By guest editor Suzie Wilson
As you get older, an assisted living facility can provide the care, amenities, and social interaction that you need. If you’ve decided to transition to assisted living, you need to find a community, then figure out what to do with your existing home. Let’s take a look at what you can expect.
Assisted Living or Skilled Care?
The first step in this major life transition is to decide on the best living environment that will fit your needs now and in the years to come. For older adults who are mostly independent but need assistance with meal preparation, house cleaning, medication management and even help with bathing or dressing, assisted living is an ideal choice. Assisted living and skilled care communities both offer opportunities for social engagement and enrichment opportunities. However, skilled care differs in that seniors here typically require 24/7 care due to advanced health conditions. And while you may not need skilled care now, it could be necessary down the road. If this is the case, consider a hybrid community. When you take the time to tour different assisted living and nursing care communities in the Philadelphia area, you ensure that you find the best fit for your situation, which will make this a much smoother transition.
Once you’ve made your decision on where you want to live, it’s time to focus on what to do with your house.
Rent it
Do you want to become a landlord? Renting your home can bring in a stream of income. However, you will likely have to hire a property management company who will get a cut of the rent. Plus, you’ll still need to pay property taxes, HOA fees, maintenance and repair costs, and mortgage payments. Depending on the level of care you require, this could be difficult to keep up with.
Leave it
Leaving your home in the care of a family member can be an option. You need to decide whether to charge rent or allow them to stay for free in exchange for maintaining the home. It’s very important to put any agreements and expectations in writing. You don’t want to damage your relationship with a family member over a squabble about the house.
Sell it
For many seniors, selling their house is the best option. If you have equity in your home, selling can net a large profit that can help pay for the cost of assisted living or skilled care. Selling a house isn’t simple, but when you work with a trusted agent from RealtyTopia, you can expect a level of service that makes this a smoother process. Your agent will guide you every step of the way, and offer valuable insight into all of the decisions you will encounter.
Decluttering & packing
Before moving, it’s important to declutter and get rid of any furniture and other belongings that aren’t coming along with you. Measure your new accommodations so you’ll know exactly how much space you have. Decluttering can be an emotional yet freeing experience to eliminate all the stuff that you’ve accumulated over the years. Instead of waiting to will away family heirlooms and treasures, consider giving them away to younger relatives now. You’ll get great satisfaction out of knowing they will remain in the family.
Renovating & staging
Before you list your home, talk to your RealtyTopia agent about any essential renovations and modifications that are worth making now to get top-dollar for your home. You can enlist the help of professionals or family members to make any necessary changes,
These simple guidelines may help you create your own to-do list to prep your home.
- Re-paint rooms in neutral colors
- Hire someone to deep clean from top to bottom
- Stage your home with minimal furniture
- Boost curb appeal by painting outside trim, shutters, and doors
- Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and add potted flowers to the porch
Once your home is ready to show, rely on your RealtyTopia agent to market it well, but also spread the word to everyone in your circle. Before you know it, your house will be sold and you’ll be starting the next stage of your life in a safe, welcoming community.
Photo via Pixabay
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