Ken’s Services for Seniors

Real Estate Agents who specialize in working with seniors can offer much more than assistance with buying and selling a home.

They can offer information and advice on topics ranging from estate planning to retirement living options.

The most important characteristic of any realtor who works with seniors is patience. In addition to being familiar with the legal, financial, and emotional issues facing the 55+ age group, these realtors have the patience to function more as counselors than as sales people. Their patience allows them to let sales evolve slowly over time-after they have fostered relationships with their senior clients.

Realtors who help seniors are capable of assembling a team of advisers-financial planners, lawyers, accountants, etc.-to help meet the specific needs of their older clients. By offering referrals, advice, and guidance throughout the buying and selling process, these realtors offer their clients the comprehensive attention they need and deserve.

I am experienced and knowledgeable in meeting the needs of home buyers and sellers age 55+.  This includes a very diverse group of people with significantly different needs and expectations, all of whom will make major financial and lifestyle transitions involving relocating, refinancing or selling their family home or that of a family member.  Some will make these decisions at their leisure; others will have the need to decide thrust upon them by circumstance.

I bring a customized approach to your situation, working with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your overall goals.  I offer both expertise and patience throughout the transaction, an awareness of options and a network of solid, reliable referrals to help you in the process.

I have discovered that the senior client brings a different set of concerns to the table when considering buying or selling real estate.

• The challenge of maintaining a yard and providing upkeep has become too great.
• There is a need for long term care that can’t be handled in the home.
• The older person needs supervision that can’t be provided in the home.
• The neighborhood has deteriorated and safety is a concern.
• There is a desire to be near children or grandchildren (70% of those 65+ live within 1 hour of a child).
• The home cannot accommodate disability needs.
• There is a need to avoid climbing stairs.
• Assets are tied up in the home and cash is needed through selling the property.
• Driving is no longer possible and available local transportation is not adequate.
• There is a desire for a warmer climate, a yearning for new vistas or a need for challenging new experiences.

Security, finances, independence, and downsizing seem to be the most prevalent.

Security is a major concern with most seniors considering a move. They may have recently lost a spouse, and are not used to living alone. They may have some health condition that makes them feel vulnerable. Sometimes their neighborhood has deteriorated and they no longer feel safe. These are all valid concerns that I take into consideration when we talk with the senior about a move.

Finances are also a concern for anyone involved in a real estate transaction. The typical senior client is wary to take on debt. My experience is that most senior clients wish to transfer current equity into new homes. I have many associates in the financial field who are very familiar with such arrangements.

There are a wide range of financing and mortgage programs tailored to meet the unique needs of the 55+ consumer. Whether you want to stay in your current home and refinance, or find the best plan to make monthly payments on a fixed income, I  will help you find the financing strategy that is in YOUR best interests. I can also give you direction and input on various types of conventional or even reverse mortgages, many of which are tailor made to benefit the 50+ consumer.

Independence is important to the senior client. Finding the best solution to keeping the person independent in a safe environment is the goal. I have a wealth of experience in helping seniors make informed decisions regarding living options.

Downsizing can be an overwhelming and daunting task for many seniors and the process is frequently fraught with emotional distress.

I strive to make life easier and more enjoyable for seniors and their families.

I can help you make wise decisions about selling the family home, financing, buying rental property, or managing the capital gains and tax implications of owning real estate, among many other issues. In addition to guiding clients to the right experts on tax laws, probate, estate planning, and a variety of equity conversion strategies, I can offer clients relevant information on current trends in senior real estate transactions.

I seek to provide knowledge and understanding of, and empathy for, 55+ real estate clients and customers, while constantly continuing their education in developing the business building skills and resources needed for specialization in the 55-plus real estate market.

Ready to talk to Ken?

Call me today at 604 785 8244.