Shelhee Gal | David Elan - A REAL ESTATE GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE LIFE

A REAL ESTATE GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE LIFE

A REAL ESTATE GUIDE T TE GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE LIFE

Shelhee Gal | David Elan

Table Of Contents

Home Is Where You Are

Are You Downsizing or Rightsizing?

Single-Family House or Townhouse

Condo or Apartment?

Community Living

Is Selling Right for You?

Understanding Today’s Home-Selling Process 38

The Most Common Seller Mistakes

How To Improve Your Chances of Selling Quickly

10. Smart Upgrades, Strong ROI

11. Seller's Negotiation Dos and Don’ts

12. What You Need vs. What You Want

13. A Guide to Searching for the Right Home

106

14. Common Buyer Mistakes

114

15. 12 STEPS OF PURCHASING A HOME

122

16. How to Choose the Right Home Loan—Without Costly Mistakes

138

17. Buyer's Negotiation Dos and Don’ts

142

18. The Power of an Agent on Your Side

150

19. Finding Your MVP Agent: Win at Real Estate 154

Preface This Is More Than a Move. It’s a Turning Point.

Most people don’t regret selling their home. They regret how they sold it. Real estate isn’t just about buying or selling a home—it’s about making informed decisions at pivotal moments in life. We entered this field because we wanted homeowners to feel empowered, protected, and confident when navigating one of the biggest financial and emotional transitions they’ll ever face. Over the years, we’ve worked with homeowners standing exactly where you may be now: unsure if the timing is right, overwhelmed by the choices ahead, and quietly worried about making a costly mistake they can’t undo. Some were downsizing after retirement. Others were simplifying, moving closer to family, or stepping into a new chapter they didn’t fully plan—but were ready to embrace. Here’s what became clear very quickly: Selling a home isn’t just a financial transaction. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And when it’s done right, it can feel empowering instead of exhausting. This book exists to give you clarity before pressure shows up. Think of it as the conversation we’d have with you at your kitchen table—honest, straightforward, and focused on you , not a sale. No hype. No urgency. Just real guidance so you can make smart, confident decisions at your own pace. Inside these pages, you’ll learn how to: • Protect yourself from common (and costly) mistakes • Understand what today’s buyers actually care about

• Position your home for the strongest possible outcome • Navigate what comes after the sale with confidence • Avoid the stress and regret that catch sellers off guard This book is our gift to you. Whether you’re months—or years—away from making a move, our hope is that it gives you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind as you consider what comes next. And if, after reading, you decide you’d like help creating a plan tailored to your situation, we’d be honored to have that conversation. Here’s to informed choices, smoother transitions, and a future designed on your terms.

Warmly, Shelhee Gal | David Elan Co-Founders/REALTORS® Lic. #01721758 | #01000321

818.400.3586 | 818.400.7979

Uniquely Real Estate | DRE# 02014153 info@uniquelyre.com | uniquelyre.com

Our Values, Your Success Trust, Professionalism, & Exceptional Results

At Uniquely Real Estate, we go beyond traditional real estate services. Founders, Shelhee and David bring over 40 years of combined experience and a deep passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Their commitment to trust, professionalism, and exceptional service is the driving force behind your success. Their partnership began during a particularly challenging real estate transaction that tested their skills and patience. Through navigating this complex deal, they discovered a shared dedication to honesty and client satisfaction. This pivotal experience not only marked the start of their professional collaboration but also led to the creation of Uniquely Real Estate. Together, they’ve built a company focused on delivering exceptional results and fostering lasting client relationships. With their combined expertise, they offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

MEET SHELHEE

Shelhee Is Not Your Typical Real Estate Specialist—She's A Business Maestro With A Flair For Turning Every Venture Into A Lively Adventure! With A Colorful History Of Owning An Eclectic Mix Of Businesses, From Retail store shenanigans To Production Line Enterprise From Bangkok To The Land Down Under.

Raised In Tel Aviv, Israel In A Household Where Business Was

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The Family Language, Shelhee's Upbringing Was A Crash Course In Entrepreneurial Excellence. With A Mom Ruling The Retail Scene And A Dad As A Real Estate Guru And Investor, She Inherited A Double Dose Of Business Sharpness That's Hard To Beat.

MEET DAVID

David brings over 30 years of unparalleled real estate experience. He offers expert guidance, sharp market insight, and a deep commitment to understanding and meeting his clients' unique needs. David's background includes strategic selling, marketing, and luxury branding. As a top negotiator and problem solver, he navigates the real estate landscape with ease. Throughout his career, he has assisted a wide range of clients, from seniors to first-time buyers and investors, consistently delivering exceptional results. Beyond his professional life, David enjoys family time, travel, reading, and coaching soccer. He volunteers on the City Council Land Use Committee, contributing to the local real estate scene. Serving the Los Angeles area

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CHAPTER 1 Home Is Where You Are

Take a moment and picture your life five, eight, even ten years from now. Where are you living? How do your days begin? What fills your time, your conversations, your sense of purpose? For some, this picture brings a sense of relief and excitement—a chance to slow down, travel, spend time with family, or finally focus on what matters most. For others, the future can feel uncertain, even unsettling. The routines that once defined life may be changing, and the question of “what’s next” can feel heavier than expected. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. After decades spent building a career, raising children, maintaining a home, and putting others first, it’s natural to feel unsure about stepping into a chapter that looks so different from the one before it. But here’s the truth we’ve seen time and again: while this next phase may look different, it has the potential to be just as fulfilling—if not more so—than what came before. With the right information, thoughtful planning, and support, the years ahead can be defined not by loss, but by freedom, comfort, and confidence. This chapter is about helping you begin that vision—clearly, calmly, and on your own terms. In 10 years, are you still living in the same house? Is that house still meeting your needs? Are you spending too much time trying to keep up with all the space you have (but likely don’t need or use)? And while you may not want to consider this possibility, are you finding it more difficult to maintain your home due to age, a lack of time and interest, health issues, etc.? 2

Now, picture your neighborhood and surrounding community. Have they changed considerably? Have most of your neighbors and friends moved away? Are younger couples and families moving in, leaving you feeling like you no longer “belong?” Has the overall sense of community changed? Many homeowners who are empty nesters—nearing retirement and entering their senior years—need to consider their current and future living situations. However, many enter this process with apprehension, instead of picturing the possibilities! You could be living your best years yet in a new home, in a living situation that suits your new needs and lifestyle. You’ve heard the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” We’d like to amend that age-old expression to, “Home is where you are.” Wherever you live can become home in time, even when letting go of the space you currently call home feels difficult. Moving toward retirement is not what it used to be. Nowadays, more and more people are looking forward to this stage of life. With this book, we hope to show you that you’re simply entering a different stage of life, and it can be a very rewarding and exciting one. In fact, your post-retirement years could just be your very best yet. They don’t call them the “golden years” for nothing. What if we told you that you could live out your golden years with more money, more time, more freedom, more peace and security and less stress? Imagine making a profit from the sale of your house and having increased cash flow in your future. Imagine saving money on bills and gas. Imagine better accessibility. Imagine putting less pressure on your adult children as you age. Imagine enjoying

more free time and less stress! You would say “Sign me up!” right?

These benefits could all be yours in the future as you think about changing your living situation. Even if you can’t picture exactly where you’ll live in the next 10 or 15 years (or what type of home you’ll move into), that’s OK! The options are endless when you move toward empty nesting and retirement.

This Book Is for You If You…

• Are beginning to think about a move and want to understand your options before making any decisions. • Feel uncertain about when , where , or how to downsize—and want clear guidance without pressure. • Have lived in your home for many years and feel both emotionally and overwhelmed by the idea of leaving it. • Are unsure which improvements are worth making before selling—and which ones are a waste of time and money. • Have accumulated a lifetime of belongings and don’t know where to begin when it comes to sorting and simplifying. • Want to protect the value of your home and avoid costly mistakes during the selling process. • Are looking for a smoother, more thoughtful transition into your next chapter, rather than a rushed or stressful move. It isn’t easy to say goodbye to your longtime home, and there are certainly valid reasons for hesitation. But that’s not to say you can’t start fresh, making new memories and enjoying a new lifestyle, all while taking advantage of the many benefits of living in a more manageable, and lower- maintenance space.

Remember, home is where you are, not the house.

In this book, we’ll talk about the following:

• Why you should consider moving to a home more suited to your future needs • The options for your next home • The necessary steps to take for a successful home sale • A detailed guide for a successful home-shopping and home-buying experience • Why you should rely on a good agent to help you through the process As experienced real estate agents, we understand the intricacies of selling and buying homes, and we want to help you see why moving might be the right choice for you—plus help you navigate this journey as smoothly as possible so you have less stress and more time to enjoy your life. In the first part of this book, we’ll explore in greater detail the different types of homes you can consider and the factors that may influence your decision. Then, we’ll discuss the selling and buying processes, including how things may have changed since the last time you sold or bought a home. If you’re not sure whether you should consider moving—and potentially downsizing—the final part of this book will address some hesitations you may be having and also point out some of the benefits of moving to a home better suited to your future wants and needs.

Points to Remember:

Let this book be your guide as you navigate this important and exciting transition, helping you choose where to enjoy your best years with comfort, style, and peace of mind.

CHAPTER 2 Are You Downsizing or Rig wnsizing or Rightsizing? htsizing? We just talked about how much you have to look forward to as you move into the next season of life. But before you even consider selling your longtime home, you need to consider your next home and the life you want to live in it.

So, what are you really looking for in your next home?

Many empty-nesters find themselves with an excessive amount of living space they no longer need. That’s why many choose to downsize when they’re searching for their next homes. In many cases, your new home post-retirement will have less square footage than the home you currently own, but it may also just be a different type of home—for example, a 1-story home opposed to a 2-story home, perhaps with similar square footage; or a home of equal size with less bedrooms and more space dedicated to other areas of the home. This is called “rightsizing.” Rightsizing is all about finding a more manageable home than the one you currently own. Before we get into the details of the different types of housing options, let’s talk about some of the benefits of downsizing or rightsizing, including some unexpected benefits of selling your current home and moving into another one. For the purposes of this chapter, we’re going to focus specifically on the benefits of downsizing, though many of these same benefits apply to a “right-size” property.

10 BENEFITS OF DOWNSIZING

1. Profit

Simply put, you could make a profit by selling your current home and moving into a smaller home—bonus points if you’ve already paid off your mortgage you might just be able to purchase your next home outright. You might even stand to make a sizable profit (your options will depend on your local market and the value of your current home). If you’ve been putting off retirement because it feels out of reach, selling your larger home and downsizing could let you finally retire in comfort and peace of mind.

2. Lower Bills

Downsizing also presents another money-saving opportunity: lower (often significantly lower) energy or utility bills! Who doesn’t want to save on bills? Choosing to live in a smaller dwelling space can reduce housing costs. Think about it: It costs significantly less to heat and cool a smaller home. Smaller homes also typically have less wasted space. Less square footage decreases the amount of overall energy expended. Something else you might not have considered are the potential tax benefits and savings that you could be eligible for, if you’re over a certain age. This will, of course, depend on not only your age but also your location, as there are different rules and requirements and benefits in each state. Before selling your home, it’s wise to consult a CPA or financial advisor who can explain the tax implications and any tax-saving options available to you in your state.

And don’t forget about the impact on the environment. Moving into a smaller home reduces energy, which is better for the environment and helps to keep your home “green,” reducing your carbon footprint.

3. Reduced Consumption

It’s a fact: The more space you have, the more likely you will feel the need to fill that space with something. If you’re an empty nester, it may be tempting to fill the extra space in your big house with stuff. One of the great perks of downsizing is that it automatically reduces your consumption of “stuff ” because you first have to declutter before you sell and move. You will have less space to store your possessions—whether old or new—in your next (smaller) home. Downsizing can help you focus on your priorities in life so that you bring only what is truly necessary into your home or what you treasure most. The fact is, if there’s no place to put something, then you’re less likely to buy it. You will focus more on what you need rather than what might be “nice to have” and avoid impulse spending.

4. Organization

Downsizing forces you to become more organized. Sorting through years of belongings takes time and intention, but it’s also one of the most important steps in creating a smoother transition. This process helps you decide what truly belongs in your next chapter—and what can be left behind with gratitude rather than regret.

While it may feel like work in the moment, the payoff is

significant. Reducing excess not only makes your move easier, it creates a home that feels lighter and calmer. Many people are surprised to find that once the clutter is gone, there’s more than just physical space—there’s mental clarity and a renewed sense of control.

5. Accessibility

As many people enter retirement, accessibility becomes more important, particularly for those with health or mobility concerns. Stairs are one example. As much as we all might not like to admit it, as we age, mobility can become more of an issue. Stairs are often barriers that prevent people from enjoying the full use of their homes. Stairs can also significantly increase the risk of falls and subsequent injuries. Your longtime home might have served you well over the last few decades, but it could become more challenging and riskier as you age. Mobility issues present an even greater challenge. However, downsizing into a one-level house or a condo can give you greater accessibility, allowing you to live in your new home for longer instead of needing to switch to an assisted-living facility before you need one.

6. Less Driving

One unexpected benefit of downsizing is Less time behind the wheel. If you’ve lived in a larger home in the suburbs for years, you’ve likely become used to driving to most places, including work, shopping, entertainment, visiting friends, etc. Many people who live in suburban communities feel isolated in retirement.

Living closer to daily necessities—such as shopping, medical care, family, and social activities—can make everyday life feel simpler and more comfortable. Proximity and accessibility aren’t the only concerns. Many aging homeowners wish to reduce the amount of driving they do due to one (or all) of the following reasons: • Health concerns (often related to eyesight challenges or mobility issues, or both); • Cost (you can save money related to gas and maintenance); • Environmental concerns (Many Boomers are becoming more concerned about their carbon footprint and the state of the environment they’re leaving for their children and grandchildren.) 7. Less Work for Your Adult Children Deciding to downsize can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—the work your grown children might otherwise face. Adult children are often left with the time-consuming and emotionally challenging task of sorting through, giving away, or selling their parents’ possessions after illness, immobility, assisted-living moves, or death. Downsizing now can spare them this burden. Paring down your possessions is beneficial for you, too. The process of decluttering, organizing, and maximizing your new space supports your mental well-being while also serving as a gift to your children—they won’t have to manage the task later. It’s common for parents to hold onto sentimental items in the hope that their children or grandchildren will want them someday. In reality, many of these items may not be desired. Before setting anything aside, ask your children if they truly want it. 10

When dividing personal items, approach the process thoughtfully and fairly to prevent conflicts or misunderstandings. Clear communication and consideration now can save both time and tension later.

8. Less Stress

Who doesn’t want less stress? This is a major motivating factor for many areas of life. Homeowners who have gone through the process of downsizing are generally much happier in their new home, and their new lifestyle, as they’re no longer overwhelmed by the demands that owning and maintaining a larger home often brings. The increased cashflow, along with less responsibility and more flexibility will, when added together, reduce stress considerably. Paring down your possessions (decluttering) as you downsize helps you to truly appreciate your new home and increase your enjoyment of it, which helps to reduce stress. It’s been proven that too much clutter increases stress because it’s just not conducive to a comfortable living situation. There’s just too much stuff, which can get in the way, and you’ll have a hard time finding things. By having less stuff and becoming more organized, you will simplify your life while enjoying reduced stress levels.

9. More Free Time

Besides the money-saving opportunities, one of the biggest benefits of downsizing is having more free time. If you sell your current home and move into a smaller space, that means there is less square footage, fewer rooms, and less stuff. This, in turn, means there are fewer household tasks, less to clean, less to maintain, less to organize, and less to worry about!

This, in turn, means there are more hours every day to do something else—whether it’s travel, a leisurely walk, exercise, volunteering, a neglected activity or hobby, time with family or friends, or even just resting with a good book. By downsizing, you’ve now claimed more time for yourself and your priorities in your golden years.

10. More Peace and Security

A major benefit of downsizing is the peace and security that comes with making that big decision and having successfully downsized from your current home into a smaller dwelling. You will have peace of mind that you downsized before it was too late—you didn’t wait too long to organize yourself and your home, declutter, and get rid of possessions you no longer need. You won’t have to worry about doing this in the future when you’re older and/or in poor health, and having to leave all the work for your grown children. Downsizing also brings security. You’ll have financial security in the sense that you were hopefully able to make a profit and enjoy increased cashflow to help you throughout your retirement. The security also comes in knowing that you’ve successfully sold your home and you’re going to be OK as you age, whether you’ve downsized into a smaller house, condo, apartment, or community living. And, as we’ve already pointed out, you will have more time and less stress.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

There are plenty of options when you’re looking to downsize and live a more simpler stress-free lifestyle, and you need to consider

these options carefully.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding where you should move after selling your house. The decision will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, your family situation, your lifestyle, and your needs and wants. Some living situations suit a certain type of homeowner more than others. So, read through these next few chapters of the book so you can make the decision that’s right for you. When downsizing, there are mainly three options to consider (and different variations of each): • Smaller single-family house or townhouse To help you become clear on which option is right for you, ask yourself the following five questions, and keep them in mind as you read through the next three chapters. 1. What is your main motivation for moving? (You will likely have more than one, but focus on your primary reason.) • To be closer to family? • To be free of homeownership burdens? • To be closer to a city or town so you can walk to basic amenities, as well as social activities, and not have to worry about driving? • To stay in the same area but in a smaller, more manageable home? • To move to a location with more favorable weather conditions (for example, moving from a snow-prone area to a warmer location) • To make new friends around your age who share similar interests and life experiences? 13 • Condo or apartment • Community living

• Flexibility, so you can visit family or travel or relocate easily without worrying about maintaining a large home? 2. Do you want to find your “forever” home, or just a home for the next few years?

3. How much independence do you want and need?

4. What specific features are you looking for in a new home? • One-story living, free of stairs? • A particular number of bedrooms (i.e., the ability for family and other guests to visit and stay with you)? • A low-maintenance yard (or no yard)? • A garage? 5. What sort of lifestyle do you expect to lead? • To continue to live similarly to how you’re spending your time now? • To have access to a wide variety of extracurricular activities and hobbies? • To have someone to take care of certain needs for you? Points to Remember: Once you’ve made the decision to sell, the next question is where you want to move The right choice depends on several factors, including why you’re moving, whether this will be your final home, how much independence you want, the features and amenities that matter most, and the kind of lifestyle you hope to enjoy in your next chapter.

CHAPTER 3 Single-Family House or Townhouse This chapter will focus on the option of moving into a single- family house or a townhouse. We're going to discuss five benefits of choosing this type of living situation: 1) independence; 2) personalized space; 3) homeownership pride; 4) space for company; and 5) utility savings.

1. You can maintain your independence.

Many longtime homeowners who are considering a move don’t want to sacrifice the independence of owning, maintaining, and living in their homes. This is especially true for new empty nesters or those nearing retirement. If you’re not ready to give up the independence of living in your own home, then a different single-family home or a townhome might be the right choice for you. In many cases, this home will have less square footage than the home you currently own, or a 1-story home as opposed to a 2-story home, even if it has similar square footage. But for the sake of this chapter, we’re going to assume the home is a smaller size.

2. You can create your own personalized space.

If you choose a new house or townhouse, see it as a chance for a fresh start! You can create a personalized space that’s truly your own—without needing to accommodate the needs of children. 16

If you love creating, designing, and stylizing your own space, this could be a great option for you. And the added benefit is that you’ll have less stuff, since you’ll already have decluttered by this stage in the downsizing process, so it won’t take as much time, energy, and funds to design your entire home.

3. You can take pride in homeownership.

There is definitely a sense of pride that many people feel in homeownership. If you loved owning your own home and aren’t quite ready to give that up, then another single-family home or a townhome could be the perfect option for you. You can still be an independent homeowner, but enjoy things like less maintenance and upkeep, which will save you time, freeing it up for things like leisure activities, family, and travel.

4. You can still have enough room for guests.

Some homeowners worry about downsizing because they assume they will no longer have enough space to host children, grandchildren, other family members, and out-of-town guests for the night (or longer). However, if you downsize into a smaller house or even a townhouse that has an extra bedroom or two, you can still have that bit of extra space to host overnighters when you need it.

5. You can save on utilities.

As we mentioned in the previous chapter, if you downsize your home, you can also save money on some of your bills! If you choose a smaller single-family home or townhome, you can save a significant amount on utilities, such as electricity and gas. Smaller houses are often considerably more energy-efficient than older, larger homes.

Likewise, single-story homes can be easier (and less expensive) to heat and cool than 2-story homes, even if they share a similar square footage.

House vs. Townhouse

When downsizing, one of the first decisions is whether to move into a smaller single-family home or a townhouse. Both have benefits, but they offer very different lifestyles. A smaller detached house often appeals to those who value privacy and independence. Even though it may be smaller than your current home, it can still provide a backyard for gardening, a fenced yard for pets, a garage, and the freedom to make changes and improvements without needing approval from a homeowners’ association. This level of control and flexibility isn’t always available in a townhouse, where community rules and bylaws can limit the changes you can make. Of course, there are benefits to living in a townhouse compared to a smaller single-family house: • Price: In general, townhomes are less expensive than single-family houses. But they still offer much of the space and flexibility you’re probably looking for. But keep in mind that most townhomes also include monthly HOA fees to cover things like landscaping, plus any other amenities in the community. • Flexibility: Besides the price factor, townhome living tends to give you more flexibility. It has the added benefit of the low-maintenance lifestyle that comes with condo or apartment living, but generally includes more space, as well as more flexible options when it comes to function

(such as parking spaces) and leisure (backyards for private or semi-private entertaining). • Practicality: Sometimes, it’s the more practical option. For example, a downtown three-bedroom townhouse might actually be a better investment option than the little two-bedroom house down the street. • Community: Townhouse living can also offer a similar sense of community to an apartment, but generally with more privacy and fewer neighbors. However, many homeowners would prefer to move into a condo or apartment, and there are many solid reasons for that, which we’ll take a look at in the following chapter.

Points to Remember:

Deciding where to live when downsizing is a meaningful choice, with several options worth considering. Smaller single-family homes and townhomes, for example, can offer a balance of independence and privacy, along with the satisfaction of homeownership and potential savings on utilities and upkeep.

CHAPTER 4 Condo or Apartment?

Maybe you aren’t interested in purchasing another house, and dealing with many of the responsibilities that come with that. But maybe you aren’t yet ready to jump into community living either. Consider renting an apartment or purchasing a condo instead. Condos and apartments are popular choices for homeowners looking to downsize who aren’t interested in owning a house or moving into senior housing. These types of dwellings are often the perfect size for many downsizers. Finding the right type of condo or apartment in the right neighborhood that meets your needs, with the right amount of space, can actually improve your quality of life. Here are some of the advantages of condo and apartment living:

1. Less upkeep and maintenance.

First, there are fewer indoor chores to manage since you have less space and fewer rooms to clean and maintain regularly, including tidying, dusting, sweeping, wiping and scrubbing. Less overall upkeep is a major benefit. Second, most condos include homeowners association (HOA) fees that cover maintenance of the grounds and community amenities. You won’t need to worry about mowing your grass, weeding your garden, and other landscaping issues. Third, if you rent an apartment, you don’t have to worry about common maintenance issues. The housing provider is responsible for repairs, including plumbing problems, broken 20

appliances, and malfunctioning air-conditioning systems, among other issues.

2. Increased accessibility.

Condo or apartment living, particularly if you’re centrally located, can offer more accessible living, as you’ll be closer to amenities and services (groceries, doctor’s offices), as well as entertainment and social activities (dining, concerts). It will be easier to walk to these places, or, if it’s something you enjoy, cycle. There’s also better access to public transportation so you don’t have to worry about driving as much.

3. Lower monthly utility bills.

A third major benefit of downsizing into a condo or apartment is the potential for lower utility costs and reduced monthly expenses. Smaller living spaces generally require less energy to heat, cool, and maintain. In addition to the financial savings, this choice can also support a more sustainable lifestyle. Many newer condo and apartment buildings are designed with energy-efficient, eco-friendly features, and in some cases, utilities such as water may be partially or fully included—further reducing your monthly costs.

4. Meeting new people.

While some homeowners downsizing prefer a smaller house for privacy and fewer neighbor interactions, others welcome the opportunity to meet new people, socialize, and form new connections. If this is you, condo or apartment living would make a fantastic choice—especially if you’re looking for a sense of community

without moving into senior housing or retirement community.

Living in close proximity to your neighbors means there is ample opportunity to meet new people—and even try new activities. You can easily walk down the hall to drop by and say hello, catch up over a cup of tea, play a game of cards, go out for a nice stroll, or take up a new leisurely activity together. Nearby neighbors can be a valuable resource for pet care, plant watering, and emergencies.

5. You can take advantage of amenities.

Many condo and apartment communities offer hotel-style amenities such as pools, gyms, clubhouses, and social or recreation spaces. More upscale buildings may also include rooftop terraces, outdoor kitchens, libraries, or concierge services. These amenities are especially appealing to downsizers seeking a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle with a touch of luxury. These amenities may be included in the rent or covered through a condo’s HOA fee. Before you buy or sign a lease, it’s important to confirm whether there are any additional costs and to verify that the amenities are regularly maintained. Be sure to research which condos or apartments within your budget offer amenities that truly align with your lifestyle.

6. You can save money on “things.”

By downsizing to a condo or an apartment, you can save money by avoiding unnecessary purchases. Simply put, having less space means you’ll be less inclined to accumulate stuff. You will naturally make more intentional decisions, focusing on what’s needed and what makes sense, rather than buying impulsively.

A condo purchase, or renting an apartment, will most likely set you back a lot less than a typical house purchase would, which leaves you with extra funds for things like hobbies, travel, and investments.

7. Fresh Start.

Finally, choosing a condo or an apartment can give you a new outlook on life, especially if you’ve never lived in a condo or apartment before. For many downsizers, moving into an apartment can feel like a fresh start—free from the financial and maintenance burdens that often come with homeownership, such as higher property taxes, larger mortgages, or ongoing repairs. This shift can be incredibly liberating and often opens the door to a lighter, more flexible lifestyle as you step into a new chapter of life.

Points to Remember:

If buying another house feels like too much and a retirement community doesn’t feel right, condo or apartment living can be the ideal solution. It reduces maintenance and monthly costs while preserving independence, comfort, and opportunities for connection—making everyday life easier and more flexible.

CHAPTER 5 Community Living

If none of the options we’ve discussed thus far appeal to you when you picture your life and your future, then perhaps you might consider community living as an option. However, some homeowners nearing retirement and entering their senior years balk at the idea of community living or senior housing. “I’m far too young to consider moving to a retirement community!” Maybe you’re thinking the same thing. Maybe you’re worried about losing your independence and freedom. Maybe you’re worried about losing your uniqueness and sense of self. If this sounds like you, then you probably have some misconceptions about everything a retirement community can offer. As we’ve said before, you can look forward to the future with hope, anticipation, and even excitement! You’re entering a new stage of life, which can be very rewarding, and downsizing into retirement community living can get you there! But if you hold common misconceptions about senior housing, then prepare to be pleasantly surprised. These aren’t your mother’s senior living arrangements! In fact, there are many different types of community living options available, and what you choose will depend on a variety of factors, such as your health and activity level, how much or how little independence you seek, and what types of leisure and social activities and environments interest you the most. 24

LEISURE AND ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES - T MMUNITIES - Typically 55+ Leisure and active adult communities offer homes that are mainly geared toward empty nesters, although often both younger and older adults are welcome. These communities are designed for those who enjoy more active lifestyles, and offer leisure activities and amenities with that in mind. If you like to keep active and enjoy activities such as golf, tennis, yoga, swimming, hiking, etc., then this might be the perfect type of community for you.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITIES MMUNITIES

Independent living communities are another option, designed more for older adults who prefer or require additional services, such as central dining facilities, housekeeping services, maintenance, transportation, etc. There are also age-appropriate leisure activities available, such as adult classes, gardening, games, and social events or outings. These communities are usually age-restricted with noise level limits, which is a big attraction for many people in this stage of life. They offer rental or ownership housing options with additional features that improve accessibility for those entering their senior years.

CONTINUING CARE RE G CARE RETIREMENT C TIREMENT COMMUNITIES MMUNITIES

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer a combination of an independent living lifestyle with assisted living and nursing care. Essentially, they’re semi-independent living facilities for those who don’t need continual health care supervision, yet offer a continuum of care—housing, services and supports, and nursing care—all in one convenient location. You would be able to maintain some level of independence and privacy and enjoy various activities and friendships, while having access to the supports and health care you might need.

Another benefit is physical and financial security, allowing you to enjoy your post-retirement years comfortably and pursue your interests and goals. Finally, CCRCs come in a wide variety of housing options, anything from apartment style to campus style to individual homes, with many of them offering various amenities for you to enjoy.

ASSISTED-LIVING FACILITIES CILITIES

Assisted living is designed for people who need help with certain activities and household management. It’s not full care—hence the term “assisted”—so residents are still technically living on their own, but they still offer varying levels of assistance. Some communities offer all three of the above types of living arrangements/housing—leisure, independent, and continuing care.

BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY LIVING

Regardless of which type of community living arrangement would best suit your needs as you look forward to the future, there are many benefits to choosing community living over purchasing a small house or townhouse, or over moving into your own condo or apartment. Here are some of the most notable benefits of community living. 1. You don’t have to worry about home maintenance or yard work. Looking for a simple and stress-free lifestyle in your future? Every time there’s a problem that needs to be dealt with, it’s someone else’s problem. Say farewell to making small repairs around the home and keeping up with landscaping, gardening, snow removal, and more. These services are provided as part of community living, and are included as part of a monthly fee.

Depending on where you choose to live, you might even have the added benefit of adding housekeeping services on top of home maintenance and yard work. While some people think of moving into community living as a loss of independence, they don’t consider all the freedom it brings—freedom from regular home maintenance, in this case.

2. Pay one monthly fee for your expenses.

Community living is probably more affordable than you think! While we certainly won’t lead you to believe it’s inexpensive, when you compare the monthly fee to what you currently spend a month on everything across the spectrum—think property taxes, utilities, and entertainment—they’re pretty much on par. Keep in mind that you probably won’t need a car—or use it very much—because you will have almost everything you need on site and have access to carpooling and public transportation. You can save a considerable amount on vehicle-related expenses (gas, maintenance, repairs, insurance).

3. Enjoy nearby amenities and explore new activities.

While there can be cost savings from having so many services, activities, and amenities included, the real advantage is convenience. Professionally prepared, healthy dining options are part of the community. So are fitness programs, adult education classes, hobbies, organized outings, special events, and on-site entertainment such as guest speakers, comedians, musicians, and movie nights. Senior community living also makes it easy to try something new or return to interests you’ve always enjoyed. Many communities offer activities like gardening, golf, hiking, yoga, woodworking, and arts and crafts—without the hassle of planning or traveling elsewhere.

4. Make new friends who share your interests.

Community living offers a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Some people find that their social circles grow smaller as the years go by, but you can look forward to enjoying the benefits of new friendships within a community living environment through many of the available onsite activities and events. You might even end up forging a close bond with someone who shares similar life experiences or interests.

5. Reap the rewards of safety and security.

Concerns of safety and security tend to grow as people age, particularly when they consider their next homes. Worried about falling and not being able to get up when you’re older? What about catching the flu or developing any number of conditions or ailments? If an older person lives alone and falls, or develops an illness quickly, the results can be devastating. But you can basically throw these worries out the window if you decide to join the ranks of seniors who have decided to embrace all the benefits of community living. There will always be people around to help, helping you to live as safely and securely as possible.

6. Avoid moving in the future.

Picture your life with the peace and security that comes with never having to move again! This can be your reality if you choose community living in your retirement to enjoy your golden years without stress. As people age, it becomes increasingly difficult to go through the process of downsizing, regardless of where they choose to move. If they are experiencing changes in their physical and mental health, then it becomes even more challenging, and the burden of selling and moving might fall on someone else’s shoulders, most

often their adult children.

But if you choose to move into a retirement community before you experience any decline in your health, you’ll be ahead of the game, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of community living without the hassle of worrying about selling, buying, and moving down the road.

7. Choose your independence.

One of the best things about community living in your senior years is that you have flexibility in choosing how much—or how little—independence you need and want. Many people mistakenly link senior living directly to assisted or nursing home living—and those certainly are great options if you’re looking for an increased level of care and dependability. But you can choose to start out as independently as you would like, then, depending on your situation and your changing needs, you can usually transition to more dependent living in the future, as many communities offer these types of facilities. This way, you don’t have to move or start all over again, and you can keep your social circle, the staff you’ve come to trust, and the activities you’ve been enjoying. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to live in a retirement community. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. You are able to pick and choose whatever works best for you!

Points to Remember:

For many homeowners approaching retirement, community living can be a compelling alternative to moving into a smaller house, townhouse, condo, or apartment. Today’s retirement

communities are far more dynamic than they once were, offering reduced maintenance, more free time, and built-in opportunities for connection, activities, and everyday conveniences—often in ways people don’t expect until they explore the options.

CHAPTER 6 Is Selling Right for You?

While you might already be highly motivated to sell your current home, some may need convincing. We can imagine that many of you reading this book already have in place a long list of reasons you wouldn’t consider “uprooting” yourself and leaving your current home for another, potentially smaller, one. We can give you plenty of reasons to consider moving at this stage in your life (but we’ll get into that soon). For now, we want to recognize that those of you who are hesitant, or even resistant, to the idea of moving, are completely justified in your reasons. But our guess is that you haven’t taken the time to fully consider the potential positives of doing so. Here are six common concerns longtime homeowners often have about selling their home to downsize. For each concern, we’ll also highlight a potential benefit to consider.

1. “I don’t want to deal with the stress of moving.”

Moving, regardless of when, where, and why, can often be a stressful process. Downsizing is no different. There are many different steps involved, which can be overwhelming and time- consuming. The stress of moving often boils down to decluttering. After all, moving from a larger home—one that has collected many memories and belongings—to a smaller one requires getting rid of a lot of stuff because you literally won’t be able to take it all with you. And remember, many of today’s Baby Boomers have millennial adult children who prefer minimalist lifestyles and 32

don’t necessarily want to inherit their parents’ stuff.

The thought of having to sort through all of your possessions, keepsakes, and knick-knacks that you’ve collected over the years can be daunting. What to keep? What to toss? What to give away? What to recycle or donate? What to sell? What to do with family heirlooms? Plus, just the idea of packing everything up and moving it out of the house can make potential sellers postpone selling. But think long-term gains vs. short-term hassles. Sure, decluttering can be stressful, but it’s something you’re going to have to do at some point, so why not now? Also, some people actually really enjoy the process of decluttering, and find it both rewarding and freeing. Further, moving from a larger home that you no longer need to a smaller space will likely lift major burdens off your shoulders and give you a less stressful life—physically, emotionally, and financially.

2. “This has always been my home.”

Many homeowners who have lived in their homes for a long time have a difficult time with the concept of letting it go and moving on. A home that’s been lived in for years comes with memories inextricably linked to that home. Maybe this is you. Maybe you cringe at the idea of letting go of your longtime family home. Maybe you can’t picture a different family living there. Maybe you can’t picture yourself living anywhere but that house. Downsizing can be emotional, even if it’s the right thing to do and you know it’s time. It’s completely normal to go through the different emotions that can crop up. Allow yourself to feel these feelings. It’s part of the process. But as you walk down memory lane, remember that a house is just that—a house. You can take

the memories with you, and then create new ones in your new home with family and friends.

3. “But this is where my kids grew up.”

While some empty nesters actually prefer to downsize soon after their kids leave home in order to have a fresh start, many others are reluctant to do so. They might not yet be willing to part with a family home where their children were born and/or grew up. Sometimes, homeowners are not yet ready to accept the fact that they have become empty nesters; they might need some time to get used to the idea. Does this sound like you? If so, consider this: Eventually, all that unused extra space is going to end up being a pain. Plain and simple, you don’t need all of that space now. You can pack up the most valuable (and functional) items and take those memories with you. They don’t belong to the house. So while you can still find a new place to meet your needs and beyond, you don’t need to stay in a large house forever. For example, if you’re working on paying off your mortgage, then keep in mind that you’re spending more money than you should on space that you don’t need. This includes extra costs for heating, cooling, water, electricity, and gas, and basic home maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning. Maintenance of a larger home alone is often reason enough for empty nesters and new retirees to consider downsizing. When you factor in cleaning, yard work, and upkeep, think about how exhausting and time- consuming it can be. But life in a smaller house can mean more time for relaxation, leisure, and family time.

4. “I don’t see the point of selling.”

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