So much of the market is focused on the younger generation, the first time home buyer, the new family and the newly single. But what about our Seniors? In reality, you make up the largest market share of homeowners today and deserve the respect and deference that comes with longevity and the hard work it took to dedicate yourselves to raising your families. Let’s consider some issues, questions you may be asking yourself and what you should be expecting of your Realtor.
You’ve owned your home for 30, 40 or maybe more years and are now thinking it may be time to move on. Why?
Stairs have become difficult to navigate, mowing the lawn is now a chore you are just not wanting to deal with both physically and mentally, shoveling snow is too much of a burdeon, taking out the garbage and all that general home maintenance that used to be so easy to handle is just not so easy anymore. Can you still manage your daily chores like going to the market and making meals, bathing (slip and falls in the bath are so common and scary), or even cleaning? Perhaps your spouse has mobility issues, you are too far away from your grandchildren or you’d like to spend more time down South Snowbirding and wish to relocate to something smaller and more compatable with that lifestyle.
The Senior lifestyle today is much different than generations before. We live longer, healthier and have far more active lifestyles than enjoyed in the days of old. Maybe it’s as simple as wanting to be more active and involved with the community and different groups that living in your current home doesn’t help you explore that. Perhaps living in your community prevents you from getting out with new friends and exploring new opportunities and making the move to a more manageable Condo closer your friends, transit and activities will enhance and add to your life while you finally get to enjoy time off from the daily grind!
Whatever the case may be a good Realtor will treat you with respect, help you explore your options and will develop a relationship with you based on respect, patience and trust. We can help council you and your family about your options. Take a look at your long term needs and finances. We can put you in touch with Financial planners who can assist in figuring out how to best invest your money long term in order to support the lifestyle that choose and our support doesn’t stop there.
As Realtors, we can help with so many other issues. The idea of moving, packing, changing or cancelling utilities is intimidating and overwhelming. We can help you with the details. Put you in touch with the movers, packers and cleaners. We can help you stage (or rework your home) so that it shows its best for sale and we will take all the time you need in helping you find your new home, the right one, the one we sat down and discussed. We won’t push you. We won’t talk over you and we won’t disrespect your specific wants and needs.
Be wary of the Realtor who doesn’t listen. Who doesn’t take the time to explain the entire contract to you and asks for your signature before you truly understand the document before you. Ask your Realtor for the recent sale prices of homes in your immediate area and for the prices of current homes for sale. Before you sign on any dotted line, ensure you trust and the person before you and ensure they value YOUR business and time. That you’ve been heard. That nothing is moving faster than you want it to. Make sure you have your Realtors phone numbers and contact information (including cell phone numbers) and make sure they are committed to updated you regularily.
It doesn’t make a difference if you are 20 or 75, Buying and Selling homes is stressful. The Realtor you choose must understand that, be mindful of the process and ensure that all of their clients are dealt with integrity, respect, honesty and trust.
A good Realtor will navigate you through the process and make sure you understand and are okay with each step and stage.
If you’d like further information on Buying or Selling real estate in the GTA, please contact me, Nicole Kreutzberg at 416-388-7384 or email direct to nicole@gtalisted.com and I`ll be happy to help! Or visit our website, www.gtalisted.com to start taking a look at your available real estate options!
Original Blog Can Be Seen at:
Seniors & Today's Real Estate Market | Blog | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos
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