Albert Wolf SRES - A REAL ESTATE GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE LIFE

A REAL ESTATE GUIDE TO A STRESS-FREE LIFE

Albert Wolf SRES

Table Of Contents

Home Is Where The Heart Is

What Are You Looking For In Your Next Home? 7

Single-Family House Or Townhouse

Condo Or Apartment Living

Community Living

Is Selling Right For You?

Understanding The Home-Selling Process

Common Seller Mistakes

Improve Your Chances Of Selling

10. Upgrading With ROI In Mind

11. The Negotiation Process For Sellers

12. What You Need Vs. What You Want

13. A Guide To Searching For The Right Home 107

14. Common Buyer Mistakes

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15. A 12-Step Guide To Buying A Home

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16. Home Loan Shopping 101

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17. Negotiation Dos And Don’ts For Buyers

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18. How Agents Help Sellers And Buyers

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19. How To Hire A Fantastic Agent

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Thinking Of Remodeling, But Want Some Expert Advice?

Because I’m not in the remodeling business, I can give you an unbiased opinion before you start any remodeling work.

Here’s some advice I can give you about your project:

• What kind of “Return on Investment” you can expect to get from different types of projects. • Little-known mistakes to avoid. I’ve seen lots of homes. I know which materials will last, and which ones quickly wear out. • Referrals to the best local contractors and home service professionals. I’ve worked with many of them. I know the good and the bad. • I can let you know fair market pricing for any work you want to have done. • I can tell you which projects are great for “DIY” and the projects where it pays to hire a professional. If you’d like a Free “Home Upgrade” Consultation, give me a call at Phone.

Best Regards,

Albert Wolf SRES Exp Realty LLC Saperstein Group albert.wolf@exprealty.com 561-512-6780

Resources The process of selling a home can be stressful, even if you’re working with a professional real estate agent, like myself. Chances are, you’ll have to hire various professionals throughout the process, either to prepare your home for sale, or to fix any of the numerous issues that can pop up in a home inspection. The last thing you want to do is hire an unreliable contractor who delays — or even ruins — your home sale. I’ve experienced firsthand the work of numerous local contractors and professionals. I know which companies will produce the highest-quality work, and which ones to avoid. Because I want my clients to have the most stress-free and successful real estate experiences possible, I recommend only the best professionals in a variety of specialties — from home- staging experts to general contractors and electricians. I have personally worked with each contractor endorsed in this book, and each one comes with my highest recommendation. You can confidently hire any one of these companies or individuals, knowing you’ll be in great hands. In this section, I’ve provided you with a list of resources, along with a brief explanation of how each one can help you have the ultimate home-selling experience.

Have You Gone “Nose Blind?”

“What is that smell?”

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Is that the first thing you want buyers to say when they walk through the door to your beautiful home? Despite how much you may vacuum — and even scrub — your carpets, there’s a chance you may have gone “nose blind” — to quote Febreze — to all the odors they contain. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend hundreds, or even thousands, tearing up and replacing your carpets. A deep carpet cleaning can restore even the oldest, dingiest carpets. Sure, you can rent a unit from a local hardware store to clean them yourself, but if you really want to eliminate troublesome odors and remove any deep, set-in stains, you really should turn to a professional. John Cresci has been helping my clients make a great first impression for years. They use the best in carpet-cleaning technology to restore your carpets and stomp out any odors you may not even realize you have. You’ll be breathing easy — and so will your buyers — knowing your carpets are in tip-top shape!

John Cresci 954-254-6900 profcarpetinc@att.net

Clean is Always in Style You may think that to sell your home, you need to do major kitchen renovations, install hardwood floors, and knock down a bunch of walls. And while those changes aren’t necessarily a bad idea if you want to sell for top dollar, they’re not always worth the return on viii

investment.

But do you know what is? Cleaning .

Cleaning and organizing your home before a sale is the easiest way to ensure it sells quickly — and for the most money possible.

So what should you do to get your home in tip-top shape?

• Deep clean every surface — floors, walls, carpets, countertops, cabinets, appliances, toilets, tubs, etc. • Organize and remove clutter. • Consider investing in a storage unit to store knick knacks, toys, tools, old furniture, unused small kitchen appliances, and piles of paperwork. If this sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it can be. You’re much better off leaving these tasks to professionals. You wouldn't go on a date in dirty clothes, and you shouldn't show your home when it’s not looking its best. I recommend the following professionals to take the handle the stress of deep cleaning and organizing your home.

Estella Colman 954-696-9672

The professionals at Estella Colman are fully vetted and will make every surface of your home look like new. They are efficient and affordable and can deep clean any area of your home you may have neglected over the years.

Sheri's Organizing Solutions S.O.S

561-285-7375 sherlang13@gmail.com

You may not realize it, but there are professionals whose entire job is to declutter and organize spaces. Whether you need someone to organize your closet space or simply help you get rid of items around the house you no longer use, S.O.S is the best company for the job.

Why Curb Appeal Matters They say you can’t judge a book by its cover — but it’s also true that books with worn out or torn covers tend to stay on the shelf. When you’re trying to sell your home, you know you have to prep and clean the inside to get it ready to show. But did you consider how your home might look from the outside? When potential buyers pull up to your property — or even when they’re checking out photos online — the exterior is the first thing they see. If your landscaping is in disarray, or your exterior paint is peeling, buyers may not even venture inside. So what should you do to get the outside of your home buyer- ready? The National Association of Realtors® offers the following tips to enhance your curb appeal:

• Clean exterior walls and windows • Apply a fresh coat of exterior paint

• Keep grass green and trimmed • Clean and repair your roof

Luckily for you, I have worked with lots of reliable contractors who are experts in creating curb appeal. These professionals can help you increase the value of your home and sell for top dollar, fast!

Ben Flores 561-239-6880

I recommend Ben Flores to take your property to the next level. Whether your yard needs a full overhaul or just some fresh mulch and shrubbery, ABC Landscaping can meet your needs.

FLS Painting 754-333-1086 customerservice@flspainting.com

A fresh coat of paint can transform your home from dull and dingy to bright and welcoming. FLS Painting uses only the highest-quality products to transform your home to its most pristine state.

Roof Rite 561-451-4567

Whether your roof needs to be completely redone or you just need to replace a few shingles, Roof Rite is the best local professional to handle your roofing project. Dozens of former clients have put their trust in ABC Roofing, and I’m confident you’ll be pleased with their work.

Electrical Issues Can Ruin Deals

Electrical issues are some of the most costly — and potentially dangerous — issues uncovered in any home inspection. In fact, the American Society of Home Inspectors counts electrical issues as one of the top deal-killers in the home-buying process. Some of the most frequent electrical issues found include:

• Undergrounded three-prong plugs • Painted outlets • Double tapping of circuit breakers • Reversed polarity • Improperly modified electrical panels • Knob and tube wiring • Aluminum wiring • Federal Pacific breaker panels • No GFCI protection

Unless the extent of your electrical issues is a burned-out lightbulb, all electrical work should be handled by a licensed professional. Besides being too complicated for most homeowners to handle, electrical repairs pose a huge risk of electrocution and fire. I’ve recommended Elier Padron to many of my clients in the past. Not only are they affordable, but they perform top-quality work, ranging from fixing faulty outlets to completely rewiring older homes.

There’s no one I trust more to work with my clients.

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Elier Padron 561-951-7320

Are Your Floors Buyer-Approved? If you’ve watched any HGTV show in the last several years, you know one of the first things home buyers are likely to notice is the type of flooring running through the house. If your flooring is dirty, chipped, worn, outdated — or an unappealing color — chances are, buyers will take notice — and move on to the next house. When buyers see bad floors, they immediately see dollar signs. And no one wants to see extra dollar signs before they even purchase a home.

So what kind of flooring should you get?

Based on data from the National Association of Realtors®, 54% of home buyers were willing to pay more for wood floors. But if you can’t afford wood floors, there are many options for wood- look tiles, vinyls, and laminates — some even waterproof — that will more than satisfy picky buyers. JV Floors can help you with all of your flooring needs, from material selection to quick and professional-quality installation. Call them for an in-home consultation today!

JV Floors 786-715-5405

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Your Front Door: The Ultimate First Impression

Your front door is the gateway to your home.

A freshly stained or painted door, with shiny new hardware and clean glass, says “Welcome home!” to buyers who come to see your house. A front door with peeling paint, rusted hardware and fingerprinted glass might just leave them out in the cold. First impressions matter, and your front door is the ultimate first impression. Stand outside your house, and if you’re less than satisfied with how your front door looks, change it up! Consider a fresh coat of paint or stain — one of the newest trends in real estate is to make your front door pop with a bold, contrasting color — replace old hardware, and clean any glass surfaces on the door. With something as important as your front door, you may want to put your DIY skills on hold. A professional painter has access to the most durable, weather- resistant materials and will create a pristine finish. I always recommend FLS Painting to my clients. Their painters are professional and highly skilled. You won’t have to worry about patchy work or unsightly drips. While you’re having your front door painted, walk through your house and consider the impression your paint colors might have.

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That bright orange you painted your living room in the early 2000s might have seemed like a cool, bold move back then, but it’s likely to turn off buyers who view your home now. FLS Painting would be more than happy to take care of all your painting needs!

FLS Painting 754-333-1086 customerservice@flspainting.com

Get a Handyman on Your Side

When you finally accept an offer on your home, you may think the hard work is over.

But unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Once your buyers order an inspection of your home, chances are, they’re going to come back with a list of demands — or ask for a price reduction based on the list of repairs the inspector says they need. But rather than dropping your price, you can turn to a great handyman to make any last-minute repairs and salvage your deal. When it comes to hiring a reliable handyman, you can’t trust just anyone. As a real estate agent, I’ve worked with dozens of local contractors, and I know exactly who you should call. For repair jobs big and small, I always recommend Damian Vasquez. Whether you’re looking at a simple repair like a broken door knob — or a major fix like a broken staircase — you can trust Damian Vasquez to get the job done to your highest satisfaction — and please even the most demanding buyers. xv

Damian Vasquez 954-849-0167

Read This Before You Sign a Contract With a Buyer

Imagine taking your home off the market for 60 days while a prospective buyer tries to buy it. Then, 60 days later, the buyer finds out they can’t get a loan. You just wasted 60 days of marketing time! Now, imagine that during the 60 days, another buyer wanted to buy your home. But the buyer couldn’t purchase it. Why? Because you signed a contract with the first buyer. By the time you find out the first buyer could not obtain financing, the other buyer has already bought a house! Ouch! You just lost a sale! This is why it’s so important to make sure a buyer is able to obtain financing before you sign a contract. Fortunately, I work with a mortgage lender who can pre-qualify any prospective buyers. Vitaliy Nikoaenko will tell you if are approved for financing. This is a free service. Buyers are under no obligation to use Cross Country Direct Lenders to get a loan. They’ll help buyers get the best loan for their financial needs: • Conventional—A conventional mortgage can lead to a low fixed rate or adjustable rate for your primary home, secondary home, or investment property. • FHA—An FHA mortgage is a great program for buyers. xvi

Its advantages are a low down payment without private mortgage insurance. The lender process can be streamlined, with no appraisal and reduced loan documentation to qualified applicants. • VA—A VA Mortgage offers many benefits, including no down payment and lower interest rates. • USDA—These are only available in certain areas deemed “rural” by the United States Department of Agriculture. Surprisingly, many properties on the outskirts of a metro area will qualify for these loan programs. The advantages of a USDA Mortgage are lower interest rates and zero down payment. Because Cross Country Mortgage is familiar with all of these loan programs, they can pre-qualify your buyers and ensure they obtain financing. That way, you avoid wasting time with buyers that will not qualify for financing. Before you sign a contract with a buyer, make sure you give them a call.

Vitaliy Nikolaenko Cross Country Mortgage 561-303-6030

Is Your Faucet Leaking?

No one wants to find themselves knee-deep in plumbing issues — both literally and figuratively. And even worse, no seller wants a home inspector to discover those issues when they’re just about to reach the finish line of a great deal.

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That’s why I always recommend my clients have their plumbing inspected by a professional before they put their homes up for sale. Michael Lan gives my clients peace of mind in the home-selling process. My sellers know going into the inspection process that everything will check out and won’t delay — or even destroy — their sale. Whether you have a leaky faucet or some strange hissing noise you just can’t place, put your trust in Michael Lan to get to the root of the issue and fix it for good!

Michael Lan 561-320-3025

Pool Worries, Be Gone!

If you own a pool, you know how much work can go into maintaining it. That stress doubles when you’re preparing to sell your home and want your pool to look like the relaxing oasis buyers imagine it to be. Having a pool can be a major selling feature for the right buyer. But buyers looking for a pool don’t want to see your pool and immediately think, “This is going to be a lot of work.”

Before you sell your home, you should consider the following:

• Is your pool clean? If it’s an above-ground pool, are the parts rusting and liner showing signs of wear and tear? If it’s an in-ground pool, are the cement, tile and grout

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spotless? • Are there any broken parts or leaks? Does it have broken tiles or cracked cement? • Is it fenced in? You may run into zoning code issues if you don’t have a proper fence installed. • Is it low on water? If buyers don’t notice these issues themselves, a home inspector will be sure to point them out. You’re better off handling any potential issues before you put your home for sale, rather than scrambling to fix them later on. Pool maintenance can be stressful — and costly — if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is one job you’re better off leaving to a professional. For all of your pool maintenance needs, I recommend Able Pool Services. They’ll turn your pool into the dream space every buyer wants to see.

Santino Viviano Able Pool Services 561-510-7322 ablepoolservices@gmail.com

The Roof Over Your Head The old saying goes, “As long as you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food on the table, and good friends and family, you have all you need to live a happy life.” But if your roof is leaky, old, or missing a few shingles, buyers won’t be happy making an offer on your home. Roof issues can be a major sticking point for buyers — and will 100% turn up in a home inspection. Likewise, many home buyer programs won’t finance homes with old or broken roofs. xix

If you want to save yourself the hassle of scrambling to make repairs at the last minute, I recommend having your roof checked out by a licensed professional before you put your home up for sale. Whether your roof needs to be completely redone or you just need to replace a few shingles, Roof Rite is the best local professional to handle your roofing project. Dozens of former clients have put their trust in Roof Rite, and I’m confident you’ll be pleased with their work.

Roof Rite 561-451-4567

The Secret to Selling for Top Dollar According to the National Association of Realtors® 2017 Profile of Home Staging, about one-third of buyer’s agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value their clients offered between 1 and 5% compared to other similar homes on the market that were not staged.

So what exactly is staging?

Home staging is the act of preparing a home for sale by arranging furniture and decor that allows potential buyers to picture themselves living in the home. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, causing it to sell more quickly and at a higher price point. As a real estate agent, I have a pretty good understanding of staging concepts. But I really prefer to recommend a xx

professional to give my clients the best chance of selling their homes for top dollar in the least time possible. CT Exclusive Homes has transformed spaces inside my clients’ homes. They offer connections to furniture rental companies and years of experience in the art of home staging.

CT Exclusive Homes, Home Staging Redesign 561-247-2231

Ensure Your Closing is Smooth and Easy

Here is everything Exceptional Title can do to ensure you have a stress-free, smooth, and easy real estate closing: • Solid Communication. They keep you updated on what’s happening at all times and respond to your inquiries in a timely manner. • No surprises. They work hard to get everything lined up properly early on in the transaction, so there are no surprises later. • Convenient closings. They work hard to close at a time that is convenient to your schedule. If you can’t make it to the closing, they’ll handle it with a convenient “mail- away” closing. • Competitive Rates. They work hard to offer their services at a competitive, affordable price. • Knowledgeable. They understand that real estate is a

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complicated industry. If you have any questions throughout the process, they’ll answer them for you.

Here’s the first step to get started on your stress-free, no-hassle closing.

Find Out Exactly How Much Money You’ll Receive on Your Sale.

Exceptional Title will put together a free, no-obligation closing cost estimate to show how much money you’ll receive from your home sale. The free estimate will itemize all of your projected closings costs and fees. To request a copy of this free estimate, send an email to info@exceptionaltitle.net Or, can call their office at 561-819-1238.

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Homes For Heroes Service Deserves Its Rewards®!

I am also an affiliate SRES with a national program called Homes for Heroes®. Homes for Heroes was established shortly following the tragic events of 9/11 as a way to give back and say “Thank You” to our nation’s heroes. When heroes work with Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate specialists and local businesses, they receive Hero Rewards® which are easy ways for firefighters, law enforcement, military (active, reserves and veterans), healthcare workers, EMS and teachers to save significant money when buying, selling or refinancing a home; or when making every day home-related purchases. HERO REWARDS • BUY OR SELL A HOME and receive a check from Homes for Heroes. • MORTGAGE or REFINANCE and receive reduced lending fees. • LOCAL BUSINESS AFFILIATES also provide special hero discounts. The Circle of Giving Every time a hero uses Homes for Heroes, they help other heroes in need. A portion of Homes for Heroes' earnings is donated to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) that provides assistance to heroes in need. Why am I telling you this? Because this program is available everywhere in the United States, and you may be a hero or you may know a hero that

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would benefit from this program.

To sign up, or for more information about Homes for Heroes (or the Foundation), please visit http://www.homesforheroes.com/ affiliate/albert-wolf or contact me at 561-512-6780 or email albert.wolf@exprealty.com. Thank you for your time, and for helping to say “Thank You” to each and every community hero. Because Service Deserves Its Rewards®!

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Testimonials & Reviews for Albert Wolf Here’s a list of people whom I have helped buy or sell a home, and what they said about working with me:

Albert had a tough job, but he did it!

We were tough clients! We were moving to the Delray Beach area and didn’t have a lot of time to look at houses, having to deal with our employer’s relocation, and all of the other challenges that came along. But, Albert went above and beyond to help us. Even now, one year after the sale closed, I can still call him for business and service recommendations in the area — he knows just about everyone, and is very happy to help.

Albert is the best agent in Delray Beach!

I’ve used him twice so far, and I was impressed both times. I bought my dream home with Al a year ago. He worked long and hard to find me the perfect home. And he just recently sold another property of mine. Everything went quickly and smoothly. Both of my real estate deals were done very quickly and professionally. Albert is honestly the BEST in his business. I would highly recommend him.

Albert's perseverance got me the house

My experience with Albert during the entire home-buying process, from start to finish, has been nothing short of exceptional. I have a unique work structure, and because of this, it was very difficult to find mortgage lenders that would approve me for a home. I was very frustrated and on the verge of giving up, but Albert insisted that we continue searching. Not only did we find a mortgage lender but also a mortgage that I felt great xxv

about. His perseverance is the reason I am now a homeowner. He is professional, punctual, knowledgeable, and very easy to work with. With the highest regard, I will recommend Albert to all my friends and family.

Very attentive to concerns, details, and negotiations

Albert helped me find a house by literally picking it out for me. Every house I wanted to go to, I got there and didn’t love it. He was busy taking note of the likes and dislikes I was stating and said “I have a house that you’re going to love”.... AND I DID! I went back 4 or 5 times to show other members of my family, and he accommodated me without complaint. I was a first-time homebuyer, and he walked me through the steps of everything, gave me advice, and constantly followed up to make sure I was doing OK. With his help, I was able to close on the house early, right before I started my new job. I would recommend Albert to EVERYONE, buying or selling. Albert made it so so easy. He guided us through the entire process. He recommended great people to work with every step of the way. He was available 24/7 to answer any questions we may have had. With his high standards, expertise in the industry, and patience, we would recommend him as a Realtor to anyone looking! He was amazing!

Albert even advised me on how to prepare my house

Albert was a gem. In addition to being highly knowledgeable about the real estate market, with many years of experience, he is a consummate professional. He was extremely easy to work with, gave me very good advice about preparing my house for sale and was very responsive during the entire process of receiving offers, selling and closing. I would work with him again in a heartbeat. He's that good.

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Albert Wolf is the first agent I would call

Albert and his team were able to rapidly list, show and sell my property. Being an expert in real estate, he was spot on in his pricing of my property and getting this deal completed. Overall, I highly recommend Albert and his team. If I want to buy real estate, Albert would be the first person I’d call.

Albert got us an offer in three days!

Albert was the consummate professional during our stressful and difficult process. In the midst of juggling a ‘failed’ marketing effort with another agent, he presented a well thought out plan and strategy to sell our home in short order. We needed to move quickly due to a growing family and another baby on the way. He helped alleviate that pressure by securing an acceptable offer with 3 days of listing. We put pressure on him, and he delivered. We couldn’t thank him enough.

Albert kept us calm throughout the process!

Albert always made himself available to answer questions. He worked hard to sell our home and find the best fit for our new home. Albert and his team worked with us through the entire process and kept us calm when we got anxious.

I am 100 percent satisfied!!

Albert is professional and knowledgeable about everything. He is also always available. I would definitely recommend him to anyone. Very smooth transaction from start to finish. I felt confident with his experience.

Albert found us our dream home

Albert was very efficient and helped us find our dream home

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within a few short months. He was able to negotiate the price that we wanted for the house. Overall, I would look for him again to help us look for a house if need be in the future. Thank you so much!

Efficient communication and service

Albert and his staff were very helpful in selling our condo. They kept me informed frequently with email, sending reports on showings, offers, and feedback from potential buyers. We are very satisfied.

Albert will get your house sold fast!

Albert is great and has the expertise to get your house sold. The communications throughout our sale (from beginning to end) has been outstanding. Albert understands the stress involved in selling your house, and he updated our family consistently! This made us feel we were in good hands. I have worked with numerous agents, and I highly recommend him to represent you when it comes time to sell your home.

Excellent experience topped with a personal touch

Excellent experience all around, not only knowledgeable but Albert and team have a very personal touch I felt like family throughout the entire process. He always took his time; we never felt rushed or like “just a number.” I sold my home and bought with him. We had lots of questions he gladly answered them with no problem and guided us through the entire process, eliminating lots of stress. I truly appreciate that and would recommend him and his team to family and friends.

Sold our home in a week!

Albert was an absolute dream to work with. Professional,

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responsive, efficient, and my moral support when in time of need...unfortunately for him. We sold the home within a week. What else can you ask for? Grateful, grateful, grateful!!!

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Your Senior Real Estate Specialist As someone over the age of 50, your needs aren't the same as a first-time homebuyer or seller. You might be looking to retire, downsize, or join an active adult community. Whatever reason you may have for considering a move, you can depend on me as your SRES® to guide you through every part of the process. Through the National Association of Realtors, I have unparalleled training and experience in seniors real estate, including: • Helping you manage the financial and emotional challenges of selling a long-held family home • Creating a customized plan to market and sell your property • Understanding your unique needs and creating a customized plan to ensure your home meets those needs now and in the future • Utilizing specialized knowledge in reverse mortgages, 401(k) accounts, and IRAs for your real estate transaction • Connecting you with their vast network of movers, attorneys, home inspectors, and other experts to help you through the process

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CHAPTER 1 Home is Where the Heart is Picture your life in 3, 5, even 10 years from now. What does it look like? Do you look upon the future with trepidation? Or are you excited to make the most of your post-retirement years? If you identify with the latter, I want you to know you’re not alone. When we’ve spent the better part of our lives raising families, establishing careers, and building meaningful relationships, imagining such a drastically different life and lifestyle can seem impossible — and even scary. But I’m here to tell you that while the future may be drastically different, it can also be equally wonderful.

Now, I want you to think specifically about your home.

In 10 years, are you still living in the same house? Is it still the perfect home you once thought it to be? 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.? 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 1

moving in, leaving you feeling like you no longer “belong?” Has the overall sense of community changed? Is your home no longer meeting your needs? 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.” Many homeowners who have lived in their family homes for a long time — sometimes decades — take this to mean that their house is where the heart is. Homeowners don’t want to think about letting go of their longtime family homes because of all the memories they hold. However, I’d like to amend that age-old expression to “Home is where you are.” Wherever you live will become your home, even if it’s hard to let go of the space you currently call home. Moving toward retirement and your senior years is not what it used to be. Nowadays, more and more people are looking forward to this stage of life. It doesn’t have to be a scary or overwhelming time, or one that gives you a sense of dread that your best years have passed you by. With this book, I 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. There is plenty to look forward to as you enter this next phase of your life, and where you plan to live is one exciting element to consider. Think about the future and all its possibilities.

What if I 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 naturally becoming more organized and reducing your consumption of “stuff.” 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 20 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 just starting to think about moving to a new home. • Are considering moving but aren’t sure about the best way to go about it. • Are taking the first steps toward saying goodbye to your home and preparing to say hello to a new one and a new, exciting future. • Have questions or doubts about moving. • Feel overwhelmed about the process, especially if you’ve accumulated a lot of “stuff ” over the years and need to do a major decluttering overhaul. • Aren’t sure about the benefits of moving. • Don’t know which repairs or updates to make before selling.

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 in a new home, all while taking advantage of the many benefits of living in a more manageable, and lower-maintenance space.

Remember, home is where the heart is, 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 an agent to help you through the process As an experienced real estate agent, I understand the intricacies of selling and buying homes, and I 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 talk in much more detail about the different types of homes you can consider and the best type of dwelling to suit your needs (and what might 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 4

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. Let this book serve as your guide to navigating this important, yet exciting time in your life as you think about where you will ultimately live your best years in comfort and style.

CHAPTER 2 What Are You Looking for in Your Next Home?

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 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 surprising or even unexpected benefits of selling your current home and moving into another one. For the purposes of this chapter, we’re going to focus specifically 7

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 because you might just be able to purchase your next home outright. You might even stand to make a sizable profit (this is all dependent on your individual market and how much your current home is worth) and feather your nest egg. If you’ve been delaying retirement because you don’t think you can afford it, selling your larger home and moving into a smaller one could allow you to finally retire in peace and comfort.

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 you sell your

home, ask your real estate agent to help you do some research about the different 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, even though you likely have more than enough of it. 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 won’t want all that decluttering to go to waste, so you’ll naturally buy less of everything — food, clothing, consumer goods, household décor, furniture, etc. 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 organized. Decluttering might

seem like a disadvantage to downsizing. After all, it’s time- consuming, exhausting, and sometimes even heartbreaking to go through all the stuff you’ve accumulated throughout the years and get rid of much of it. But the short-term hassle is worth it. You’ll be forced to eliminate all that clutter and end up with only what you need and your most valuable items. This will free up space in your home and in your mind.

5. Accessibility

For many individuals entering retirement — especially those with health or mobility issues — accessibility within a home becomes increasingly important. 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 from a two- or three-level home into a smaller, one-level house, condo, or apartment 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 that you will probably drive less.

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, etc. Many people who live in suburban communities feel isolated in retirement. 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 ongoing 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 mean reducing, or even eliminating, a lot of work for your grown children — something that many empty nesters find to be important. Adult children are often left with the arduous, time-consuming, and often unnecessary task of sorting through, giving away, selling, and storing the possessions of their parents after the parents become ill, are immobilized, move into assisted-living facilities, or pass away. Is this something you want your own children to deal with? While paring down your possessions is definitely better for you as you go through the process of downsizing — for decluttering, organization, making the most of your new space, and even 11

mental health — it’s also considered a gift to your adult children because they won’t have to sort through all of your stuff down the road. Too often, aging parents hang on to sentimental possessions in the hope — or assumption — that their children or grandchildren will desire them some day. However, the truth is that many children don’t even want these items their parents have “saved” for them. Before you save anything for your children or other family members, ask them if it’s something they might want in the future. I know someone who saved his extensive record collection, retaining them through several moves, only to find his nephew, whom he had been saving them for, didn’t want them. He eventually sold them to someone who treasured them as much as he did, and he made a healthy profit in return. When you do go through these more personal items, make sure to approach the process fairly to avoid any conflicts or confrontations about who gets what. Downsizing can prevent all this hassle, as you’ll be forced to declutter and become more organized.

8. More Time

Besides the money-saving opportunities, one of the biggest benefits of downsizing is more 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 a leisurely walk, exercise, volunteering, a neglected activity or hobby, time with family or friends, travel, 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.

9. 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.

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 — that 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 I’ve already pointed out, you will have more time and less stress.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

There are plenty of options when you’re looking to downsize and live a simpler, more carefree and 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 generally three options to consider (and different variations of each):

• Smaller single-family house or townhouse

• Condo or apartment • Community living

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? • 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 hope or 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?

Key Takeaway:

Once you’ve decided to sell your home, the next big question is, where should you move? The options are essentially 1) a smaller single-family house or townhouse; 2) a condo or apartment; or 3) community living. The right choice for you will be based on a variety of factors, including your motivation for moving, whether you expect this to be your final home, your desired level of independence, the features you’re looking for, and the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy.

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