more of what I have in mind.

 

My advice is unless you have the energy to go through it, don’t.

 

 

 

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 23 December 2012

 

So many steps to get to this point, but you are finally going to closing, or not…

 

What happens if the buyers change their minds or the closing is delayed?  You have moved out of your home, and sold, donated or given away furniture to downsize.  Or, your moving van is packed and you need the proceeds from the house to make your next purchase. Everything was going well, with a few negotiating bumps along the way, but who would ever guess the buyers would back out, or not get a loan at the last minute?

As Published in the Savannah Morning News - 16 December 2012

 

 

Closing day is here!  It’s been a long journey from receiving an offer to going to the closing, and I’ll bet you never thought you would get to this point.  So, what happens next?

 

All parties will meet at the closing attorney’s office, at a time that works for the Buyer(s), Seller(s), the attorney(s), and the Realtor®(s) to attend.  Both the Buyers and Sellers must bring to closing a photo ID, which will be photocopied and included in the closing documents.

As Published in the Savannah Morning News - 9 December 2012

 

 

Once you have negotiated your way through the initial Purchase and Sale Agreement, the requested repairs and any additional negotiations, the most common question I hear is, “How much money will I get at closing?”

 

From the point of receiving the offer and throughout the transaction, you can determine your net proceeds. Your Realtor® should be adept at estimating your net, and we can prepare a Georgia Association of Realtors form called

As published in the Savannah Morning News - 2 December 2012

 

 

It’s always exciting when you receive an offer to purchase your property.  It leaves you hopeful that this buyer might be the one.  But, drats! Not all buyers are qualified.  So, how do you know which buyers are real?   

 

The past few years have brought about job losses, foreclosures, short sales, and bankruptcies…all damaging to credit scores, which takes years to rebuild.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - September 30, 2012

 

 

Last week we talked about curb appeal and enticing a potential buyer to want to come inside to see more.  It’s show time, and a buyer is going to open every door, looking for adequate storage space, functional kitchens with updated appliances, spacious closets and open, light rooms.  They will peek in places that you have not even considered…under the sinks, the attic, and in all the nooks and crannies.

As published in the Savannah Morning News - September 23, 2012

 

 

Last week we discussed the big move, and I have many clients who downsize prior to the sale of their home.  Some stay at home until the house is sold, but either way, the preparation is the same if you want to sell your home at top dollar.  There are things that you need to considerprior to listing it for sale.  What will make your house “stand-out” in a market still glutted by homes for sale?

As published in the Savannah Morning News - September 16, 2012

 

 

In this 7 edition of our Moving Mom series, we address the next challenge: finding a mover you can trust. Here, word of mouth goes a long way.  Check movers out with the Better Business Bureau, and do an on-line search to make sure they are legitimate.  Ask for their website address, and be concerned if they do not have one.  Do they have a physical address or are they a fly-by-night company…here today and gone tomorrow?

As published in the Savannah Morning News - September 9, 2012

 

 

Every time my clients decide to discard something, or donate it to charity, I cheer!  I know it sounds strange, but there is so much stuff that accumulates over time, it’s a reason to celebrate!  In Senior Move Management, our job is to help the Senior choose what will move, and what will not.  When Staging their next residence, we have determined what furnishings will fit in the new home, but what about the rest?

As published in the Savannah Morning News - September 2, 2012

 

 

 

 

In last week’s edition of theMoving Momseries,Choosing the Right Retirement Community, we discussed the importance of knowing where you are going so we can begin the most crucial step, Floor Planning.  This is the all important road map to success!  Whether you and your family have decided to scale back to a smaller home, or you have chosen a retirement community that fits your needs, size matters.

 

 

As published in the Savannah Morning News - August 29, 2012

 

 

Senior transitions include many choices.  For young retirees, it may mean turning a dream into a reality...moving into a second home that was planned for retirement, or perhaps finding the perfect vacation home that will one day serve that purpose.

 

Whether you choose an Active Retirement Community, Continuing Care Retirement Community, or Independent, Dependant or Skilled Nursing Facility, here are some things to think about and helpful checklists when researching your options.

 

This is the first of the Moving Mom series: as published in The Savannah Morning News - Aug 17, 2012

 

 

As published in the Savannah Morning News - August 5, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

As published in the Savannah Morning News - July 15, 2012

 

 

In order to compete with the many homes on the market today, there are only two things that are in your control that matter:   PRICE and CONDITION. 

 

PRICE:  You have to be priced attractively, meaning your home must be in the lowest pricing of comparable homes in your market.  Your Realtor can do a Comparable Market Analysis to establish where your property fits into the market place.