More • October 23, 2013

Windermere Foundation Quarterly Report

by Christine Wood

content_Quinton_Flores_and_Richard_Big_Bro_Big_Sis_2013.jpg

Greetings from the Windermere Foundation,

So far this year, we’ve raised $1,074,482 – this is up 21% from this time last year – and the year isn’t even over yet! Thanks to our amazing agents, brokers, staff, and owners, along with public supporters, we’ve been able to help hundreds of families meet their most basic needs.

The following testimonials illustrate what our support means to families and children receiving services.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

“We think the best to way to thank you is to introduce you to a match you made possible. Quinton is an eight year old boy, who lives with his single mom and older sister. His dad passed away when he was a baby. He does not have a male role model in his life. Quinton needs a Big Brother who will do “male” type activities with him. Richard is a man willing and able to spend time with Quinton on a regular basis. Both Quinton and Richard enjoy football. They intend to bowl, fish and hang out together.

The gift of a Big Brother is powerful. A friendly, supportive relationship with a caring adult is a key factor in helping children overcome challenges in their lives. Thanks to the financial support of the Windermere Foundation, Quinton’s life will be positively changed. Fundamentally. For the Better. Forever.”

-Executive Director, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, Arizona

“When I was a Little [bro], Rio, [my big bro], taught me to be responsible for my actions, and that stuck with me. Thank you for seeing the ‘Big’ Picture. Investing in our youth directly influences their life and a healthy future in our community.” – Richard

Mt Si Food Bank

“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Windermere Foundation for choosing to support our Summer Cupboard program.

The Summer Cupboard program fills a nutritional gap to families by providing breakfast and lunch to school age children during the summer. Your generous contribution provided over 4,000 breakfast meals to our youth in need. With your support we are making a positive impact in family health and in our community at large.”

-Executive Director, Mt Si Food Bank, Washington

Street Teens

Street Teens is a volunteer based, non-profit organization dedicated to assisting homeless, abandoned, and at risk youth, ages 12-21, in the Las Vegas Valley. Their primary goal is to meet the survival needs of youth by providing basic necessities in a safe, compassionate environment. They provide access to educational, health care, and employment resource services through their drop-in center and by actively collaborating with community partners.

Through the Windermere Foundation, the Windermere Henderson-Anthem Hills, Lake Las Vegas, and Las Vegas-Henderson offices donated funds to provide overall support for their programs.

“[We had] an amazing day at Street Teens! Thank you so much to the Windermere Foundation!”

–Street Teens, Nevada

Please remember to read the Windermere Blog for more in-depth stories about what offices are doing throughout the year. Facebook is also a great resource for upcoming events and shorter posts about office involvement in the community.

Thank you for your continued support of the Windermere Foundation. Your generosity is truly making a difference in the lives of many families in our local communities.

Best,

Christine Wood

Blog: http://foundation.windermere.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windermerefoundation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/WindermereRealEstate

More • October 17, 2013

Windermere’s Southwest Community Service Day is Friday, October 18th!

by Windermere Staff

On Friday, October 18th, Windermere offices in Arizona, California, and Nevada will be closed for a very special reason. For the past 29 years, Windermere has dedicated the third Friday of October to our annual Community Service Day*. On that day, you will find our teams doing a variety of projects, like cleaning, landscaping, and painting at local community centers and schools, collecting coats for low-income and homeless families, and working with local nonprofit organizations to ensure that kids in our communities are getting the resources they need.

This year we want to do even more, and you can help. For each office that posts their Community Service Day photos and videos on the Windermere Real Estate Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WindermereRealEstate), the Windermere Foundation will donate $100 to that office’s Foundation fund, to benefit low-income and homeless families in their community. We encourage you to “like” your local office’s Facebook page, as well as your favorite Community Service Day photos. The office with the most photo/video “likes” and comments will receive a $1,000 donation for the local Windermere Foundation charity of their choice. The contest will end next Wednesday, October 30th.

*Windermere’s Northwest offices hold their Community Service Day in June

Windermere Office Projects for October 2013:

Arizona
Prescott	"Warm for Winter Coat Drive"
Prescott Valley	"Warm for Winter Coat Drive"
Scottsdale	"Warm for Winter Coat Drive"

California
Clayton	Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
El Sobrante	The El Sobrante Boys & Girls Club
Redding	Make a Wish Foundation and Wings of Angels Fundraiser
Walnut Creek	Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
Windermere Valley	Local Property Clean up

Nevada
Henderson- Anthem Hills	Street Teens
Lake Las Vegas	Street Teens
Las Vegas- Henderson	Street Teens

Living • October 11, 2013

Preventative Home Maintenance: Fall checklist

by Windermere Staff

Fall is an ideal time to tackle maintenance projects both inside and outside. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Control where the water goes: : Water in the wrong place can do a lot of damage. Start by ensuring that gutters and downspouts are doing their job. (Don’t attempt this talk yourself if you have a two-story house with a steep roof; hire a professional instead.) If your home is surrounded by deciduous trees you may need to clean out your gutters a few times a year, especially in the fall. Check to make sure your gutters are flush with the roof and attached securely, repairing any areas that sag or where the water collects and overflows. Clean out the gutters and downspouts, checking that outlet strainers are in good shape, and are firmly in place. Finally, check that your downspouts direct water away from your house, not straight along the foundation.

If you haven’t already, you may want to consider installing gutter guards. Gutter guards create a barrier- so water can get through to your gutters, but debris cannot, limiting gutter buildup (and the time you spend cleaning out your gutters). There are DIY installation kits available or you can always hire a professional to install a premium system.

If you have a sump pump under your house, now is a good time to test it. Run a hose to be sure draining water travels directly to the pump (dig small trenches if needed), and that the pump removes the water efficiently and expels it well away from the foundation. For more information about how sump pumps work go to howstuffworks.com.

When it comes toleaks, early detection is crucial: Check your roof for leaks. The best opportunity to catch leaks is the first heavy rain after a long dry spell, when roofing materials are contracted. (You can also simulate rain with a gentle spray from a hose.) Check the underside of the roof, looking for moisture on joints or insulation. You can mark these spots on the underside, and then- unless you have a lot of experience, have a roofing specialist locate and repair the leak. Don’t wait for leaks to show up on your ceiling. By then, insulation and sheet rock have been damaged and you could have a mold problem too.

Just say no to rodents: Rodents are determined and opportunistic, and they can do tremendous amounts of property damage (and endanger your family’s health). As temperatures cool, take measures to prevent roof rats and other critters from moving in. Branches that touch your house and overhang your roof are convenient on-ramps for invaders, so trip back branches so they’re at least 4 feet from the house. If you do hear scuttling overhead or discover rodent droppings in your attic, crawl space or basement, take immediate action. The website www.thisoldhouse.com has several helpful articles on the topic.

Maintain your heating and cooling systems: Preventative maintenance is especially crucial for your home’s heating and air-conditioning systems. Fall is a smart time to have your systems checked and tuned up if necessary. Don’t wait for extreme temperatures to arrive, when service companies are slammed with emergency calls. Between tune-ups, keeps your system performing optimally by cleaning and/or replacing air filters as needed.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, a professional inspection and cleaning will help prevent potentially lethal chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Even if you don’t use your fireplace often, always keep a supply of dry firewood or sawdust-composite logs so you have a backup heat source in an emergency.

Catch some air: Insulating your home is a cost-efficient investment, whether you’re trying to keep the interior warm in the winter or cool in the summer. Aside from more major improvements like energy-efficient windows and insulation, there are some quick fixes that do-it-yourselfers can tackle. If an exterior door doesn’t have a snug seal when closed, replace the weather stripping; self-adhesive foam stripping is much simpler to install than traditional vinyl stripping. If there is a gap under the door (which can happen over time as a house settles), you may need to realign the door and replace the vinyl door bottom and/or door sweep. Air also sneaks inside through electrical outlets and light switches on exterior walls. Dye-cut foam outlet seals are a quick and inexpensive solution; simply position them behind the wall plates.

Market News • October 2, 2013

The Government Shutdown: How It Could Impact Home Buyers

by Windermere Staff

There is much speculation on the impact that the current government shutdown will have on home buyers hoping to secure a mortgage. In the case of mortgage lending, the impact will depend on many things including the length of the shutdown, the current status of the loan, the borrower profile, and the lender’s modified guidelines during the shutdown period.

While all except one (USDA) governmental agency involved in housing finance remain open, the shutdown does impact various functions that are part of the financing process. Below is an overview of the functions being impacted:

1. Request for Tax Transcripts (4506T)

Most lenders require that when using a borrower’s tax returns to support income, the tax returns are verified by obtaining the tax transcripts from the IRS. The form used to request the transcripts is the 4506T; therefore, you may hear the process overall referred to as the 4506T. As part of the shutdown, the IRS has indicated that it will not be processing requests for transcripts and therefore, depending upon the lender, closings may be delayed until tax transcripts can be obtained.

2. Social Security Number Verification

In the course of processing a loan, in certain instances a credit alert will appear requesting that the borrower’s Social Security Number (“SSN”) be verified. As part of the shutdown the Social Security Department has indicated that it will not be processing SSN verification requests. Most lenders require that SSN credit alerts be cleared prior to closing and the inability to obtain SSN verifications may delay closings.

3. Verification of Employment (VOE) for Government Employees

If a borrower is employed by the Federal Government, a written VOE will be required prior to closing. If the VOE indicates the borrower is furloughed the loan may not be able to close.

4. USDA Underwriting

For USDA Rural Housing loans, a lender must obtain a Conditional Approval from the USDA prior to closing. As part of the shutdown, the USDA has ceased issuing Conditional Approvals, and therefore, any new applications, or loans in process that have not been issued a conditional approval, may experience a delay in closing.

It’s important to stress that this is a fluid situation, and unlike prior shutdowns, given the amount of cross referencing that is done as part of the loan process, lenders are highly reliant on verifying information from various federal agencies, like the IRS. If you are currently engaged in the home buying process, you are strongly encouraged to contact your mortgage lender to discuss how this shutdown may impact your ability to move forward.

Erik Hand is the president of Windermere Mortgage Services. An accomplished mortgage lending executive, Erik has over twenty years of experience in the industry and is a former board member of the Seattle Mortgage Bankers Association.

More • October 2, 2013

October office events for charity and Foundation fundraising

by Marilou Ubungen

Summer is officially over, but the season of giving is a year-round commitment for Windermere offices throughout our network. Here are some of the Windermere Foundation events going on during the month of October:

October 2:

Steve Allen Comedy Showcase – Sponsored by Windermere Cronin & Caplan Realty Group, Inc. and the Windermere Foundation. Comedian Martin Short is the headliner for this event at the Portland Art Museum. This annual show, now in its twelfth year, benefits New Avenues for Youth in Portland, Oregon, which provides services to homeless and at-risk youth. More than three million dollars has been raised through this event over the years.

October 4:

Second Annual Fashion Show and Fundraiser – The Windermere Redding office is hosting the second year of this fundraising event at WinRiver Casino to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, and the Alyssa Araiza Wings of Angels Organization in Redding, CA. These organizations provide support and unique life-changing experiences to local children with serious medical conditions. The evening consists of a fashion show by a local boutique, a live auction, and a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. Last year’s event raised $20,000.

October 5:

Windermere Foundation Masquerade Ball – The Windermere offices in St. Helens, Scappoose, and Clatskanie host this annual event, now in its eighth year, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion in St. Helens, OR. The evening will consist of a charity auction, costume contest, and dancing with live music by the local band Hit Machine. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit programs for low-income and homeless families in Columbia County. Contact one of the three Windermere offices for more information or to purchase tickets.

October 12:

Fifth Annual Windermere Foundation Oktoberfest Fall Fundraiser – The Windermere Burien, Federal Way, Federal Way West Campus, Kent, Maple Valley, Renton, Renton-Tukwila South, and Windermere Property Management-South offices come together to host this annual event to benefit the Windermere Foundation. The reception, dinner and silent auction will be held at the Fairwood Golf & Country Club in Renton, WA on Saturday, October 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Contact one of the eight Windermere offices listed for more information and to purchase tickets.

October 26:

Gifts from the Heart Silent Auction – This is the Windermere Lake Stevens office’s eighth year hosting this event to raise money for local families that they sponsor through the Lake Stevens Family Center during the holiday season. The auction will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Windermere Lake Stevens office located at 9327 4th St NE in Lake Stevens, WA. If you would like to make a donation to this event, please contact Stacy Rysemus at (425) 335-4666 or stacyrysemus@windermere.com.

Thank you to all who support the Windermere Foundation. Through your generous donations, we are able to give support to local non-profit agencies dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families.

Buying • September 20, 2013

Investing in Real Estate Rentals

by Windermere Staff

Real estate investments are a large percentage of all home sales, accounting for 24 percent of real estate transactions in 2012, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. If you are looking to feather your retirement nest, rental properties can provide an additional source of monthly income. They’re also a good way to diversify you investment portfolio if your 401(k) or other retirement plans are primarily held in stocks and bonds.

To determine if investing in a rental property is the right choice for you, here are a few things to consider.

Figuring out the dollars and sense

The first step is to calculate the potential cash flow; this is the amount of money a property brings in and the amount you need to pay out to cover expenses. It’s not uncommon for rental properties to start out having a negative cash flow which means that the amount you collect for rent does not cover the mortgage payment. If that is the case, you need to determine whether you feel comfortable making this additional cash outlay each month. Here’s how to estimate what your monthly cash flow will be.

1.Estimate your income

The first step is to determine the amount of rent you can charge for the property. Look at what comparable homes (same size, location, amenities) are renting for in your area. You can get a good idea by browsing craigslist, Zillow or Trulia for rental properties. When estimating your income, allow for the amount of time that your property may be vacant. Most landlords factor in about five percent per year; however, figures vary depending on the current rental market in your area.

2.Tally up your expenses

Your monthly mortgage payment and property taxes are your largest expenses. You may also end up picking up the tab for utilities, such as garbage, water, or gas. Again, check what comparable rental properties are offering in your market. If you do plan on paying utilities, use your own usage as a ballpark estimate.

Property insurance is another cost. Your insurance company can tell you what the premium will be if you utilize the property as a rental.

Rental properties need repairs and maintenance just like any other home. Appliances break, plumbing leaks, fixtures wear out. Figure on spending about one percent of the property’s value per year on maintenance, repairs, and cleaning.

Finding a good tenant always pays in the long run, but it does take time and money to conduct and effective search. If you use a property management company or rental broker, include those fees. If you are conducting the tenant search yourself, add in any advertising expenses and a nominal cost, about $30, for running credit checks on prospective tenants.

The good news about all these operating and maintenance expenses is that they may be deducted from your rental income on your taxes. If you’re thinking about upgrading the property, keep in mind that expenses related to improvements to the property must be depreciated over time, rather than deducted in the year paid. Improvements are designed as actions that add to the value of the property or substantially prolong its life. Examples include adding a new bathroom, remodeling a kitchen, installing insulation or building a deck.

3.Calculate the cash flow

Now total all the monthly expenses and subtract that number from your estimated monthly income to determine your cash flow. To fully evaluate the investment, you also want to factor in the tax write-off benefits of depreciation. Depreciation is an accounting deduction that the IRS allows you to take for the overall wear and tear that occurs on the home over time. Only the building can be depreciated, not that land. The value of a residential structure is depreciated over 27 ½ years at a rate of 3.64 percent of the building value per year. For example, if you buy a residential rental property for $300,000, and the building is worth $200,000, you can take $7,280 each year as a depreciation deduction ($200,000 x .0364)

In addition, if your rental property shows a loss for the year, you may be able to deduct the loss on your tax return. It’s a good idea to consult with your tax advisor to help determine which deductions you qualify for and other tax implications for your situation.

More • September 17, 2013

Another Year of Making Wishes Come True

by Marilou Ubungen

On Friday, October 4, Windermere’s Redding office will host its second annual fashion show and fundraiser at WinRiver Casino. The net proceeds raised will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, and the Alyssa Araiza Wings of Angels Organization in Redding, CA. These organizations provide support and unique life-changing experiences to local children with serious medical conditions.

The evening will consist of a fashion show, featuring men’s and women’s clothing from For Elyse—a local boutique with locations in Chico and Redding, CA—with outfits and accessories available for immediate purchase. There will also be a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament again, which was very popular last year, along with a live auction facilitated by professional auctioneer Mark La Celles. Check out the flyer for more details.

Last year, with help from generous community contributors, the event raised $20,000, making it possible for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes to three kids, and provided funding for Wings of Angels to help aid families with children suffering with pediatric cancer or a life-threatening illness.

We hope you will join us at the event this year. And thank you again for your generosity and continued support of the Windermere Foundation.

Selling • September 13, 2013

Real Estate Appraisals 101

by Windermere Staff

Appraised value vs. market value

Appraisals are designed to protect buyers, sellers, and lending institutions. They provide a reliable, independent valuation of a tract of land and the structure on it, whether it’s a house or a skyscraper. Below, you will find information about the appraisal process, what goes into them, their benefits and some tips on how to help make an appraisal go smoothly and efficiently.

The appraised value of a property is what the bank thinks it’s worth, and that amount is determined by a professional, third-party appraiser. The appraiser’s valuation is based on a combination of comparative market sales and inspection of the property.

Market value, on the other hand, is what a buyer is willing to pay for a home or what homes of comparable value are selling for. A home’s appraised value and its market value are typically not the same. In fact, sometimes the appraised value is very different. An appraisal provides you with an invaluable reality check.

If you are in the process of setting the price of your home, you can gain some peace-of-mind by consulting an independent appraiser. Show him comparative values for your neighborhood, relevant documents, and give him a tour of your home, just as you would show it to a prospective buyer.

What information goes into an appraisal?

Professional appraisers consult a range of information sources, including multiple listing services, county tax assessor records, county courthouse records, and appraisal data records, in addition to talking to local real estate professionals.

They also conduct an inspection. Typically an appraiser’s inspection focuses on:

The condition of the property and home, inside and out
The home’s layout and features
Home updates
Overall quality of construction
Estimate of the home’s square footage (the gross living area “GLA”; garages and unfinished basements are estimated separately)
Permanent fixtures (for example, in-ground pools, as opposed to above-ground pools)

After considering all such information, the appraiser arrives at three different dollar amounts – one for the value of the land, one for the value of the structure, and one for their combined value. In many cases, the land will be worth more than the structure.

One thing to bear in mind is that an appraisal is not a substitute for a home inspection. An appraiser does a cursory assessment of a house and property. For a more detailed inspection, consult with a home inspector and/or a specialist in the area of concern.

Who pays and how long does it take?

The buyer usually pays for the appraisal unless they have negotiated otherwise. Depending on the lender, the appraisal may be paid in advance or incorporated into the application fee; some are due on delivery and some are billed at closing. Typical costs range from $275-$600, but this can vary from region to region.

An inspection usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the size and complexity of your property. In addition, the appraiser spends time pulling up county records for values of the houses around you. A full report comes to your loan officer, a real estate agent or lender within about a week.

If you are the seller, you won’t get a copy of an appraisal ordered by a buyer. Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, however, the buyer has the right to get a copy of the appraisal, but they must request it. Typically the requested appraisal is provided at closing.

What if the appraisal is too low?

If you appraisal comes in too low it can be a problem. Usually the seller’s and the buyer’s real estate agents respond by looking for recent and pending sales of comparable homes. Sometimes this can influence the appraisal. If the final appraisal is well below what you have agreed to pay, you can renegotiate the contract or cancel it.

Where do you find a qualified appraiser?

Your bank or lending institution will find and hire an appraiser; Federal regulatory guidelines do not allow borrowers to order and provide an appraisal to a bank for lending purposes. If you want an appraisal for your own personal reasons, and not to secure a mortgage or buy a homeowner’s insurance policy, you can do the hiring yourself. You can contact your lending institution and they can recommend qualified appraisers and you can choose one yourself or you can call your local Windermere Real Estate agent and they can make a recommendation for you. Once you have the name of some appraisers you can verify their status on the Federal Appraisal Subcommittee website: https://www.asc.gov/National-Registry/NationalRegistry.aspx

Tips for hassle-free appraisals:

What can you do to make the appraisal process as smooth and efficient as possible? Make sure you provide your appraiser with the information he or she needs to get the job done. Get out your important documents and start checking off a list that includes the following:
A brief explanation of why you’re getting an appraisal
The date you’d like your appraisal to be completed
A copy of your deed, survey, purchase agreement, or other papers that pertain to the property
If you have a mortgage, your lender, the year you got your mortgage, the amount, the type of mortgage (FHA, VA, etc.), your interest rate, and any additional financing you have
A copy of your current real estate tax bill, statement of special assessments, balance owing and on what (for example, sewer, water)
Tell your appraiser if your property is listed for sale and if so, your asking price and listing agency
Any personal property that is included
If you’re selling an income-producing property, a breakdown of income and expenses for the last year or two and a copy of leases
A copy of the original house plans and specifications
A list of recent improvements and their costs
Any other information you feel may be relevant

By doing your homework, compiling the information your appraiser needs, and providing it at the beginning of the process, you can minimize unnecessary phone calls and delays.

Buying • September 6, 2013

Cultural Trends: How driving trends are impacting the housing market

by Edward Krigsman

As we have mentioned in previous blog posts, home buyers continue to consider their daily commute when making home purchase decisions. Some Americans are limiting their driving or forgoing cars all together. In recent years, the driving trends of Millennial and Boomer generations have decreased steadily. More Americans in general are embracing alternatives to driving like mass transit, walking, bicycling, car sharing, and working from home.

Recent studies and articles in publications like the Washington Post and the New York Times document declining automobile use. Driving measured by consumption of auto fuel tells the same story. Whether you are a home buyer, seller, or owner, these trends may impact your decisions in new and surprising ways, with the value of your home being shaped, at least in part, by this trend.

If you are in the market for a home, considering your commute, walk-score, and transportation options could be an important part of determining if a particular neighborhood is right for you. It might also be helpful to seek out the assistance of a real estate agent familiar with such issues.

Real estate companies have started adding search features to their websites to assist buyers with evaluating commuting information. For example, Windermere recently added INRIX DriveTime™ to its website which allows home buyers to search for homes based on commute times. Walkscore.com and Transitscore.com provide home buyers with a quick and easy way to assess the quality of a community based on walkability and access to mass transit. These online tools highlight those homes with shorter drive times and higher walkability, factors which could end up impacting the value of certain homes as some buyers “vote with their feet,” rather than with their car.

Real estate developers are embracing this trend too by building in locations that reduce car use; this is why you may notice an increase in new housing as you travel from suburban neighborhoods into cities like San Francisco, Portland, San Diego, or Seattle. In some of these cities, it is increasingly common to see townhomes built in more walkable neighborhoods, many without dedicated, private garages.

City planners are encouraging such construction by changing zoning laws to foster "Transit Oriented Development," (TOD). TOD changes zoning to incentivize developers to create new housing construction close to light rail stations, with progressively lower housing density to about 1/2 mile from their stops. This solves what city planners have come to call the "last mile problem," (getting more commuters home from a transit hub). Cities with TOD initiatives include Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Salt Lake City Metro Area, and the Portland Metro area.

With experts saying that consumers are trending towards less driving, home buyers may wish to evaluate the location of their purchase by asking themselves the following questions:

Does this neighborhood lower the cost of living, while increasing the quantity and quality of free time, by increasing my independence from cars?
What is the travel time between the places those in my household frequent most, such as home, work, schools, and recreational amenities?

If you are selling your home, consider highlighting its location as one that might improve the quality of life for the next residents by showcasing drive time, walkability, and proximity to transit—to the extent that such benefits exist.

Studies continue to show that the amount of time a person spends commuting every day is a major factor when buying a home. In recent years, there has also been a significant trend towards mass transit and reducing one’s “carbon footprint” by driving less. This is important for both buyers and sellers to keep in mind, as these factors can have a significant impact on the long-term value of a home – and on the quality of life for you and those in your community.

Living • August 29, 2013

Is Assisted Living Right for Your Aging Loved Ones?

by Regina Madiera-Gorden

Making a decision about whether assisted living is right for your loved ones is one of the hardest decisions we face today. Over the years I have worked with many adult children and their parents as they prepare to make the decision about when the parents should sell their family home.

I have learned that fully assessing the situation and communicating openly with your parents is the best way to begin. I advise my clients to go through the following questions as they weigh this difficult decision.

Is Your Parent Ready for Assisted Living?

Ask Yourself These Questions

Is your parent telling you that he is eating, but you’re seeing food go bad in the refrigerator?
Is your parent falling? To determine the answer, is your parent covering up bruises he or she doesn’t want you to see?
Is your parent wearing the same clothes when you go to visit? Can they bathe themselves, groom adequately and launder clothes?
When you look around the house or yard, is it as neat and clean as it used to be?
Is your aging parent remembering to take medications correctly, with the right dosages and at the right time? Are medications expired?
Are they able to operate appliances safely? Do they remember to turn appliances off when they finish cooking?
Is the home equipped with safety features such as grab bars and emergency response systems?
Do they have a plan in place to contact help in case of an emergency?
Are they driving? Should they be driving? Do they have alternate means of transportation?
Are there stacks of papers and unpaid bills lying around?
Do they have friends, or are they isolated from others most of the time?
When you really look at your parent, do you see the bright and vibrant person from years ago, or do you see a more limited person who needs some help one hour a day, or even around the clock?

If you answered yes to even a couple of these questions, your parent may be ready for an assisted living facility.

I know from my personal and professional experience that many children and grandchildren dread this conversation with their aging loved ones. But it’s so important to sit down and talk with them before a crisis hits, when decisions can be discussed and all options considered.

As you probably know, the process of selling a cherished family home and deciding where to live late in life can often span a few years. I have been called upon to help with this complex moving process many times over the years and I now have a deep appreciation and understanding of the emotional needs of senior adults and their families during the process, as well. When the time comes for you to begin working through this process with your parents, contact an agent who specializes in the unique needs of seniors.

For more information and to contact a Windermere Senior Transitions Specialist, please visit: http://windermeretransitions.com/

Regina Madiera-Gorden is a REALTOR®, Certified Senior Housing Professional, and Windermere real estate agent in Pierce County. You can view her website at HomesByRegina.net.