SRES® Blog

1. Start with the easy stuff. Eliminate anything that’s broken, damaged, or no longer wanted. Then, go to the out-of-the-way spaces like attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Progress in these "easier" parts of your home will help you build momentum and tackle the harder-to-decide areas. 2. Ask yourself, "If this disappeared tomorrow, would I run out and replace it?" If you wouldn't miss it or need to replace it, it's probably not worth keeping. 3. Don't be a storage unit for others. If friends or relatives have left things for you to store, it's time to ask them to pick up their possessions—or

3 Ways Gen Xers Can Start Tough Chats with Boomer Parents Even if you’re a Gen Xer and your parents are younger baby boomers who are healthy and fit, it’s not too early to start talking with them about their future. You can start addressing some of the more challenging topics – finances, housing, and health directives – to get a feel for your parents’ plans and thinking. Weaving them into conversations early and making them natural discussion topics can lay the groundwork for later when you need to have more in-depth decision-focused discussions. Rather than always relying on direct questions

How to Stay Active When Moving to a New Community So, you’ve decided to move into a new community. You’ve packed the essentials and said hello to your new sanctuary. Once all the hustle and bustle of moving is over, what’s next? An adventure is what’s next. Now is the time to explore your new habitat and find the cool opportunities that your living space has to offer. This is the next and best chapter of your life. Types of Communities and Amenities There are numerous communities that are geared towards people of the same age and interests. Active retirement communities (https://www.55places

Scammers Capitalize on Coronavirus Fears. Protect Yourself. When the Coronavirus news started spreading, normal people took steps to protect themselves and their families. Scammers spotted an opportunity. They’ve already capitalized on people’s fears with fake ads, phishing emails, and promises of miracle cures. So in addition to guarding your health, you also have to protect your computer and your wallet. Beware of links Don’t click on links from information sources you don’t know. Even if someone says they’re sending important health updates, be suspicious. Someone may be trying to install

College towns are attractive destinations for many retirees. It’s a trend that has also spawned the development of University-Based Retirement Communities (UBRCs)—facilities that offer residential housing while also promoting lifelong learning for seniors. University-based communities are as varied as their residents. Before selecting one, it’s essential to determine which activities, amenities, and lifestyle elements are critical, including the hobbies you enjoy, your educational interests, health concerns, eating, and activity preferences. The following questions can help you identify which

Every housing decision involves a complex set of factors, but moving into an active adult community adds several unique considerations. A real estate agent with the SRES® designation can help you sort through these and other factors when deciding on your next home: Location Do you prefer living close to family and friends or in a particular area for health or weather reasons? Do you want to live in a smaller urban facility with minimal services, or do you prefer a more extensive, independent campus that meets all your social needs and offers numerous onsite amenities? Do you plan to maintain

Your house is quiet again, but you’re not ready for a quiet retirement? Consider these possibilities for the next stage of life: Cruising Lifestyle Some retirees opt for luxury cruise ship living on a semi full-time basis, with unlimited food prepared for them, maid service, entertainment venues, exercise options, access to health care, and the ability to see the world. Between sailing stints, they often stay with family or friends, rent a short-term apartment or a long-term hotel room. RV Living Many empty-nesters hit the road in their own little home on wheels. Some sell the "family home"

You’re thinking about selling your home. Maybe you’re retiring, downsizing, or a major life event has made you consider a move. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) has unique training and experience in helping home buyers and sellers in your situation. Why ask a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® to assist you? An SRES® understands that the decision to sell can be difficult. Selling a home can be an emotional time, potentially involving other life decisions. An SRES® understands the issues facing older adults. By taking a no-pressure approach, they can help you navigate your choices and may

The SECURE Act (The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019,) a law aimed at improving people’s retirement security, was signed into law at the end of 2019 and has tax implications for those inheriting money from IRAs and 401k accounts. Before, those inheriting such funds could take distributions over their lifetime. But that timeframe has now been reduced to 10 years, meaning that if you’re inheriting an IRA or a 401(k) from someone who passed away on or after January 1, 2020, you’ll need to withdraw those assets within 10 years. They’re taxed as ordinary income and

It’s no secret that the reverse mortgage has been on the rise lately. For those aged 62 and older, it can mean the difference between buying a home they think they can afford, and buying a home they love.