For more information about the author, click to view their website: Realty One Group
You’ve
been on a waiting list for a senior living facility for years. In the
meantime, your “dream cruise” is planned and that family reunion is
around the corner...then you get “the call." If you’re like many
downsizing Seniors the question echoing in your mind is; “What do I
do about the house?” Here is a quick guide that can give you the
confidence and structure that you need.
First,
take a breath…you can do this! Next, identify a trusted Realtor who has
genuine experience helping Seniors. Start by looking for Realtors
that have the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. Seniors
and their families need a Realtor to help navigate the maze of financial,
legal, and emotional issues accompanying the sale of your memory filled home.
I’m a longtime SRES and still depend on this special training to
help Seniors through the process.
It may sound old school, but a Realtor who listens deeply and
communicates with a smile, handshake, and a visit is a must. Skills like patience, planning, and guiding
are critical.
Invite your
Realtor in as early as possible to walk through the home to learn its
unique character and story! Look for a Realtor who can
translate the story into a plan to market that “uniqueness”.
Part of their role will be to help you understand how to prepare your
home for the market…what projects to tackle, which ones to ignore, and how to
not go “overboard” as you prepare to sell. Like all top
Realtors, we have a handy list of trusted resources to help tackle agreed
upon projects.
Pricing
should be based on reality and facts, not hopes and dreams. Location,
size, and amenities are part of the equation as are market activity, market
trends, and area competition. Over the years, we’ve developed a very
customized, yet simple, tool to accurately forecast list and sale prices.
All top Realtors will have something similar in their tool
belt. Be comfortable asking questions…working with a Realtor should
be a collaboration, not a dictatorship.
Using a professional stager and photographer is
another “must do” in today’s market. Digital marketing demands high
quality, properly lit, compelling photos of an expertly staged homed so
that it shines and tells its story clearly. Every Realtor handles this
differently, but we believe in this concept so strongly that we
provide both a stager and photographer at no cost to our
listing clients…it is just too important to skip.
These are the steps that lead to the “For Sale” sign…and hopefully the ability to breathe a bit easier.
This
article was written by Mike Julian, Managing Broker, Realty One Group
Unlimited.
As the owner of Ashton Senior Placement, I want you to know that my journey into senior living began not in an office, but on the front lines, working as a nursing home social worker. For years, I had the privilege of walking alongside countless families and their loved ones, helping them navigate the daily realities of long-term care. This experience gave me a profound understanding of the emotional and practical challenges involved, and it ignited a passion within me to make the transition to senior living a much smoother, more positive experience for everyone.Why I Founded Ashton Senior PlacementI founded Ashton Senior Placement because I saw a critical need for a more personalized, compassionate approach to finding senior care. In my social work role, I often witnessed the overwhelming feelings families faced trying to sort through countless options on their own. My goal was to create a service that takes that burden off your shoulders, offering expert guidance rooted in real-world experience. I want to be the trusted resource I wished every family had during those complex times.Leveraging My Expertise for Your Peace of MindMy years as a social worker gave me an intimate understanding of the nuances within senior care communities what makes a good fit, what questions to ask, and how to identify quality care. I've been inside these communities, I've seen them in action, and I've advocated for residents. I leverage this unique expertise to meticulously vet each option, ensuring I recommend only the places that meet the highest standards of care and genuinely feel like home. Your peace of mind is my priority.More Than Just a Match It's About the Right FitFor me, its never just about finding 'a' place; it's about finding the right place. Just as I worked to understand the individual needs and personalities of residents in the nursing home, I apply that same approach here. I believe every senior deserves a community where they can thrive, maintain their dignity, and find joy. That's why I dedicate myself to understanding your loved one's unique preferences and needs, ensuring a match that truly feels like home.Your Trusted Advocate and GuideConsider me your advocate and guide through this important life transition. Having navigated countless difficult conversations and complex decisions in my social work career, I'm well-equipped to support you without judgment. From our first conversation to helping you tour facilities, I'll be by your side, providing clear, honest advice and unwavering support. My aim is to make this journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for your entire family, because I truly care.Our Service Is Free to You Here's HowOne of the most common questions I get from families is, 'How much does your service cost?' I'm always happy to tell them: my services at Ashton Senior Placement are completely free to you and/or your loved one. This might sound surprising, especially when you're already facing potential senior living expenses, but I want to be transparent about how it works. Just like how real estate agents are compensated by the seller, I receive a referral fee from the senior living communities once your loved one successfully moves in. This means my focus remains entirely on finding the absolute best fit for your needs, without any financial burden on your family during an already challenging time. My commitment is to your peace of mind, not your wallet.
Navigating senior care decisions can be overwhelming. From understanding the differences between assisted living and memory care to evaluating communities, managing budgets, and addressing emotional family dynamics its a lot to take on alone. Thats where a senior care advisor comes in: a compassionate expert who helps guide families through one of lifes most important transitions.Senior care advisors are trained professionals who assess your loved ones unique physical, emotional, and social needs. They work closely with families to evaluate options and identify the right fit whether thats in-home care, an assisted living facility, or a specialized memory care community. Most importantly, they understand that every familys situation is different, and they bring both empathy and expertise to the table.One of the key benefits of working with a local advisor is their knowledge of nearby communities. Theyve visited the locations, met the staff, and understand what makes each setting unique. This insider perspective helps families avoid the trial-and-error approach that can come with researching on their own. Advisors also help navigate budget concerns, offer assistance with paperwork, and ensure that questions about services, amenities, and care levels are answered thoroughly.At Assisted Living Locators, our local care advisors are available at no cost to families. They provide personalized guidance, coordinate tours, and act as advocates every step of the way. Learn more about how we can help you at AssistedLivingLocators.com. Partnering with a care advisor removes uncertainty and replaces it with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind just when your family needs it most.If you would like to learn more, please call us at 303-957-2555.
Supporting independence is one of the best things we can do for the older adults in our lives. The summer months, filled with events and activities, offer great opportunities to revisit how were helping seniors stay empowered, without compromising safety.What Independence Really Looks LikeIt doesnt mean doing everything alone it means having the freedom to make choices, engage in meaningful routines, and feel in control. From choosing what to eat to deciding when to go for a walk, independence is deeply tied to dignity and mental wellness.Tools That Support Senior IndependencePersonal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Allow seniors to summon help at the touch of a buttonMedication Dispensers: Help track daily doses and prevent missed or doubled medsVoice-Controlled Smart Devices: Can assist with reminders, music, and communicationTransportation Services: Ride-share apps or senior transit services can make errands and outings easierProfessional Services Can Help, TooIn-home care aides can support with personal care or light housekeepingMeal delivery services ensure regular nutrition without the burden of cookingDay programs or hobby groups promote mental stimulation and social interactionResources to Explore Support Options:Eldercare Locator A nationwide service connecting older adults and caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspxBenefitsCheckUp by NCOA A free, confidential tool to help older adults find benefits and support programs. https://www.ncoa.org/benefits-checkupAARP Technology Resources for Seniors Guides for using smart home devices, tablets, and safety tech. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/ Summer is a season of freedom and with the right supports in place, seniors can experience that freedom in ways that enrich their health, happiness, and quality of life. Call us today to learn more, 303-957-2555.
We want to help you! CertainSale will allow you quick access to a percentage of your homes equity to cover transition costs and we'll assume the financial responsibility for the home until it has sold. When the home closes, your equity advance will be paid back and CertainSale will recoup any funds expended to carry the home. While similar to our New Construction program, there are a few difference in the program design, with seniors in mind.
We want to help you! CertainSale will allow you quick access to a percentage of your homes equity to cover transition costs and we'll assume the financial responsibility for the home until it has sold. When the home closes, your equity advance will be paid back and CertainSale will recoup any funds expended to carry the home. While similar to our New Construction program, there are a few difference in the program design, with seniors in mind.
We want to help you! CertainSale will allow you quick access to a percentage of your homes equity to cover transition costs and we'll assume the financial responsibility for the home until it has sold. When the home closes, your equity advance will be paid back and CertainSale will recoup any funds expended to carry the home. While similar to our New Construction program, there are a few difference in the program design, with seniors in mind