Bruce Nemovitz

We’ve all heard the definition of fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. How many nights have we tossed and turned pondering problems and situations which were magnified to uncontrollable proportions only to wake up the next morning to see those same issues as pebbles in our shoes. We are all guilty of runaway emotion, especially in our current fiscal environment of uncertainty. It is true that the stock market, the mortgage crisis, and so many other important issues are in a precarious state of affairs and seem somewhat out of our control. But what we do have control over is our own lives and how we manage them!

Our home is a critical component of our happiness and comfort. It can also be a burden if we refuse to address our current needs as well as our future requirements both physical and emotional. I’ve seen too many hard working seniors who have invested great energy and hard work throughout their lives only to live in an environment which is not meeting their needs and causing isolation from those they cherish. What holds us back from decisions that could impact our lives favorably is fear of change! We will create excuses, stories, and seemingly great arguments to stay in our homes even when our families and friends have begged us to move to a better suited environment to meet our current needs. The twin brother of fear of change is procrastination.

So first ask yourself or your spouse if you are putting off an important decision such as moving to new housing. Do a realistic assessment of your current situation both physically and mentally. Ask your family and friends to help you with this assessment. So often, people on the outside can see more clearly than those too close to the situation. If it is obvious that a change would improve your life or lives, than begin the process of educating yourselves to options available to better address your needs. Talk to your financial consultants or banker to see what assets are available to sustain a monthly payment which would last you a lifetime. Call a Senior Real Estate Specialist to determine the current value of your home.

Once it is clear as to what you can afford, then visit apartments and senior communities which fit your budget. Any marketing agent within senior communities will help you understand their fees and up front charges. You can also visit with senior planners and placement services to help you through the myriad of choices currently available in the Milwaukee-Metro area. There is a very good magazine called “Senior Resources” which list most of the senior housing options available and description of services and fees for those communities.

My point is that life is short. Why wait for a health change to determine when you will move? Why wait for a loss of a spouse before deciding it is time to move? Why wait for crisis management where our children are burdened with the hard decisions which need to be made in the face of physical emergencies?

I did not write this article to add to your fears, but to offer hope and understanding so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor in your retirement years! Your number one goal should be to maintain freedom and independence in the most healthful and positive environment possible. Your home should be a source of comfort and security.Your home should provide peace of mind so that you don’t have to suffer those sleepless nights of worry, fear, and procrastination!

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 30 years. He has just published a book called “Moving in the Right Direction”, a Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. He works with his wife Jeanne and assistant Boni at Realty Executives Integrity.

Please feel free to call Bruce or his team with any real estate questions, you may have at 262-242-6177, or email at Bruce@BrucesTeam.com. You can go to their website at www.brucesteam.com and view the many articles and important information related to moving and downsizing!