When you
hear the word ‘retirement’, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? A frail person, with an oxygen tank attached
to them and living in a residence with constant care with nothing to do but to
watch birds fly and the sun come up and then set at the end of the day!
I’m very
happy to say that things have changed.
Now, instead of sitting back and watching grass grow, more of us want to
use the extra time, energy, and the extra cash that we have received from the
sale of our properties. We want to
travel, which is one of the things that is on everyone’s bucket list!
Today,
retirees want a home where they can travel from and entertain in. Health issues are still there but most of us
stay fit longer and have access to better medical care than, let’s say, our
parents.
Is there a
‘perfect’ Retirement Home? Probably
not. It becomes perfect when it meets
the requirements of aging and changing needs.
When you
decide to move to a smaller home or a retirement community, there are many advantages
– smaller homes translate to lower costs and less maintenance; and retirement
communities ensure your neighbours are of the same generation and have made the
same lifestyle decision as yourself.
Staying in
your current home is more economical if your mortgage is paid off. If you still have a mortgage, you’ll need to
figure out if your retirement income will be high enough for you to continue
the payments. You should evaluate
whether it meets your physical needs. If
it needs remodeling, do you really want to undertake these projects?
You have
many choices if you decide to move:
Perhaps a
condominium or an apartment is your future.
The condo lifestyle has been a favorite by empty nesters for a long
time. They vary in size and price and
have all the facilities that you would want or need. Perhaps you would like a peace and quiet of
waterfront living or even living in the countryside. Condo life has advantages – short on
maintenance, long on amenities, offer more opportunity to socialize. They are much more affordable and a great way
to still own property and downsize at the same time.
How about a
Bungalow? You have the opportunity to
own a house with a yard, minimal maintenance, smaller, and everything is on one
level!
In this day
and age, retirement communities are resort-like. You have the best of both worlds. You have condo type living and then you have assistance
if you need it. For example, when you
first move in you may not need care and supervision. But, as time passes, your needs change and
these communities have been set up to change with these needs for you.
Giving up a
home where you have lived for many years is frightening. It is emotionally and mentally draining. It is better to start to plan for this move so
that you can make the decision yourself instead of having someone else make the
decision for you and you end up where you don’t want to be.
Moving is
overwhelming and stressful – especially emotionally. Once you’ve decided that you’re ready, talk
to someone about your options. The best
contact would be to an Accredited Senior Agent (ASA) who has the patience and
team behind them for discussions factors that you need to consider: the daily lifestyle you are looking for;
proximity to children or family; type of climate you would like to enjoy;
health and medical needs. After these
points are addressed, now we can proceed a little further - what is your budget
– this is important. If you have been
careful with your finances you should have enough funds to cover the monthly
expenses for a retirement home of your choice.
I have my
ASA accreditation and am ready to start to chat about YOUR needs and
wants. I can provide a free estimate ofthe value of your current home and give you information about the type of
property will best suit your retirement lifestyle. Freedom 55 is within your reach. Call me, Betty, at 416 427 1875. My team is ready to get things started.
Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Office: 905 828 3434
Direct: 416 427 1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: www.bettybart.com
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Office: 905 828 3434
Direct: 416 427 1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: www.bettybart.com
