I Got the Call to Be Here in 90 Days…Now What?!?

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Realty One Group

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Realty One Group

Posted on

Feb 22, 2024

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - South Central PA

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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.  

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Realty One Group

Real Estate 415 N Prince St, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603

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.

Realty One Group

Certain Sale Retirement 415 N Prince St, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603

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

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Downsizing and Relocation 415 N Prince St, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603

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.