Your No Fuss Resource Guide to Downsizing Your Home

 

Moving to a smaller home can free up more time to enjoy your retirement. Before you can kick up your feet you’ll need to manage your downsizing move from start to finish. This includes figuring out how to find a home that fits you and figuring out what to do with all of the things that just won’t fit into that new home. If you need some help planning your move, this handy list of resources can keep you from feeling like you’re in over your head.

 Finding Your Perfect Retirement Home

Before you start planning your move, you need to find your perfect new home.

 

●     Check out the tips from the Talkin Real Estate blog first.

●     Then find yourself a reliable and trustworthy real estate agent.

●     You should also determine how much a new home is affordable for you.

●     Make sure your agent knows you want to age in place.

●     Or maybe you’d prefer to downsize into a senior community.

 

Planning Your Safe and Stress-Free Move

Moving can be stressful and even hazardous but not with the right planning.

 

●     You may also want to print out a detailed moving checklist.

●     Know where to get free or low-cost moving supplies, like boxes.

●     Also know how to pack your stuff so it doesn’t get broken or lost.

●     Budget for professionals if you want to save yourself the hassle and stress of moving day.

●     Or you could even think about hiring a senior move manager.

 

Decluttering and Organizing Your Belongings

Decluttering can feel overwhelming so try to start this project ASAP.

 

●     Take it room-by-room when you are decluttering your home.

●     But know that decluttering can be an emotional process.

●     You may need help letting go of more sentimental clutter.

●     Then you can toss out or possibly donate items you don’t need.

●     A storage unit can help keep your new home from getting cluttered.

 

A smaller home doesn’t have to limit your retirement. In fact, it should give you more freedom and flexibility. Just be sure to use this guide to keep your move organized and stress-free.

 

Photo Credit: Rawpixel

Compliments of Andrea Needham

Avoid Foreclosure--There is Another Way

The COVID-19 Pandemic has thrown many people into financial disaster with job loss and businesses going under.  While the late mortgage notices pile up, many homeowners bury their heads in the ground.  In denial, they allow their homes to go into foreclosure. There is another way.  Home owners need to stand up during the hard time, taking the bull by the horns.   

First, owners should be talking to their lenders explaining their situation.  Those impacted by COVID-19 should check with their cities to apply for CARES ACT funds provided by the state to prevent rental eviction and mortgage foreclosure.  For the City of Santee and El Cajon check out this website for more information.  

At this time, most people have equity in their homes due to the rise in home prices from the limited home inventory.   In this case, it is best to cut your losses and sell rather than let the bank foreclose and lose the remaining equity. Put the proceeds in savings and save for when things are better financially.  There will come a time to buy again. 

But then there are some out there, where the owner owes more on the house then the home is worth.  Known as a "Short Sale".  A short sale should be called a Short Pay.  The bank loses the difference between what you still owe and what it sells for.  Those facing Short Sales and Foreclosures should always consult their lawyers and accountants before listing their homes because there could be tax consequences. 

While they are called "Short Sales", it is the furthest thing from a short process.  It takes anywhere from  6 weeks to 6 months once an offer is accepted.  After the seller provides proof of their financial hardship which includes a letter of hardship explaining why they can't make their payments anymore, as well as the bank reviews their bank statements, tax returns, and retirement accounts.  Once the bank determines they will allow the short sale, they will order an appraisal to insure the agreed upon offer is reasonable.  

Even though a short sale and foreclosures impact your credit scores, in reality, the short sale shows creditors that the seller took responsibility for the problem and it will impact your credit for normally 2 years versus foreclosures impacting your credit for up to 7 years.  These time frames vary depending on the lender, credit score, down payment, and the type of loan. 

"According to FICO, if your credit score is 680, a foreclosure will drop your credit score on average to 85 to 105 points.  If your credit score is excellent at 780, a foreclosure will drop your score by 140 to 160 points.  In other words, the higher your credit score the more it will get smashed!" says financialsamurai.com

 

The last thing people in financial crisis want to do is spend more money on a sinking ship. However, when selling a short sale it can actually get multiple offers when the home is clean and free of clutter. When there is trash thrown about and the weeds are growing out of control, buyers have a hard time seeing the potential.  Hire a qualified agent who has handled short sales before and who you can trust to guide you through the emotional and challenging process.

--Virginia Hall

    San Diego East Foothills Keller Williams Realty

    (619) 258-8585

For more information go to  VirginiaHall.com

How to Keep Your Home Primed for Last-Minute House Hunters

                                Image courtesy of Unsplash

When you put your home on the market, you want to avoid turning away house hunters whenever possible. You just never know when that last-minute call will be the one you’ve been waiting for. Here’s how to keep your house in prime condition so you never have to turn away a tour.

Pare Down Belongings

If you are struggling to figure out how, exactly, to clean and declutter, these links have some practical advice that can get you cleared out in no time.

●    Declutter every nook and cranny

●    Part ways with extra stuff

●    Store surplus necessities discreetly

●    Move boxes and extra furniture offsite

Set a Great Stage

Your home’s appearance is more important than you might think. From making it a welcoming environment to showcasing it from the street, this is how to set the stage for selling success.

●    Create a welcoming atmosphere

●    Give kids’ rooms special attention

●    Don’t ignore curb appeal

●    Hire out for a deep clean

Address Daily Details

Unless your home sells on day one, you have to pay special attention to how it looks until

you’ve accepted an offer. Here are some ways to do just that without adding stress and strain to

your day.

●    Gather tools for quick tidy-ups

●    Review the big picture

●    Get your kids involved

●    Clean before you walk out the door

Getting a house ready to sell can be nerve-wracking. However, with a few smart strategies, you can take last-minute calls in stride. Do some paring down, clean thoroughly, and tidy up daily, and soon you’ll get that offer you’ve been waiting for!

Compliments of Alice Robertson

How to Sell a House and be Safe-- COVID-19 Precautions

Selling a home during this challenging time, may seem daunting but the California of Realtors (C.A.R.) has outlined steps to protect you and your buyer while selling your home. 

C.A.R. has released two new forms to help clarify how to protect the seller and buyer: One is a Listing Agreement Coronavirus  Addendum or Amendment (RLA-CAA) for sellers and listing agents to sign, and the other is a Property Viewing Advisory and Declaration (PEAD) that is to be given to and signed by the seller, buyer, agents and anyone else who will be entering a property.

Seller should expect Buyers and their should follow the steps that were previously discussed agents in How to Safely Buy a House--COVID-19 Precautions.   Other guidelines that Sellers should follow: 

1. The written approval of the seller for all pre-marketing activities must be obtained by the listing agent. No third party can enter the property if they have not agreed to follow CDC, Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Guidelines. Even for contractors and workers, gloves and other protective gear are mandated, as is the declaration that they are asymptomatic and agree to follow the CDC guidelines.
2. Listing presentations and staging should be done virtually.
3. Virtual photography using a video-based system. Keep in mind that the usual copyright  considerations governing photographic images still apply.
4. Shoe covers, gloves and hand sanitizer should be located near the front door.  If hand sanitizer is not available, soap and water at a designated sink should be made available. 
5. Sellers should be gone during all showing appointments that are scheduled for individual parties, one set of clients at a time. 
6. No open houses, broker tours or broker previews should be held. A virtual open house or showing scheduled for a specific time with the Seller's permission, can be scheduled; however, no one will be present other than the listing agent holding the virtual open house.
7. REALTORS® CANNOT BE conducting any face-to-face marketing during the COVID-19 related declaration of emergency.
8. Flyers will be posted on the on-line multiple listing service.  No paper flyers at property.
9. After each showing, the agent or seller should clean doorknobs and counter tops with disinfectant wipes and follow the CDC's Cleaning & Disinfecting Guide recommendations.
10. All negotiations and discussion regarding the property will be done by phone or virtually.
11. All transaction paperwork will be done by electronic signature systems. 
12. For HOAs, he seller should obtain a copy of any new rules that may govern showings of common areas or entry to the property.

Using these COVID-19 precautions, sellers should be able to safely show and sell their home. 

Written by 
Virginia Hall, CRS, ABR, CNE, SFR
Keller Williams Realty
619.258.8585    

 

How to Safely Buy a House-- COVID-19 Precautions

While Realtors are considered an essential business, they are taking special precautions to protect their clients.  The California Association of Realtors has laid out the best practices to protect buyers and sellers with new forms and procedures in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Buyers and their agents should adhere to the follow precautions:

1. To avoid unnecessary home viewings, buyers will provide proof of funds, as well as be fully pre-approved for a loan.
2. Showings should be done virtually, if at all possible.
3. Buyers will have no signs of cold or flu, fever, cough, shortness of breath and understand the risks of showing and visiting properties.
4. Buyers and their agent must electronically sign the Property Viewing Advisory and Declaration form prior to the showing appointment. 
5. Showing appointments must be made with the seller. 
6. Buyers should meet the agent at the property.  
7. All persons visiting a property will agree to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer prior to entry. 
8. Buyers should be instructed not to touch anything and/or to wear disposable rubber gloves and protective face masks, if available; and to dispose of them after leaving the property.  Bring your own sanitizers, and gloves — don’t rely on others to bring them. 
9. Only a single agent and two people maximum will enter the home at the same time while maintaining a six foot social distance with masks on.
10. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after leaving the property.
11. Discussions after the showing with the buyer should be conducted through electronic means such as email, telephone, Zoom or FaceTime, rather than in person, as maintaining a conversation while adhering to the social distance guidelines is difficult.  Offers and all transaction paperwork should also be discussed over the phone and signed electronically.
12. Further more, if anyone who enters the property is later diagnosed with COVID-19, the person who is diagnosed must immediately inform the listing agent, who will then make best efforts to inform everyone who entered the property after the person diagnosed, of that fact.

Using these COVID-19 precautions, buyers should be able to safely shop and buy a home. 

Written by 
Virginia Hall, CRS, ABR, CNE, SFR
Keller Williams Realty
619.258.8585

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Simple Home Changes That Can Affect Your Family's Health

Your home is meaningful in many ways; not only is it a place where you and your loved ones can relax and feel safe, but it’s also a spot that affects your health on a daily basis. Allergens in the air, fall hazards, and mold are all things that can be exacerbated by a home that doesn’t meet your needs. Whether you’re single, a young parent, or an older adult, it’s important to make some simple changes throughout your house that will help you stay healthy. Here are a few ideas.

Remove Excess Moisture from the Air

Depending on where you live, the type of weather your city experiences, and the way your house is designed, your home may experience more moisture than others. It may sound innocuous, but excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and dust mites, all of which can contribute to health problems (especially in children and older adults). Mold, especially, can be hazardous and can cause breathing problems and chronic illness. It’s most prevalent in basement areas and bathrooms but can occur anywhere in the home. To make the air more stable, it’s a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier, which essentially removes moisture from the air and deposits it into a receptacle. There are several types on the market, so read reviews before making a purchase so you can get the right one for your needs.

Pull Up Your Carpet

Many people don’t give their carpeting a second thought outside of how clean it looks, but deep down in the pile lurk allergens, dust, dirt, pet hair and dander, and dust mites. Vacuuming regularly can help, but if your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, you may be throwing those things back into the air every time you clean. Pulling up your carpet is a much cleaner solution; you can lay down hardwood or the more cost-effective laminate, which will not only improve the air quality in your home but will also boost its value.

De-Stress

Your home may be the place you go to relax and unwind, but it may be contributing to your stress without you realizing it. Clutter and disarray can leave you feeling anxious or depressed, so get organized. Declutter, utilize storage solutions for books and other large collections, and, if possible, turn an extra room into a relaxing space to practice yoga, meditate, or read quietly. Having such a space in your home can help boost your mental health, especially if you’re feeling the effects of stress at work.

Go Green

Going green — or living a more eco-friendly lifestyle — can accomplish many things, and there are several ways to get started. Changing out your old light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones will save you money on your utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint; changing the landscaping around your home to one that conserves water will also save money while helping the environment at the same time. There are several health benefits to going green, as well; starting a vegetable garden can help you eat healthier, whereas riding a bike or walking rather than driving or taking public transportation can reduce emissions and help you stay fit. Think about the easiest ways you can be more eco-friendly and figure out ways to get involved.

Making simple changes to your home and lifestyle in order to be healthier can help you feel and look better, and in some cases, it can help you become more Earth-conscious in your daily life. Think about which modifications make the most sense for you and your budget, and keep your family involved so they can feel better, as well.

Written by Natalie Jones

Photo by Pixar