Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities. Yet, with parents’ mental and physical health currently not creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.

This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at an outstanding pace..... read the entire article by going to the link below

Please go to the following URL for the entire article and previous articles: Either click on the link http://www.planforcare.org or copy and paste the following into your browser:

Talking with your elderly parents about their options as they age. Tips and tricks on how to talk to them, the sooner you open dialogue about their care and wellbeing, the more successful you will be.<< MORE >>

With so many housing options available today, it can be confusing and overwhelming.  Before making a decision, it is important to understand the differences between the many senior housing options, including cost, level of care, etc.  Armed with this knowledge you will be able to make the right choice for yourself or your loved ones.

We have summarized the different levels of services provided by different types of facilities.  For instance, assistance with showering and dressing, administration of medications, transportation, and more.  Please click on the following link to read the information or feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need a referral to a qualified provider in the Salt Lake City or surrounding areas.

HOUSING OPTIONS FOR UTAH SENIORS



for more information about our Senior Real Estate Specialist designation please visit our website at www.utahseniorspecialist.com. 

Many seniors are interested in downsizing, or moving to a place that will provide more safety and assistance for their needs.  Most likely if the thought has occurred to them, it is time. 

As we all know, the media has done an excellent job scaring people with regard to the real estate market and the values of existing homes.  Senior seller's have a lot to consider when making this life altering decision.  Here are the myths and the truths about the market as it effects seniors:

Myth:  I won't be able to sell my house unless I remodel it.

Truth:  Every homes sells at the right price, this price is dictated by the buyers in the market place at the time of the sale.  Dollar for dollar you will not recoup the fix up costs, and the stress and inconvenience is not worth the slight advantage you might get when selling, and the mess and inconvenience can have a negative effect on the senior seller.    My advice to you would be to make sure the home is clean and free of smells, and then price it right.  There are a lot of buyers right now who are looking to get into an affordable home, even if it means they will have to fix it up. There are also investors who will buy a home that needs a lot of updating.  There is always a market for these homes.

Myth:  I will lose money selling right now.

Truth:  Many seniors own homes that are costing a great deal to heat, cool and maintain, this cost should be weighted against the cost of a newer, smaller home, and/or an independent or assisted living center.  For many seniors these costs are high because of the age of their home and the lack of updating.  Add to that yard care, snow removal, groceries, etc.  Moving to a newer home, and/or condo can save a lot of money.  If they are considering moving to independent living or assisted living you can also add the price of food and transportation to the savings since most places provide these services to their residence.  The cost difference is not as high as you would think.

Myth:  I will pay a lot of the proceeds in taxes.

Truth:  If they have lived in the house 2 of the last 5 years they will not pay taxes on the first $250,000 if it is a single person or $500,000 if they are a couple.  There is also the original purchase price that would be considered the "tax base" for the home, and that is subtracted out as well.  If one of the spouses has recently died, there is a period of time where you can still use the couple exemption, I would recommend talking with a good accountant to see what the options for the proceeds are.  In general people do not pay taxes on the proceeds and/or pay very little.


For answers to other questions please feel free to email us audrey@seniorspecialist.com, or log onto our website at www.utahseniorspecialist.com where you can order a free market analysis on what your home is worth in todays market.

What is a Senior Real Estate Specialist?

Seniors Real Estate Specialists® are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers age 50-plus. The SRES® Council awards the SRES® Designation to those members who have successfully completed its education program.

Why Should You Use One?

You seek out specialized medical advice when you have health issues, why not use a specialist when it comes to making life changing decisions about your living arrangements?

By earning the SRES® designation, your REALTOR® has demonstrated necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50-plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home. Your REALTOR® has received special training, gets regular updates, and is prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life changing decisions.

You Senior Real Estate Specialist has a team of people to help you with your real estate needs, even if you don't want to sell a home.  They have a whole network of people who can help make your life easier and more comfortable, whether you decide to move or age in place.

For more information on this and other senior specific issues log on to www.monsongroup.net.  Or contact The Monson Group, Senior Real Estate Professionals at 801-867-7053.