Real estate tips for seniors

Whether downsizing, considering a condo, or aging in place, experienced realtors provide insight

By Andrea Busche

When it comes to housing, different life stages present different considerations. An active, young family may need a big yard and extra bedrooms. Those in middle age might want the ability to walk to work. Senior citizens, however, have other factors entirely, ranging from safety and socialization to convenience and upkeep.

JS Realty, LLC, a family-owned and operated real estate company doing business in Duluth and the surrounding area since 1989, are experts in matching residents to homes. The team is multigenerational, consisting of family matriarch Jackie Sathers; her daughter, Jamie Sathers-Day; daughter-in-law Julie Sathers; and grandson, Braxton Sathers.

Using their knowledge of real estate tailored to each generation, the JS team provides some expert tips for seniors to consider when planning their next move.

Safety

As we age, stairs can become more difficult to navigate. Thus, a single-story home may be a good choice. Other safety “tools” include wider doorways, an attached garage, grab bars, and a flat yard. These accommodations can be incorporated in a few ways: by downsizing to a smaller home, considering apartment or condominium-style living, or retrofitting an existing home, and aging in place.

“Certain homes are easier to adapt for seniors,” Julie Sathers said. “You can easily adapt a ranch-style home, but a two-story home or an older home may be more difficult to retrofit.”

Selling and relocating to an apartment or condo can be a good alternative.

“There are lots of new rental complexes in town that are very senior-friendly,” she added.

Another perk to downsizing is that it usually equates to more money in your pocket, due to accessing the equity in your home, along with lower utility bills and property taxes.

Maintenance

Maintaining a large house and yard can be challenging for senior citizens. A smaller, low-maintenance home may be preferred. If a move to an apartment or condo isn’t feasible, however, hiring help, even temporarily, can lift the burden.

“Many times, we’ll visit with a potential seller, but they aren’t ready to move quite yet,” Jackie Sathers said. “Sometimes we recommend they hire someone to handle their lawn care or snow removal until they are ready to move to a place where this is done for them.”

Socialization

Another “pro” in the column of apartment or condominium-style living is the extra socialization.

Julie Sathers (from left), Braxton Sathers, Jackie Sathers and Jamie Sathers-Day of JS Realty offer a unique multigenerational perspective on buying and selling homes. Photo courtesy of JS Realty

“People who live in condos or townhomes have more contact with people,” Jamie Sathers-Day said. “They might have card night, happy hour, or other activities helping them interact more regularly.”

“A lot of seniors become depressed,” Jackie Sathers added. “When they live in community, they can all care for and look out for each other.”

Much to consider

In our senior years, there are several important factors to consider in regards to housing. Safety, finances, convenience, and socialization all play a role. But, between downsizing, apartment or condo-style living, or even retrofitting your existing home, today’s seniors have more choices than ever.