In This Issue
A Professional Move A Senior Perspective Double Duty
We are pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home. Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you. In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends. We hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A Professional Move
Many times a move is precipitated by a chance in job position or career. To help facilitate that process corporations often hire a real estate company and their relocation specialists to help employees make the transition from on city to another.
A relocation specialist is a real estate professional who specializes in moving corporate clients. In fact he or she can be your greatest ally during this critical transition period. To help ensure a positive experience, follow these recommendations.
1. Start with a frank conversation about your price range and moving time frames. These are key factors your relocation specialist will need to know to provide you with the best service possible. For instance, if your new position is starting quickly, you may want to rent for a few months instead of rushing into a home purchase.
2. Explain your family dynamics. Is your spouse changing jobs too? Will he or she need to be near public transportation or within driving distance to another community? This is information that can influence where you buy. Also, do you have school-age children? If so, you will want your specialist to pay special attention to the quality of education in the areas you are considering.
3. Be specific about your wants and needs. Provide your specialist with a prioritized list of amenities. Although it is unlikely he or she will find an exact match, the more information she has, the better chance she has of finding a home that meets your requirements.
4. Be open-minded. Your relocation specialist is an expert in his or her field. Take their advice and recommendations to heart. Rememer for this relationship and transaction to work, you need to trust their experience and insight. For instance, if you are moving from a generally more affordable region to a higher-priced metroplolitan locale, you will need to rely on their expertise to show you a good value when it presents itself.
A Senior Perspective
Like most professions, there are specialty areas within the field of real estate. Some realtors specialize in helping people buy and sell commercial property. Others focus on the luxury segment. And there are real estate professionals who specialize in helping buyers and sellers 55 and older. This focus has become especially helpful and popular as more and more people are living longer and are more active into their senior years.
When you are looking to purchase a homse as an older adult, seek out a professional who has experience with the 55 and over set. Among their special skills may be the following:
Cooking a meal with your family is a great way to reconnect. Start by choosing the menu together. Next divide up the task. Turn on some music and catch up while you chop, chat, stir and of course clean up. Cooking together can be a great way to spend some quality time while make a necessary task fun.- A more intimate knowledge of the area's active adult communities.
- A better idea of what downsizing will require and references to other resources (movers, storage solutions, etc.)
- Different options if you are moving with your own aging parent.
- Information about long term care facilities in the area.
- Layouts and amenities that better accommodate the more mature homeowner.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers a special certification for professionals who work with the senior customer. Called Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES), these realtors have completed certain education and training programs. In addition, many real estate companies offer training programs that address the needs of the client 55 and older.
