Five years ago, when my parents were about to turn 80, they decided to sell their home of 42 years. Declining health made it too difficult to deal with septic tanks, stairs, a swimming pool, an acre of land and a 60 year old house. Once the decision was made, the process of downsizing, packing and preparing the home for sale began in earnest. They were fortunate to have a “staff” of 21 children, sons- and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren to help organize, pack, or dispose of 42 years of collected possessions. A pest report was done, repairs were made, and before long the house was pristine.

I listed the home in April of 2004, and we were immediately inundated with showings. They started talking with their accountant to make sure they understood the tax consequences of selling their home, for which they paid $20,000 in 1962. They learned that they could take their low property tax rate with them when they moved to their replacement home, provided it was in the same county and cost less than they sold their home for. They learned how they could minimize the capital gains tax, and fortunately they had kept receipts for all the improvements they had made over the years.

While we were negotiating offers, we at the same time were looking for a replacement home. They learned that any home more than a couple hundred square feet smaller just felt too confining, and older homes would bring them the same kinds of maintenance issues they were trying to escape. They experienced first hand what a Realtor’s job involved, and we had fun navigating the process together. Imagine how the real estate industry has changed in four decades! Knowing I had only their best interests at heart really helped alleviate much of the anxiety such a move could produce.

We finally found a small new home development where they purchased the last home in the first building phase. Built on a concrete slab, there are no stairs to navigate. My dad had a great time planning the backyard garden and directing the landscapers. I tried hard to convince my mom to add all the upgrades she wanted, but Depression-era habits die hard, and she was satisfied to order hardwood flooring in a couple of rooms and leave it at that. Having all new appliances was her version of heaven.

Their new neighborhood is filled with young families, to whom my parents are honorary grandparents. They attend neighborhood block parties and feel connected and useful. As they now approach 85, they need a little more help with home maintenance and chores; with a combination of hired help, and children and grandchildren pitching in, they are able to successfully walk the line between independence and assisted living. They often marvel at how fortunate they are to have found the perfect home at the perfect time in the perfect neighborhood. I, as their Realtor and their daughter, feel doubly blessed that I was able to help them achieve their goals while keeping the stress levels as low as possible, and spend quality time with my parents as they enter a new phase of their lives.

That experience inspired me to obtain the Realtor designation of SRES – Seniors Real Estate Specialist – to further assist seniors and their families as they look for solutions to so many of the challenges they face as they get older. I can’t think of anything more fulfilling and rewarding, can you?

Posted By: Deborah Byrne