Life Stages - What Comes Next?

by Julie Wilson
(Kitchener,Ontario,Canada)

Life Stages - What Comes Next?

In life, we all go through stages. Simplified – we work, we buy a home, we settle down and then... there’s what comes next.

Generally we never want to think about getting older and that “what comes next” part. We picture our homes as permanent and filled with not just our memories but our own belongings that evoke those memories.

Unfortunately, one of the stages of life we need to consider is – once reaching a certain age – it’s time to move out of that long-term home.

That decision alone is overwhelming, especially if there are additional circumstances involved like health or financial issues.

A real estate agent can be your guide and assist you with going through the upheavals and possible pitfalls that may occur – as real estate costs and information when you purchased your house will definitely not be the same as when you sell it.

Looking at the real estate changes in the past 30 years – they’ve been dramatic and plentiful!

Home staging

Virtual tours

Home cleaning

Packing companies

Buyer agencies – now buyers can hire their own representative – working for the buyer and not for the seller

Sale by owner alone! Etc...

And, as if all these different choices weren’t enough – then there’s the paperwork involved!

Will you at an older age, be able to deal with:

Forms to sign showing your identity with passport or drivers license to prevent people selling homes that aren’t event theirs

Property information statements – sellers are asked by the buyer to fill out a form warranting details of the property

Privacy laws

Trying to deal with multi offers – or purchasing against multi-offers

Taxes – H.S.T. and any new - different taxes to consider

You should use a Realtor from the beginning to help out with any initial questions like:

Is your home ready to market to the public?

Should you leave your home as is or fix it up?

What repairs should be made?

What if funds are not available for needed updates?

Will a home inspection be needed?

A Realtor who has a strong network can provide the services you specifically need – in this case scenario – for seniors.

Someone with strong connectors in the community will ease that transition period and be able to provide information on what options you have available for your move (that is: where do I go now?), what choices are best for a home filled with 30 years of belongings and is a professional estate sale a good idea are just a few examples.

Find the Realtor that not only has the experience and expertise but is also a good fit for you and your "support team" of family/friends.

In all of life’s stages, communication is the key. Let your real estate agent help you be educated and prepared for the type of move you choose.

"What comes next" doesn’t have to be difficult once you have the support you need.