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Northgate Retirement Community Happy Living by COGIR
5 Tips for Downsizing Your Home and Preparing Your Home for Sale in Retirement Free ‘Managing Your Move’ seminar and luncheon on April 7
...by Lynn Creasy
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There are many things in life that go smoothly with proper planning and action. Looking into the future of your retirement is no different. Here are five tips to keep top of mind as you navigate the terrain and gather information to gain more insight: 1. Have a Plan: Every great adventure begins with a good plan, but this plan is a guideline that can be altered along the way as needed. Two top considerations are financial and lifestyle goals. 2. Start as Early as Possible: There are many items and concepts in senior living options, and more will Lynn Creasy
be uncovered as you progress. Give yourself several months or even a few years to narrow the search. 3. Where will you move? You can downsize across town or to the other side of the globe. There are so many different options: a smaller house or condo, houseboat, RV, senior living retirement communities, to name a few. 4. Take A Good Look at Your Stuff: Downsize yourself or with the help of family members, or hire an expert to help you decide what to keep, giveaway or donate. 5. Learn to Love Letting Go: As we lighten our homes and material items, often we feel a bit lighter too. Do your best to find the joy in the process.
For tips and help getting started on your plan, call and reserve your FREE space for the upcoming seminar and gourmet luncheon, “Managing Your Move.” It will be held on Tuesday, April 7th from 10:30-1pm and is hosted by Foundation House at Northgate retirement living, 11301 3rd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 (north of Target, near Northgate Mall.) Experts will present information on the current real estate market and proven strategies for making a future move less overwhelming. Please RSVP to Lynn Creasy at 206-361-2758 x103 by Thursday, April 2nd. ❖
Dementia Reimagined Tia Powell, MD, author of Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End, offers a combination of medicine and memoir, peeling back the untold history of dementia. On Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30pm, Dr. Powell speaks about her book, and helps us to understand dementia from the point of view of the caregiver and physician. “Dementia is about the preservation of dignity and hope,” says Dr. Powell. The event is presented by the Alzheimer’s Association and Town Hall Seattle, and takes place at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave in Seattle. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 206-652-4255 or visit www. townhallseattle.org/event/tia-powell F.Y.I.
Tia Powell, MD, author of “Dementia Reimagined,” speaks at an Alzheimer’s Association event at Town Hall Seattle on March 31
Retirement Living at Its Best TM
• No community or move in fees • Full kitchens, washer/dryer and balcony • 60 day move in period • Independent and Assisted Living 65+
Apt of the Month: $2,995 all inclusive!* *new residents only
FREE Manage Your Move Seminar with Gourmet Lunch April 7 th from 10:30-1pm Call Lynn at 206-361-2758 to reserve your spot!
Real Estate in Retirement Done Right
Buying and selling real estate seems easier than ever with immediate access to home information, pictures and a satellite map to show you to the front door. While visibility has improved, the workings of a real estate transaction are extremely complex. Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES), an exclusive designation awarded by the National Association of Realtors, complete specialized education for managing the complexities of buying and selling real estate for people over age 50. Seniors Real Estate Specialists to the Rescue
• A newly retired couple wants to downsize. Ralph and Mary hope to sell their split-level home and buy a small condominium with cash from the home sale. They plan to spend more time traveling and don’t want to worry about maintaining a yard while away. An SRES will understand that this decision is a huge lifestyle change with many adjustments and decisions to make— only one of which will be where to live. The Seniors Specialist will listen to their concerns and share options and resources to help them make decisions. The SRES is not a financial planner, tax specialist, contractor or mover—but they’ll share referrals from their network of senior-focused professionals to prepare Ralph and Mary for a successful retirement. Once the planning is sound, the SRES will execute the sale and help Ralph and Mary buy the perfect condo.
• Audrey is an 87-year-old widow who lives alone in her two-level home. Due to a recent fall, she can not walk without assistance and her home is no longer a safe option for her. Kim, her daughter, contacts an SRES realtor to discuss selling Audrey’s home and using the proceeds to help pay for her mother’s care. The SRES understands a major life change is never easy and is not afraid of the difficult conversation that accompanies this decision. The SRES will have a broad knowledge of the different senior housing options and will refer a professional placement advisor to help match Audrey to the appropriate assisted living community. The SRES will also discuss with the family what deferred maintenance may need to be addressed, what belongings Audrey will keep, how to move them, and provide options for the remaining home contents. Once the plan is defined, the SRES will coordinate with the other professionals and provide a successful transition for Audrey.
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist is more than a real estate agent. They understand these complicated lifestyle transitions, provide muchneeded resources to individuals and family members, and take pride in knowing that their work matters. ❖ To make your retirement move go right, contact local Seniors Real Estate Specialist professionals Monica Bracken and Elizabeth Waloweek at 206-321-1047 or STATRealtors@BHHSNWRE.com Monica Bracken and Elizabeth Waloweek are local Seniors Real Estate Specialists who focus on helping with the real estate needs and complex housing transitions for people over age 50
