SENIOR MOVES
The Senior Move
Acting as the real estate professional for a family or executor when a home was the long-time residence of a senior or a senior couple requires special skills, learned skills and a great deal of care and patience.
In 2006 I embarked on a journey into the field of senior real estate service. In 2007, after one year of study and meeting with top professionals from accountants to trust company executors, I launched the Accredited Senior Agent professional designation for Canadian Realtors. Over the years, thousands of Canadian Realtors have taken the course and for that I am proud. I can claim to be the “guy who wrote the book” on this subject.
As an active Realtor during the past years at RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., I have personally sold more than 60 houses or condominiums where I assisted seniors with downsizing or dealt with estates, and in two cases, helped seniors in their 60s to acquire their lifetime dream homes.
Listing and selling is not the sole role of a Realtor in a senior process. There are many professionals from lawyers to downsizing firms to be consulted. There are unfortunately families who are not in sync, families who are fractured, and a professional, trained Realtor has to work with all parties to make the end result work for everyone. Sometimes, with Family Wars, the process is very difficult. Combine that with a parent who does not want to move and the situation calls for someone with exceptional skills and experience in this field.
I did not just write the material, I have grown and am one of a limited number of Master‑ASA designated Realtors in Canada. I am but a member of this esteemed group. We meet, we attend seminars, we consult with each other and we have many programs to give us more insight into the world of seniors, their families and the dynamics of the real estate process.
As a professional, being a trained arbitrator and mediator and having learned with the Essential Conversations group, it is part of what I do, assisting families who cannot agree on the process, who are at odds and frankly in too many cases allowing old hurts or grudges to burden the process that must be undertaken.
I do my job and well but as a person who cares about the senior field, I find myself doing a fair amount of hand-holding and ensuring that there is an ease in the process.
Due to my work and experience in this field I have the honour to be the official Realtor for Baycrest Hospital’s life-lease program at 2 Neptune Drive in Toronto. In 2016 I was appointed as their real estate professional to purchase suites to transition into rental units for those 65+.
There are easier ways for a Realtor to make a living than working in the complex world of senior real estate practice but I can sincerely state, I am doing what I love to do, helping families who feel frustrated by what lies ahead when it is time to move out mom or dad or handle the estate.
It is not easy to be a problem-solving professional but at all times, be it mom, dad, the family or the executor, I will always put my clients first.
FAQS
Do I need independent legal advice when signing real estate documents?
Is there a “best” time of the year to sell?
How to chose a retirement home?
How to chose a nursing or care facility?
This is where the family steps in. If money is not an object the exercise is easier, but for tight budgets, in Ontario, one is given 3 choices traditionally, and must select one and quickly as bed space is limited. Unfortunately, few plan for this day and many families are in crisis. We offer a professional health care expert to work with the family to ensure that all goes smoothly and the best options for their loved one are achieved.
What do I do with the money from the sale of my property?
Is my money from my property sale tax free?
Is Moving Very Stressful?
It does not have to be. We provide consulting for free with a professional transition manager who can bring ease to the process. She will guide you as to what to take to your new home, what to give to family, what to donate, what to sell and what to just toss out. Doing it yourself or doing with family is stressful and very time consuming. There is no need for that as transition management today is practical.
What About My Stuff, the Things That Fill My Home?
Note: The answers herein are not to be considered independent legal advice or any other advice outside of the expertise of real estate transactions solely. Any party who wants to consider an answer herein should seek independent legal or other professional advice before proceeding.