Friday, October 5, 2007

Boomers Real Estate-Seniors Real Estate Specialist


Welcome to my new blog for Boomers, Seniors and those who care about and care for parents, grandparents and older relatives.

I am a Seniors Real Estate Specialist as a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty in Tallahassee, Florida. The issues of real estate are different for older adults than for the first time homebuyer or those with growing families or moving up in careers.

Seniors consider moving usually for one or a combination of three reasons: dwindling wealth, failing health or to be closer to family. Figuring out what to do and/or how to make a move that best satisfies the desires of the senior yet also considers family members is best done prior to a crisis occurring. Knowing the options and planning for the future is where I can help the most. Working with the senior and their family members to help understand and recognize these options is my expertise. While I don't claim to know all the answers, I do stay active in the senior community, maintaining professional associations with assisted living facilities, governmental and social service agencies and networking with other professionals in the community such as financial planners, accountants and attorneys.

This blog site is here for you to post your questions about issues relating to seniors considering moving, or wanting to plan a strategy for that possibility. This also includes the families of seniors, who recognize that mom or dad will probably need to make a move sometime in the future and want to understand how best to help.
While moving may and oftentimes is a plan for the older person later in life, sometimes adjusting their living conditions so they may remain in their homes longer is part of the plan. I have the contacts to help seniors in all aspects of this part of their life. You may want to visit my website, www.agoodmove.us to learn of vendors and professionals I use to assist me in serving this population, from movers to Certified Aging in Place specialists.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Look for additional information on upcoming postings.

Angie

3 comments:

Debbie York said...

Angie,

My 78 year old mother's house is much too large for her (she lives alone) and the maintenance is impossible for her to keep up with. How do I convince her it's time to sell and get into something smaller?

Thanks Debbie

Angie Goodman said...

I certainly understand your problem Debbie. So many children are confronting this same dilemna, or will at sometime in the future. First of all, you have to consider your mother's feelings. She may have lived in this house for years, may even have raised you there, so there is much sentimental value here. Planting the seed of a potential move and what mom would "like" to happen can start the discussion. It may and probably will take many such discussions, but planning for what can make mom happy is best. The real key is to have the conversations so all the family knows what mom wants and how best to provide that. It could be moving into an assisted living, buying something smaller, moving in with a family member, or even renting out part of her home so she has additional funds and potentially companionship. The main thing is to continue the conversation in a loving manner. You may also need to contact an attorney or tax accountant to determine any legal or monetary concerns of changing mom's lifestyle. Hope this helps.

Angie

Angie Goodman said...

I had announced that I would be participating in a panel discussion on neighborhoods at the Tallahassee Senior Center on Monday, October 15. Those of you in attendance know that I did not make that discussion. I had fallen off my bicycle the previous day and while I broke nothing, I was pretty banged up, bruised and sore. In fact, a week has passed and I am still using a cane to move around.
My exposure to the world has been enlightening again. I find many individuals to be present and considerate of my compromised position and most helpful with doors and comments to assist. I also have found that most businesses are still a challenge for those individuals differently abled. I can only hope the experience leaves me forever aware of the potential needs of those more frail individuals out there.

Now on to other topics of potentially helpful information. I've discovered a website that you may be interested in. It is a production of the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement. There are newsletters with scads of information from identity theft awareness and prevention to information on retirement funds, medicare and more. Check out the site at www.wiser.heinz.org. I think you'll find it worth the time.

Best wishes for a secure and healthy future.

Angie Goodman