Localism: Fredericksburg, VA

Moving Made Easy for Seniors

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:22:55 -0600

Moving Made Easy for Seniors

Transforming the Challenges of Moving into Choices for Seniors

It may be time to consider moving, yet the thought fills many with absolute dread. All the aspects of the moving process may seem overwhelming. There are so many issues to deal with: sorting, packing, cleaning, selling the home, and various other tasks. The moving to-do list never seems to end. However, for seniors who have been in their homes for 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years, relocating presents challenges far beyond the physical demands of carrying boxes and arranging furniture.

Older adults may also face difficult emotional and financial decisions during the moving process. Preparing the family home for sale, downsizing, packing, moving, and setting up the new house are all physically and mentally arduous tasks. It is not surprising that many seniors hesitate to leave their long-time homes-insisting that they are "Not Ready Yet!" In fact, the moving process is often cited as one of the largest barriers to relocating by seniors who would otherwise be ready for a move.

Transforming Challenges, Step by Step
No one would consider diagnosing a health problem without consulting a physician or going to court without the assistance of an attorney. The process of moving and downsizing should be no different.

Most innovative real estate firms offer customized services to help seniors with every aspect of moving and downsizing. These professionals provide essential advice and assistance while preparing the home for sale and sorting through possessions, but their services do not stop there. They also help older adults prepare for a move by breaking the process down into manageable steps and offering hands-on assistance. With this type of professional support, the challenges of the moving process can easily be transformed into choices.

Step One: Preparing to Sell
Once a homeowner has made the decision to sell their home, they should select a real estate agent who can meet their distinctive needs.

After finding a qualified agent, homeowners are ready to begin the process of preparing to sell their home. An evaluation of the condition and marketability of the home is the first step. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified agent can decrease selling time and increase selling price.

After evaluating the current condition of a home, I like to provide a report that includes the suggested asking price for the home in its present condition and another suggested asking price for the home after completing some improvements."

Suggested improvements can be as simple as enhancing curb appeal by re-mulching flower beds or improving first impressions by removing clutter from the home's entry. Other recommended improvements may include updating appliances, replacing carpets, and repainting exterior or interior walls.

In addition to comprehensive reports, specialized agents can also help clients prioritize repairs and locate qualified professionals to complete home improvement projects. Utilizing the help of professionals to prepare for a sale can ultimately result in a selling price that reflects the top market value for the home.

Step Two: Packing and Sorting Starting early is the key to successful packing and sorting. Before moving, years' worth of treasures must be sorted. While planning for a move, items should be sorted into distinct categories: keep/move, give to family, donate to charity, and throw away.

The initial list of items to keep will likely be larger than the new space can accommodate, but moving professionals who specialize in working with seniors can offer advice about what to take and what to leave behind. Completing the difficult task of sorting before moving is essential for a successful transition.

I recall clients who learned first-hand the importance of sorting through unnecessary belongings earlier rather than later and have seen clients move too much into the new residence and regret their decision. They end up paying to have these possessions packed and moved-only to realize that they have to dispose of them to make room in their new home.

Professionals can help seniors make informed decisions about what to take to the new home. They take into account their client's personal tastes, the financial and sentimental value of possessions, and the floor plan of the new residence. These professionals have helped countless senior clients make the move and are adept at addressing the emotional challenges inherent in sorting through a house full of belongings.

Step Three: Downsizing and Moving Downsizing is one of the most time consuming and emotionally draining aspects of the moving process. After sorting, final decisions must be made about what to take to the new home. If floor plans of the new space are available, they should be used to help with planning. The new home is likely a smaller apartment or condo, so space limitations should be taken into consideration.

Moving day is the final step in the process. For many seniors, moving day is simple and rewarding due to comprehensive, customized real estate services provided prior to the sale of the house. On moving day, movers, shippers, and haulers can help with the physical aspects of the task of moving. Real estate professionals can recommend trusted companies to handle this work, as well as provide assistance with the job of unpacking and setting up the new home. From the initial assessment of the old home to settling into the new house, professional real estate assistance is available to help with every aspect of the moving process.

Challenges Become Choices As the challenges of moving fade due to increasingly helpful professionals, seniors are left with nothing but choices-where to move, when to move, what to take, and how to decorate the new home. Older adults who are considering a move are no longer faced with the difficult questions of how to market their homes and move their belongings.

There is help available every step of the way. The only question that remains is, "Are you ready for a move?"

If you are moving to Fredericksburg, VA or the surrounding counties, I am available to assist you every step of the way! When you are ready, contact Eunice Waller directly at 540-842-1061

This article was written by Diane Krause (Philadelphia Area) w/ Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors & was published in the Guide to Retirement Living by Christy Pagans.

If you are considering a move to Bryn Mawr, Pennyslvania you can contact Diane at: www.dianekrause.com or email Diane at: diane@dianekrauswe.com

A Great Event to help another in Need!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:11:02 -0600

I know that I have posted about the HOPE HOUSE in Fredericksburg before, but this is such a great event I wanted to share it with you. The HOPE HOUSE is a shelter for homeless women and children here in Fredericksburg, VA and they are holding their annual FESTIVAL OF TREES right now!

The FESTIVAL OF TREES is the main fundraiser the HOPE HOUSE holds each year. It is a beautiful display of trees that are decorated by different companies, organizations, or families that are donated for a silent auction. They are also judged for different categories such as Best in Show, Most Original, Most Patriotic, Best Sports Themed, Best Non Traditional, to name just a few! It also includes Holiday Bouquets, a tea, a luncheon, a fashion show, and a place to purchase decorations such as wreaths for your holiday decor.

Just to let you know how big the event is..this year it is being held in the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center in Celebrate Virginia at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway. Admission is only $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for seniors, and $2.00 for children ages 2-12. You can come in a bid on your favorite tree/item and you will get a special ticket so you can reenter to check on your bid!

Last year this event raised over $50,000!!! The money is help break the cycle of homelessness for the local women and their children in the Fredericksburg and surrounding area.

If you would like to contact the HOPE HOUSE or send a donation here is the contact information: www.hopehouseva.org

Thanksgiving Wishes and Non-Turkey Dishes

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:46:51 -0600

If you really love turkeys--and we're not talkng when they are covered in gravy--consider celebrating the all american holiday this year by sponsoring a turkey through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project.

They have been around since 1986 and the sponsorships help the organization rescue and care for the animals at its sanctuaries. In additions, the group advocates for turkeys and other animals and educates eaters about them.

The site features photos of turkeys with names like Faye, and Serendipity that are awaiting sponsoship... In addition to that you can also be part of the Turkey Express Adoption program, which places rescued turkeys in safe, permanent homes.

Can't sponsor or adopt a turkey this year? Here are some great ideas for a Vegetarian Thanksgiving.

Fredericksburg, Virginia; A Great Weekend Get A Way: The Kenmore Inn

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:49:14 -0600

The Kenmore Inn, is a historic Inn, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Inn was built in 1773 and it located in a gorgeous area, with other beautiful 18th and 19th century homes. They have none guest rooms, and host activites such as meetings, weddings, receptions.

Fredericksburg is home to many antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants, not to mention all the historic sites such as: James Monroe Museum, Hugh Mercer's Apothecary Shop and the Kenmore plantation to name a few. Their website is very user friendly and has all the information you will need to plan that special event www.Kenmoreinn.com

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Where to get a Christmas Tree in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:45:04 -0600

I love Christmas...it could be all year long, and it would not bother me at all, each year I try to scout out the best place to buy a three... I thought I'd share the wealth and let you know where you can find your christmas tree..I personally love firs, they carry choose-and-cut white and Scotch pine, blue spruce, Norway spruce and Leyland cypress; fresh-cut Fraser fir.

BELMONT CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Preston and Rhonda Brown
7533 Belmont Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22551
540.854.6757; Cell: 540.623.8005

Directions: Farm located at 7533 Belmont Road. From Fredericksburg, take Route 3 west exit off I-95. Follow Route 3 west. Turn left on Route 621. Go approximately 8 miles; turn left on Route 608. Go 3 miles; turn right on Route 601 (Lawyers Road). Go 3 miles; turn right on Route 652 (Belmont Road). (Sales office is located at farm house). Follow Belmont Christmas Tree Farm signs.

Hours: 8 a.m.-dark, weekends only, beginning after Thanksgiving until Christmas