The Liz Moore Market Watch Blog

Spread Joy This Holiday Season at Dominion Village at Williamsburg

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Mon, Nov 28, 2016 @ 04:21 PM

Dominion-1.jpgWe are collecting gifts for the residents of Dominion Village at Williamsburg at the Southern Living Showcase Home (109 Ford's Colony Drive) on Dec. 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th from 1-4pm. Bring your new, unwrapped gift to the house and our team will wrap and label the gifts.  You can also bring your gifts to our New Town office (5350 Discovery Park Blvd.) Mon.- Fri., 9-5pm.

Join us for caroling at Dominion Village on Friday, December 16th at 4pm.  Let us know if you'd like to participate!

Count Me In For Caroling!

Dominion Village at Williamsburg offers Assisted Living, Memory Care - Alzheimer's/Dementia, Respite Care, and Short Term Stays.  Their residents enjoy many senior living services and amenities, including restaurant-style dining, highly skilled 24-hour staff, a full slate of social, educational, and recreational activities, exercise and wellness programs, full-service beauty salon and barber shop, games room, wireless Internet, library, laundry and housekeeping.

Just another reason why we love where we live!

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Tags: Fords Colony, Seniors, Williamsburg, Community

Moving During Retirement

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Wed, Nov 04, 2015 @ 02:15 PM

In a recent Merrill Lynch study“Home in Retirement: More Freedom, New Choices” they surveyed nearly 6,000 adults ages 21 and older about housing. According to that study, “an estimated 4.2 million retirees moved into a new home last year alone.” Two-thirds of retirees say that they are likely to move at least once during retirement.

The top reason to relocate cited was “wanting to be closer to family” at 29%, a close second was “wanting to reduce home expenses”. See the chart below from Keeping Current Matters for the top 6 reasons broken down.

Find out what the best decision is for your situation! Email us at concierge@lizmoore.com, or click below, and we'll be happy to connect you with someone who specializes in senior moves!

Meet with a Senior Specialist

 

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Tags: Seniors

What is an SRES REALTOR?

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Wed, Aug 26, 2015 @ 02:22 PM

What is an “SRES?”  That’s a great question!  SRES stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialists, who are local REALTORS (here in Williamsburg, Richmond, and the Virginia Peninsula) uniquely qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+.  The SRES Council of the National Association of REALTORS awards the SRES designation to those agents who have successfully completed an extensive education program.  Liz Moore & Associates’ Senior Team has a number of REALTORS who hold the designation of SRES.elderly-people-on-computer

SRES REALTORS have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home.

Seniors often have a more complicated set of needs than their younger counterparts when it comes to real estate transactions.  Accordingly, for older adults making home buying, selling, or financing decisions, there are many benefits of working with a senior specialist.  

Here are just a few examples:  SRES agents have lots of experience with downsizing.  Selling the family home can be extremely challenging, if mom and dad have lived in the same place for 30+ years.  Seniors often accumulate a wealth of “stuff” and disposing of it can be both physically and emotionally challenging, not to mention overwhelming.  An SRES is armed with many resources to help mitigate the stress of this task, and has plenty of experience in this area.

Another common challenge faced by many seniors who are selling their family home is that they haven’t updated in many years.  Outdated kitchens and baths, carpet and wallpaper that is out of style, and other similar issues can be overwhelming and hard for the prospective senior seller to understand.  Again, a compassionate SRES can guide them through making wise financial decisions about the cost to upgrade versus simply pricing the property to sell “as is.” 

SRES agents are also up to speed in senior friendly financing options.  Everything from how to leverage pensions, IRA and 401k accounts, to helping their senior clients pick out the right resource for a reverse mortgage product.  Because these types of loans are unique, few REALTORS are qualified to give advice; an SRES agent can help older clients steer clear of loan schemes and scams.

When it comes to choosing a new place, SRES agents are well versed in the range of 55+ communities, as well as local senior housing communities.  For first time retirees, it is extremely helpful to consider homes that will “age” with them – in other words, practical floor plans and options such as first floor bedrooms  and potential caretaker suites that can be adapted to meet their needs as they grow older.

Are you look for an SRES REALTOR? Email us at concierge@lizmoore.com, or click below, to meet with a Senior Specialist!

Meet with a Senior Specialist

 

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Tags: Seniors

55+? Check Out Our Latest Savvy Senior Magazine!

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Jun 23, 2015 @ 12:00 PM

We are excited to bring you the latest issue of the Liz Moore Savvy Senior Magazine!  Click the image below to flip through the magazine featuring our newest "Senior friendly" homes for sale.

Senior DigitalMagazine resized 600

Check out the rest of our digital magazines - Hampton HomesWilliamsburg HomesWaterfront Property, and more!  You can subscribe to one or more of our magazines, and they will be delivered FREE to your inbox once a month, dynamically uploading the latest issues.

Check Out Our Digital Magazines

 

Tags: Seniors

55+? Check Out These Senior Friendly Homes!

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 @ 03:20 PM

We are excited to bring you the latest issue of the Liz Moore Savvy Senior Magazine!  Click the image below to flip through the magazine featuring our newest "Senior friendly" homes for sale.

Senior DigitalMagazine resized 600

Check out the rest of our digital magazines - Hampton HomesWilliamsburg HomesWaterfront Property, and more!  You can subscribe to one or more of our magazines, and they will be delivered FREE to your inbox once a month, dynamically uploading the latest issues.

 Check Out Our Digital Magazines

Tags: Buyers, Seniors

Financing the Conversion of a Home to be Handicap Accessible

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Aug 12, 2014 @ 12:00 PM

Q:  Is there an easy way to finance the conversion of a home to handicap accessibility?

A:  Well, I’m not sure that there is an EASY way, but there is definitely a mortgage product for that. It’s called a 203(k) loan, and it’s an FHA loan product. It can be used for either ahome repair loan purchase, or also on a refinance.

Essentially, it allows a borrower to add the cost of repairs to a mortgage, so that they can be financed over time. On the streamlined plan, you can borrow up to $35,000 over the sales price for repairs or remodeling, as long as the appraisal will support it.

Here is how it works: An appraiser will do an “as is” appraisal, and then an appraisal that factors in your proposed repairs. As long as the improved value can be substantiated, you’re good to go! You must begin the work within 30 days of closing, and complete it within 6 months.

You could use a 203(k) loan to retrofit for handicap, or to remove it and restore a home to its previous condition (removing wheelchair ramps and grab bars, for instance).

There are lots of nuances to these types of mortgages, and it’s important that you work with a local lender who specializes in this product.

Are you interested in more infomation?  Email us at concierge@lizmoore.com, or click below, to meet with a Senior Specialist and we’ll hook you up with a reputable loan officer that is experienced in 203(k)’s.

Meet with a Senior Specialist

 

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Tags: Seniors

Stay or Go? Real Estate Decisions for Seniors

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Wed, Jul 16, 2014 @ 04:10 PM

As we age, one of the most difficult and emotional decisions we face is whether or not to move from our current home.  The answer to this question is not the same for everyone and will vary depending upon the individual situation.  Statistics show that most decide to stay put, but is this really the best choice for you?senior moves

Many people do not want to leave their family home because of the memories they have there.  You moved into your current home for a reason. You built many memories and you will do the same in a new neighborhood.  Another reason is that many feel that moving into a retirement community forces them to give up some of their independence.  This is a misconception.  Most active adult communities have tons of things for seniors to do.  As a matter of fact, many seniors claim that they became more “active” after choosing to move.

Family is another factor.  It is much easier to age when we have the support of our loved ones.  This is much easier for everyone if the kids and/or grandchildren are nearby.  Many will choose to relocate closer to family members as they age.

For many of us, the design of our current home is simply not conducive to aging.  Maybe your bedrooms are upstairs.  Maybe it is simply too large to keep up with the cleaning and routine maintenance.  Maybe the yard work is becoming a burden.  Having these things taken care of for you, and having a floor plan that makes life easier, is the number one reason why people choose to move.  With all of these things being done for you, it frees up your time to do more travelling or leisure activities.

Can I afford to move?  This is a common question among those trying to decide if they should move into a retirement community.  Most communities have regular fees to cover some of the extras you are currently paying for, which makes it easier to budget your monthly expenses. You will not have to worry about unexpected repair costs, etc.   Things such as monthly lawn care and routine maintenance costs can be expensive. 

I believe that making the move to a retirement community should at least be considered by all.  There are many types of adult communities from active, to assisted living, to full time care.  The type you choose depends upon your needs.  Once you decide to make the change¸ you should first decide on a location.  Next you will want to find something that suits your lifestyle and provides all of the amenities you want and need.  It can make your aging years much more enjoyable!

The Liz Moore Senior Team understands the special needs of those who are downsizing, and we have a variety of resources to help you with auctions, estate sales, consignment, de-cluttering and every phase of getting your home ready to sell.  Be sure to ask us about our free e-book for seniors interested in downsizing!

Find out what the best decision is for your situation! Email us at concierge@lizmoore.com, or click below, and we'll be happy to connect you with someone who specializes in this senior moves!

Meet with a Senior Specialist

 

 

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Tags: Seniors

55+? Check Out Our Latest Savvy Senior Magazine!

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Wed, May 07, 2014 @ 03:33 PM

We are excited to bring you the latest issue of the Liz Moore Savvy Senior Magazine!  Click the image below to flip through the magazine featuring our newest "Senior friendly" homes for sale.

Senior DigitalMagazine resized 600

Check out the rest of our digital magazines - Hampton HomesWilliamsburg HomesWaterfront Property, and more!  You can subscribe to one or more of our magazines, and they will be delivered FREE to your inbox once a month, dynamically uploading the latest issues.

 Check Out Our Digital Magazines

 

Tags: Buyers, Seniors

Senior Living 2014 - Get Ready to Move Into Your Best Life!

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Jan 21, 2014 @ 10:42 AM

Warwick Forest Retirement Community, in partnership with Liz Moore and Associates' Savvy Senior Team, will be bringing you "Senior Living 2014" on February 18th from 2 to 4pm.  This event will feature topics such as:

  • getting top dollar for your home
  • downsizing
  • preparing your home to sell
  • and more!

In addition to getting some great information, you can tour Warwick Forest, the Peninsula's Premier Active Lifestyle Community for those 60 and better.  Warwick Forest is located at 1004 Old Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News.  

For more information, or to RSVP for Senior Living 2014, email us at concierge@lizmoore.com.  

 

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Tags: Seniors

Haven't Bought A House Since 1955?

Posted by Lynnette Tully on Tue, Jan 14, 2014 @ 03:23 PM

By: Diana Rondinelli

Haven't bought a house since 1955?  Wow - things have changed! 

Through the years, the process has been transformed into one that protects both buyers andseniors sellers. Even though it is complicated, a Real Estate professional specializing in senior moves can lead you on the right path to a smooth closing.

Your Realtor can help you decide:

  • To stay where you are
  • Move into a new home which might have a first floor bedroom; or,
  • Move into a retirement community ~ whether you sell your home and move on to a different way of life or rent your home while you decide if you really like the new digs.

Your Realtor will provide you with a list of references for estate planning, attorneys, home inspectors, appraisers, and "down-sizing experts” who can help you decide what to keep and what to part with – everything to make the transition an easier one.

The next step will be to set up a prelisting home inspection, conventional appraisal and termite moisture inspection. Once those are completed, you will be ready to make necessary repairs, nail down a price, hang the sign and wait for a sale.

Waiting for a sale may not be what it used to be, either. The average market time in our area has risen to about 6 months, depending on where your home is located and your price range. The most important thing to remember about market time is that, to a great extent, you can have a great impact on that length of time preparing your home for sale as instructed by your Realtor.

Negotiating your contract is an important part of the process ~ one your Realtor is an expert at accomplishing. Once you have accepted an offer on your home, the buyer will either accept your prelisting home inspection or have their own. Either way, your Realtor will guide you through that process as well.

The buyer’s mortgage appraisal should not hold surprises since you had a pre-listing appraisal beforehand. That, along with final approval from the buyer’s mortgage company, are your final hurdles. Although the current mortgage market is much different today than even three years ago, your Realtor will stay in touch with the buyer’s mortgage company and should be aware of any roadblocks that could occur before closing.

Finally, the day of closing arrives! In our area, the buyer receives the keys at the closing table unless other arrangements are made. So by this time, you should be moving into your new home.

Even though the process is not simple, it can go smoothly with the right professional. Look for a member of the Liz Moore Savvy Senior Real Estate Team ~ you can’t go wrong there.

By hiring a professional to help you make the decisions that are best for you, the cost of the services provided oftentimes will be covered by the sale of your possessions with a profit coming back to you. Don't you think it is worth it for the peace of mind itself?  Email us at concierge@lizmoore.com, or click below, to meet with a Senior Specialist!

 

Meet with a Senior Specialist

Tags: Seniors