When the Family Home is Too Big For A Senior to Keep. When is The Right Time to Sell It?

Sooner or later, we will have to make a decision about selling the family home. Our next to last real estate move.! How do we know when is the right time? Where do we go and for what reasons? How much would that cost? Would you have enough money to last you? Would the family take care of you? What if there is... nobody? If there was ever a step that needed very careful evaluation, this is it!

As a Professional Realtor, I have seen first hand the successful moves of those who plan everything carefully, check every item on the list twice, and then execute their plan to perfection. I have also witnessed the nightmare of those who waited too long, and then reluctant family members or close friends are asked to come and help. The emotional and physical tool it takes to make the last real estate move of your life, is far greater than you think.

The most typical choices available for seniors are: 1) Downsize and move to a smaller home in the same area. 2) Move in with relatives, in-laws, children, maybe friends. 3) Move into a retirement community with different degrees of medical care. Whichever way you choose to go, you must plan your move carefully. Here is what you need to know, to help you get to your new destination.

• Take your time. Start early enough so you can evaluate everything at your leisure. I would suggest at least a couple of years before the move. There is a lot of research to be done at this stage. You will also need time to get used to the idea, and to get ready emotionally.

• Ask for help. Get family members involved if appropriate. Check with your doctor, particularly if you are moving far from your area, whether, finances, friends and family support are very important considerations.

• Figure Out Your needs. If you are moving into a retirement home, find out what services are offered. Do you need care right now? are you expecting to require medical care in the future? Are those services being offered at that particular facility? Most Senior retirement communities offer a variety of levels of care, depending on each resident individual needs and desires.

• Visit the places you are interested in. Ask questions, and prepared them in advance, so you don't forget the important ones. Take notes of everything you see and hear. Pay particular attention to the cost of living there and any potential increases.

• Decide what to do with your personal possessions. Should you sell them? donate them? gift them to family members or outright sell them? What would you take with you? This process has a way of showing you what is important at this stage of your life.

Selling the family home for the last time, is always an emotional journey for which most people are not prepared. But with proper planning and good guidance you can make this important move easy, confident and produce a piece of mind that comes when all is settled and taken care of properly.

To help my senior clients here in California's Alameda county, in the city of San Leandro, where I live and work, I put together a team that is knowledgable, professional, and sensitive to the special needs of my senior clients. Before selling it, we dispose of the contents of the entire house.

I work with a Estate Auctioneer, a professional cleaning crew, a home inspection company, and a stagger, among others. Together we have done this process many times over the years. We know exactly what to do when the time comes. I also work with other Professional Realtors around the country, who specialize in dealing with Seniors the same way we do here. I can refer you to one of them at no cost to you.