What Every Macomb County MI Senior Should Know Before Considering Selling Their Oversized Property

Ok, you have retired; your home could be one of your most valuable assets for your retirement years. Therefore, selling your house when you are in your sixties or seventies has a different set of considerations than when you were younger. Whether you're rightsizing to buy a maintenance free condominium  in a new community or moving to a senior living community, or maybe you are just thinking about renting an apartment closer to friends and family. It takes careful planning to have a successful move.

Seek Specialized & Trained Real Estate Assistance

It is critical to find a real estate agent like Rick Giese associate broker at RE/MAX Advisors with over 27 years of experience and is very knowledgeable about the specialized needs of seniors. Through experience or specialized training and credentialing programs, Rick is familiar with senior housing options, the Housing for Older Persons Act, possible schemes and scams and the implications of various financial transactions. A Rick Giese can guide you in making appropriate sales decisions and refer you to other experts as needed. Check Rick Giese’s marketing information and talk to his broker to confirm that Rick has credentials and experience working with senior clients.

Know Exactly What Your Home's Current Value Is

Having lived in your home for many years, it is natural to be unsure of its current value. However, lack of knowledge about current prices could cause you to accept much less for your home than it is worth. You also might wait too long to accept a fair offer under the mistaken belief that a higher one may be around the corner. To find out the current price for your home, so that you don't lose out on a sale, review the comparative market analysis, or CMA, provided by Rick Giese. The CMA, compiled from data in your neighborhood and others close by accessing the region's multiple listing services, includes the most up-to-date information about homes in your neighborhood, similar to yours, that have sold or that are on the market for sale.

Steps to "Rightsizing" Into Your New Home

Selling your home presents an ideal time to sort through your belongings. "Rightsizing," a term used by Rick Giese, means removing knick-knacks, excess furniture and family photos from your home before putting it on the market. Rightsizing makes a house look more spacious and helps potential buyers picture their belongings in the house rather than yours. You may have accumulated many mementos through the years that you may wish to sell, giveaway to family members or donate before moving. Label each piece to who you would like to give to each person that will care for the family memento. Other items can be donated to places like Second Hand Rose resale shop (great group who use the money to help abused women). While the house is on the market, keep items you wish to retain in storage. Valuables, medications and other personal items should be kept out of sight.

Follow us on Face book at: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsRealEstateOfMacombMichigan

Consistently ranked as one of Southeastern Michigan's associate brokers of Equity Sales and Short Sales. Rick Giese has over 27 years of Real Estate experience and is one of the areas Rick has a strong focus on assisting Senior homeowners in need, Rick Giese offers a straightforward no nonsense consultation designed to give you all the information and facts to enable you to make the best decision for you and your family. As every situation is different, Rick offers his insight and knowledge of the real estate transaction process and all the options available to you to get the most money the market will pay or to help you avoid foreclosure. Call Rick Giese today at toll free 1-800-274-5656 or your free consultation of your situation and sleep better tonight

Understanding Your Senior Living Options for Macomb County Michigan Seniors

Downsizing seniors have more housing options today than ever before. Here’s a quick guide to understanding industry terminology and the differences between the numerous senior living options available.

Continuing Care Communities

Continuing Care means forever, but at additional expense as you need more care, and not necessarily on the same premises. The terms “pay-as-you-go” and “a la carte” are definitions used for programs at Continuing Care Communities. There is usually an initial entrance fee, and then the additional care you receive is priced as it is provided. A prorated portion of the entrance fee is usually refunded depending on the length of time a person resides in the community.

Lifecare Communities

Lifecare means care forever on the same premises (excluding acute care) with no increase, except for the yearly inflation increases. Lifecare is a form of Continuing Care, but it takes it one step further. It is usually referred to as the “extensive care plan.”

Many people think of Lifecare as a form of long-term care insurance. You may pay a higher entrance fee than in a Continuing Care community, but the financial security of knowing that once you are in you won’t have an increase in your medical costs as long as you live can be reassuring. A person must be able to live independently upon moving in and must pass a physical exam given by a professional at the community.

There are refundable entrance fee packages available, but the entrance fee is usually more and is prorated according to the time a person resides in the community. Some Lifecare communities also offer a “continuing care” contract option for those who would rather pay as they go.

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities are appropriate for individuals who are unable to function in an independent environment, but who don’t require the level of supervision and care provided in a skilled nursing community. Most residents need some assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, housekeeping, and medication monitoring. The staff oversees these things as well as offers social activities and outings for shopping or doctor appointments. Residents are free to come and go as they please and have access to in-house amenities, such as salons and whirlpool tubs.

These types of communities are private pay and vary in price. They are rented on a month-to-month basis, although some may require a lease. Apartments are small and sometimes include a kitchenette with a microwave and small refrigerator. Meals are provided in a common dining area, usually three times daily.

Independent Living Communities

Independent senior living retirement communities are not licensed and offer a variety services. They usually have a minimum age requirement and rent from month to month. The key here is that they are “independent” retirement communities, meaning they DO NOT provide medical care. Most will arrange for independent home health services to come in if needed temporarily; however, when a person is required to have ongoing medical care, they will no longer be eligible to live in the community.

Independent Retirement Communities typically offer full kitchens, some meals in a common dining room, housekeeping, paid utilities (except telephone and cable), laundry facilities, 24-hour staffing, and private areas for tenant use. Since these communities are not licensed, they can charge whatever the market will bear and are not subject to uniform regulations like licensed communities. Some are affiliated with churches, schools, and other community programs.

Skilled Nursing Communities

Skilled nursing communities are known historically as “rest homes” or “nursing homes.” Residents at these communities are typically unable to live independently and need more medical assistance than assisted living communities will provide.

Skilled communities offer 24-hour nursing care, assistance with bathing, feeding, grooming, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medically necessary services. A nursing care community can be a temporary arrangement while someone is recovering from surgery or a stroke, or it can be permanent if a person is going to need ongoing medical care and/or supervision. Levels of care in nursing communities can vary from unit to unit within the same community, some offering more or less services than others. There are no age requirements for living in nursing communities; therefore, persons of any age with chronic illnesses or injuries may also reside there.

Memory Care

Many skilled nursing communities have added a section designed specifically for dementia patients and their special needs. Some Lifecare and Continuing Care Communities have also added special Alzheimer’s care. These areas are typically secured and require a code for access in and out for the safety of those residents who have a tendency to wander. All specialized units are different, so it is important to ask questions and tour the entire community to get a feel for the overall care provided and services offered.

Planned Adult Communities

Planned Adult Communities are characterized by clusters of apartments and condominiums or single-family homes built around a core of services and amenities. Residents can own their own property and must abide by the covenants, codes, and restrictions administered by a governing body which deals with the policies of the community facilities, property requirements, charges and assessments, and provisions of the association of homeowners. In some parts of the country, these types of communities are promoted as recreational and are located on golf courses and lakes.

Condos, Townhomes, and Duplexes

If a person would prefer to live in a multi-generational environment and not in an exclusively senior community, but needs maintenance-free living, there is the option of a condominium, townhouse, or duplex. Downsizing from a large home with a large yard to a duplex with a small yard may prove to be a helpful transition for a person who is still able to care for a household, but who may not have the stamina or desire to care for a large home and/or acreage.

With some private housekeeping assistance and lawn care provided, many empty nesters find that this transition is less stressful than an immediate move to a retirement community. It is not considered specifically a “senior” community option, but one that certainly should be considered if a person is in good physical and mental health.

Subsidized and Low Income Housing

There are a variety of senior complexes throughout the country which offer subsidized rent. Most of them are multi-level apartments, and while they do not include the lavish décor of the Lifecare and Continuing Care communities, they are typically well-maintained and affordable. Some are subsidized through HUD, while others are operated by non-profit organizations and property management companies. There are often waiting lists to get in, and once you are called with an available opening, you must make a decision quickly. If you do not accept it in a timely manner, your name will go back to the bottom of the list.

Advice when touring long-term care communities

1.             Visit on different days and at various times, including mealtimes, taking note of nursing staff levels.

2.             Talk to members of the nursing staff about how long they have worked there.

3.             Ask the nursing community administrators about staff-to-resident levels.

4.             Get a copy of the most recent state survey of the facility to learn if it has been cited   for deficiencies.

5.             Ask if they have a plan of care for each resident and if it is revised continually.

6.             Contact the local ombudsman organization and ask them about specific long-term care facilities in the area.

Follow us on Face book at: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsRealEstateOfMacombMichigan

Consistently ranked as one of Southeastern Michigan's associate brokers of Equity Sales and Short Sales. Rick Giese has over 27 years of Real Estate experience and is one of the areas Rick has a strong focus on assisting Senior homeowners in need, Rick Giese offers a straightforward no nonsense consultation designed to give you all the information and facts to enable you to make the best decision for you and your family. As every situation is different, Rick offers his insight and knowledge of the real estate transaction process and all the options available to you to get the most money the market will pay or to help you avoid foreclosure. Call Rick Giese today at toll free 1-800-274-5656 or your free consultation of your situation and sleep better tonight

Rick Giese Gives Macomb County MI Gives Seven Things Seniors Should Know About Reverse Mortgages

Let me begin by saying, I am not a mortgage specialist and I advise you to consult with one for more information. If you want to contact me, I'll be happy to refer you to a couple around the Macomb County area.  Also, consider speaking with the appropriate experts in the area in which you may have other questions such as, income taxes, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, etc.

So,  What is a Reverse Mortgage?

Allows homeowners age 62 and older to convert part of the equity in their primary residence into cash and have No Monthly Debt.  There is No Income or Credit Score Requirements.  Cash received from a Reverse Mortgage is tax-free and can be used for any purpose.  Homeowners retain ownership and cannot be forced to leave their home when all loan terms are being met.  The loan, including accrued fees, is due when the home is vacated due to sale, moving, or death of the owners.  Neither the owners nor their heirs are personally liable for more than the value of the home and a Reverse Mortgage can be used to purchase a primary home.

Seven Things Seniors Should Know About  Reverse Mortgages

1.  How Do I Qualify?

be at least 62 years old
occupy the property as your primary residence
pay off any existing liens from proceeds at settlement
attend an informal session with a housing counselor, usually by telephone

2.  Why Would I Want a Reverse Mortgage?

pay off existing debt - be free from monthly debt payments
cash for medical care, travel, home improvements, education, help family members
provide living expenses when savings or social security income are insufficient
use the cash in any way you want
allows borrowers to remain independent

3.  How is a Reverse Mortgage Repaid?

The loan becomes due when you vacate the property due to moving, the sale of the house, or the death of the borrowers
you or your heirs may settle the loan by selling the property or refinancing it

4.  How Much Money can I Get?

Factors that determine the loan are:
your age
the value of your home
current interest rates for the Reverse Mortgage Program
current loan principal limits

5.  Will My Heirs be Affected?

The debt does not pass to heirs
The lender has no claim on assets other than the then current market value of the home upon loan maturity
Guaranteed by the federal government or the proprietary lender

6.  How Do I Get the Money?

Payment options include:
lump sum payment
line of credit - leave in an account for use as you need it
tenure plan - receive a certain amount monthly throughout your life
term plan - receive a certain amount over a specified number of years

7.  Will I Ever Have to Leave My Home?

With a Reverse Mortgage, you must:
occupy the home as your primary residence
pay homeowner's insurance
pay property taxes
maintain your home
If you fulfill these obligations, you can Never be forced from your home.

If you need a referral to a Reverse Mortgage Specialist, call me Rick Giese associate broker & (SRES) Senior Real Estate Specialist at 586.242.3100 or email rick@rickgiese.com  today.

Follow Us On: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsRealEstateOfMacombMichigan

Rick Giese (SRES) Macomb MI Downsizing Made Easy Step 3 of 5 for Seniors

Why So Many Seniors Are Undecided About Downsizing From Their Current House or Condo?

Why So Many Seniors Are Undecided About Downsizing From Their Current House or Condo?

Here are top five reasons seniors why are still undecided about downsizing.

1. Size of home.  Most of them have lived in their homes for decades and the thought of getting rid of furniture and other items so that they can buy a smaller home is daunting. I had people who said they have a 4 bedroom, home with garage and basement and the only thing they might give up is one of the bedrooms. They still want a basement and den.
The only drawback with one of my listings was that there was no basement. Many seniors just do not want to give away any of their furniture or belongings with sentimental value.
2. Location of home. Another concern people have when they decide to move is to decide the State or city they would want to move to. They may like to move to warmer climate with milder winters because of health reasons but they may be scared to move far from family and friends. They do not want to move far from their doctors if they have health issues. They are concerned about finding good doctors when they move.
3. Should they live with their children? Some seniors debate whether they should buy a home with in-law suite so that their children can live with them. They can thus be close to grandchildren and their children. But again the thought of giving up some of their independence when they live in the same house is cause for concern.
4. Should they sell first or buy first? Seniors do not want to get a mortgage on their new home. They do not like the thought of a 30 or even 15 year mortgage. They want to pay cash after they sell their home. They do not know whether they should list their home and wait till it sells or look for homes and then list their home. I receive calls from seniors asking if I have any rentals for seniors because they are afraid they will have no where to go if their home that is already on the market sells. They have their own agent but they find my name on the internet as a Senior Real Estate specialist and call me. Unfortunately there aren't many homes available for rent in my area in senior communities.
5. Budget. Many seniors have lived in their homes for long and their taxes are low. When they look at newer homes in senior communities they find that they will pay a considerable amount for association dues and taxes. It would be helpful if they can turn to a financial adviser who can check their budget and show them the benefits if they can afford it.

 I respect their concerns and not push them into a Seniors Community. Patience is a virtue especially when working with seniors. They have genuine fears and concerns. I always show empathy and listen to their needs.

Have You Considered moving...but the thought of putting your home or

Condo up-for-sale to downsize is giving you chills about getting rid of

Decades of your “treasures?”

Good News …Rick Giese Macomb Counties (SRES) Senior Real Estate Specialist has just published a guide for you “Downsizing Made Easy 5 Easy Steps to a Successful Move”

To get your FREE, No Obligation copy of this guide a $24.95 (book store value) that will show you how to turn your overwhelming anxiety and moving stress into a Happy Experience! There are 3 easy ways to get your FREE guide delivered to your mailbox. You can order online

at www.5StepstoDownsizing.com or email rick@rickgiese.com ask for your downsizing guide (be sure to leave your name, address, city, zip code) or call our 24 hour toll free message line at 888-472-2474 (be sure to leave your name, address, city, zip code)

Offer valid to Macomb County residents only. If your home is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard this offer

If you are a senior looking for information about active adult communities in the Macomb County Area of Michigan or would like a free market evaluation of your home call Rick Giese (SRES) RE/MAX Advisors 1-800-274-5656 or 586-242-3100

Rick Giese is a Associate Broker with RE/MAX Advisors in Macomb County Michigan.

You can keep up to date with the Seniors Real Estate Market at: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsRealEstateOfMacombMichigan

Tips for Seniors and Their Kids for Downsizing and Decluttering the Seniors Homes and Condos to Sell

Lately, a lot of my appointments have been homes that are in estates or are being lived in by seniors who are considering moving into a Senior Living Community.  And these properties needed some help with whipping these places into best showing condition, so they could sell for the most money.
At yesterday's office meeting, it was like our broker, Maria, read my mind.  She invited local Senior Move Transition Expert Sean Lane from Clean Up Clear Out. The main subject of his talk was working with seniors.  But a lot of his information could help all of us make our living space more attractive, even if we are not planning to sell anytime soon.
Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

• Conquer your own clutter before addressing someone else's clutter issues.  Hmmmm....
• Keep a shopping bag in your closet so you have a handy place to put giveaways.  When it is full, donate!
• At the beginning of each season, hang clothes with hanger backwards on the rod.  As you wear your clothes, rehang them.  At the end of the season, you will be able to tell what you didn't         wear, and put them in the donate bag (unless, of course, it's an old favorites that you'll look fabulous in after you lose those ten pesky pounds!).
• Keep a box near your kitchen where you can place giveaways.  When it is full, donate!
• Get a three-ring binder with zippered holders for important papers:  your passports, birth certificates, car titles, proof of immunizations (for you and for your spouse), insurance policies, etc.  Remember where you put it!
• Make you bed every single day.  That's the instant declutter for your bedroom.
• Get rid of anything that does not make you smile.  If you no longer love it or the person who gave it to you, put it in the donate bag or box.

Sean had a lot of other suggestions that were specific to working with seniors and their families.  His staff can whip the place into prime showing condition and then go through all of the junk in the trunks in the attic.
Sean Lane from Clean Up Clear Out is also big on recycling and donating whatever they remove from the house or condo that none of the family wants. He can also help you set up a Senior Downsizing Sale, which makes it a lot easier for a lot of people to let go of stuff they no longer need.
Before I begin to address my clients' issues, perhaps I'd better take the advice under that first bullet point!

You can reach Sean Lane from Clean Up Clear Out at (313) 886-3330

Follow us on Face book at: https://www.facebook.com/SeniorsRealEstateOfMacombMichigan

Consistently ranked as one of Southeastern Michigan's associate brokers of Equity Sales and Short Sales. Rick Giese has over 27 years of Real Estate experience and is one of the areas Rick has a strong focus on assisting Senior homeowners in need, Rick Giese offers a straightforward no nonsense consultation designed to give you all the information and facts to enable you to make the best decision for you and your family. As every situation is different, Rick offers his insight and knowledge of the real estate transaction process and all the options available to you to get the most money the market will pay or to help you avoid foreclosure. Call Rick Giese today at toll free 1-800-274-5656 or your free consultation of your situation and sleep better tonight

Macomb County Michigan Seniors: Should you downsize to a smaller home?

Is it time to start thinking about downsizing to housing that may fit your needs better?

Downsizing to a smaller home may be an event that some look forward too, while others dread! Most of us know that downsizing will be in the cards eventually as we age. This can seem like a daunting task to undertake, but with careful planning, moving to a new (and smaller) home can be simple.

Some reasons to downsize to a smaller home are,

·         Having and empty nest- no need for all the extra room

·         The big house is hard to clean and get around

·         The expenses of upkeep are just too much

The first thing you want to do (even if you do not plan on moving for another year) is Rick Giese (SRES) your local senior real estate professional. He can meet with you to discuss your options and help you decide what type of move may be best for you. If you are still active, but want to plan for your later years, you may want to look into a continuing care retirement community. There are many options available in the Macomb County area, or maybe even close to where you living now?  So that you can continue shopping at the same stores, church, doctors. Rick can help you weigh your wants and your needs and provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision.

Next Rick can help you prepare your current home for the market. Planning ahead will decrease future stress! Rick Giese with his 27 years of experience can tell you what needs to be done to your current home in order to get the best price, in the shortest amount of time. Rick can also give you tips for getting rid of clutter, or phone numbers of companies that can help. Not only will your home show better, but you will have a head start on packing your belongings!

Now that you have a plan for preparing your home for the market …started scaling back on some of your unwanted or needed belongings ….and have decided on the type of housing that best fits your needs, you are well on your way to planning for a successful downsizing experience.

With less space to maintain, there is more time for fun activities. No matter what type of housing you choose, you will find that less really can be more, and that downsizing can be something to look forward to!

Call Rick Giese today at 586-242-3100 to set a convenient time to meet with you or you and your family for a FREE, No Obligation planning meeting.