WHAT IS A SENIOR?

The word “senior” is kind of a catch-all term depending on the perspective of the user of the word. To a “teen or twenty something” person, a senior might be anyone over the age of thirty. This reminds us of a golf course offering seniors discounts. When we asked the young guy running the pro shop what age qualified a senior, he said: “anyone over 55”. To others, seniors are people who get discounts. As we get older our concept of “senior” changes. When we are 60 a senior is someone over 70. And so on. Only the mirror knows for sure.

 When applied to housing and real estate the term “senior” actually refers to a process people follow as they get older and shed responsibilities for their children. It used to be that the kids could not wait to get out of the house and now they stay longer or even come back after moving out.  That is a subject for another story.

 To most of us you become a senior when you find yourself an “empty nester” and know it is time to change – usually to downsize to a smaller home, bungalow or townhome.  Some even choose to live at the cottage, move to Florida/Arizona or buy a boat and live there for half of the year. Downsizing is the usual choice.

 In any event you decide to sell the house which you really don’t need any more and find something more appropriate to your new lifestyle. After 20+ years in the same house moving is a daunting prospect and you realize you need some professional help.

 Most people do not want to get too far from family and friends so their next step is to choose a bungalow or even a townhouse. At this stage most people don’t choose a condo because they feel prematurely old.

 We referred to the term “senior” as a process. That is because the first step is usually not the last. Consider the likely possibilities as you get older and accumulate more health issues:  Detached Family Home è Bungalow è Townhouse è Condo/Apartment è Assisted Living Residence è Nursing Home.

 You might skip a step or two along the way but this is a natural progression and taking the first step probably indicates that you are a Senior or admitting you will be one in the next 5-10 years.

 Lynn and John are experienced Realtors™ and have actually begun this process.  We know it well because we have assisted numerous ‘empty nesters’. We also have improved our education in this area and have qualified as an Accredited Seniors Agent.

 We can help you with everything, including removing all you have accumulated over the years and getting your house ready for sale.  We can do it all!

Call us for a FREE consultation on your housing options and financial factors.