You’ve lived in your home 30 years or more, and you’re starting to think about downsizing, or perhaps your health or even age is dictating a move to a different type of residence.
When it comes to selling your longtime home you’ll likely feel a range of emotions, maybe even experience hesitation and apprehension, says Cheri Perez, a Real Estate Advisor with Engel & Völkers Seattle Eastside and an accredited Senior Real Estate Specialist.
Hearing your concerns is important
Perez is familiar with the special requirements of elderly homeowners, having previously worked in the assisted living industry, helping seniors and their families navigate care and housing decisions.
“We try to put ourselves in your shoes,” she says. “Some people may have a second home or have done real estate transactions in the recent past, but for many people this is their first time selling a home in 30 to 50 years. For each senior I address what the factors are that may be troubling them, by asking the right questions.”
You’ll experience patience and empathy
Helping you transition from your family home to the next stage of life takes care and patience, says Perez. You may be receiving assistance in the home-selling process, she adds, and it’s important to allow those people to ask questions to alleviate their concerns. “If children are involved, we share with them our knowledge and skill around helping their parents get full market value for their home,” she says.
Here are other ways to make selling your longtime home go more smoothly:
- Don’t feel in a rush to sell You may not be comfortable with technology, know the market or want things to move quickly, and that’s OK. Stating your needs up front, such as the importance of protecting your equity, seeing what homes like yours are selling for, and your time frame for wanting to sell, will help your real estate agent fully understand your situation. The Seattle area market remains strong, but take the time you need.
- Involve your family members It’s never a bad thing to have more than one or two sets of ears listening to important information that will affect your financial future. Consider inviting your adult children, someone whose judgment you trust, and in some cases your power of attorney to take part in discussions about the sale of your home. It can help bring you more peace of mind about your decisions.
- Ask about other resources Other elements often come up during a home sale, including the need for decluttering and downsizing services. Perez is able to help on both counts: “It’s very much a team process that ultimately leads to the sale of your home, which often provides money to use for care.”
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To find out more about seniors-oriented real estate services in and around Seattle, call Cheri Perez at 206-799-2131 or email her at Cheri.Perez@evusa.com.
