Bruce Nemovitz

Last month's article dealt with the interactions between child and parent when confronted with the parent's home sale after many years in the home. Conclusions were to take each day one day at a time. Understanding each other's emotions is critical for parent and child to smoothly go through the selling and moving process. Gathering as much information prior to the process will mitigate fear and anxiety for parent and children.

This month's article deals with the question, 'what is the right housing for you, and how does one know when it is the right time to move?'

My previous articles had a common theme. It is hard for us to think of change, especially change after so many years in our homes. The signs may be there for us to see but we avoid facing our realities and remain in our 'comfort' zones. Taking an honest look at the quality of our lives is the first step in answering when is it the right time to move. We must first look at the physical quality of life in our homes. In many cases the laundry is in the basement. Stairs may have become a challenge to navigate. Night driving is difficult for some. The distance to family and friends may have become an issue as these loved ones have moved away. Maintenance of the home is the number one issue as my clients make the decision to move. It is hard to find the right help when trying to maintain the home as you would have done if heath allowed. Maintenance of the exterior such as snow shoveling and yard maintenance can be overwhelming. Interior maintenance only adds to the problem of keeping up our homes and being proud to invite our company.

A good start to truly assessing your particular situation is to do the 'Ben Franklin' lists. On one side list the reasons to stay. These must be done honestly. On the other side, list all of the reasons to move. These are the quality of life issues mentioned, such as maintenance, stairs, etc. Then put the list away. A week later, bring the list out and it will talk to you. You will immediately know what is best for your individual situation. If moving looks to be the right decision for you, then it is time to gather information as to the housing options available.

Now that you've done an assessment of your physical and emotional reasons for moving, you want to match those needs to the right type of housing. There is a great magazine called 'Senior Resouces' which lists most of the senior housing available is Southeastern Wisconsin. There is excellent information to help you best decide where to visit. When you do visit the communities you've chosen, the marketing directors will be a wealth of information. My experience has been that marketing directors are the most helpful, caring, and truthful folks I have ever met in a particular industry. Most are truly there to make sure that the senior's needs match the housing that they offer. Tours are available almost every day of the week. Take as many as needed.

Most importantly, look deep inside and ask yourself if your current lifestyle is the dream you've worked for your entire life. Is this the way you want to spend the rest of your life? Do you want to leave your happiness to chance? If your lifestyle is right for you, and long term looks to be positive in your current home, then stay and enjoy your home for years to come. Unfortunately, we never know how long we will live or how our health will last. So think clearly and honestly!

Next month's article will deal with a new survey I just completed comparing my senior client's answers to pertinent questions, to that of senior care givers and marketing directors.

By Bruce Nemovitz, Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce and his team can be reached at 262-242-6177 or email at: Bruce@BrucesTeam.com