Real Estate Needs with the Senior in Mind

FOR MANY SENIORS, THE DECISION TO DOWNSIZE OR MOVE TO BETTER SUITED OPTIONS (E.G. RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, ASSISTED LIVING OR NURSING HOMES) CAN BE A TRULY EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGE.

A s with the ebbs and flows in life, there comes a time in our senior years that we may need to consider downsizing to better align with our changing needs. Perhaps you have lived in the same home for many years, raising a family and collecting many treasures along the way. For many seniors, the decision to downsize or move to better suited options (e.g. retirement communities, assisted living or nursing homes) can be a truly emotional and physical challenge. The senior client requires a real estate agent who has the knowledge, experience and compassion to deal with an array of senior client issues and suggest housing alternatives that better fit their current and future lifestyle.

Senior clients need an experienced real estate agent that can help them navigate the many decisions and activities they will need to undertake such as preparing the home for sale to ensure they get the best value, preparing for the move, and helping them navigate the maze of financial and legal matters such as tax counselling and financial and real estate planning, as well as other aspects of the purchase, sale and move.

Examples of preparing the home for sale includes considering if any upgrades are needed – replacement of worn flooring or freshening up paint, pruning work outside, etc. Preparing for the move examples include beginning early, with packing and clearing out storage areas, etc. With either of these processes, your real estate agent should be able to refer to you a handyman or contractor if assistance is required.

“As a real estate agent in the Victoria area, I am very committed to working with clients in the mature and senior market, and bring my 15 years of experience and dedication to working with each and every client to ensure their unique needs are considered, and that we work as a team to get the best outcome.”

– Brad Maclaren, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Phone: 250-727-5448.