Presented by
This content is made possible by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
Real estate options when you become like a fine wine
Like a fine wine, we get better as we age. Also like a fine wine, we change as we age.
Older adults have different needs than those less seasoned when it comes to real estate.
Fortunately, there are real estate agents specifically trained to guide older adults through options that best meet those needs. That’s because the National Association of Realtors offers training that allows a member to become a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)
“Helping seniors is my passion,” said Glen Riggs, a Realtor with eXp Realty, who is SRES® certified. “The SRES designation signifies my commitment to understanding the unique needs, challenges and extra care that come with selling and purchasing real estate later in life.”
Some find that as they get older they might need more help preparing meals, for example, or perhaps a loved one has told them they need assistance taking care of themselves.
“These conversations are really difficult to have with a family member,” Riggs said.
The first thought might not be to turn to a real estate agent, but that SRES certification means you will connect with someone who will help beyond how typical agents can help.
“You need someone, a neutral third party, to help,” Riggs said. “… When it’s someone else coming in, it’s different from your child or your grandchild.”
Maybe you’re wondering whether to continue living in your home, which is an emotionally charged decision. That’s especially true if you’ve lived in the Livermore area for decades, buying your beloved family home for, say, $30,000.
“My grandmother bought her house for $18,000; they bought the home for $99 down,” Riggs said. “She still lives in it. She’s in her 80s. I live a mile from her. I love that I get to help her.”
The decision to stay or move may also be affected by whether family members live nearby.
“If you have family to help support you and check in on you, by all means, do it. Stay. Keep your investment that you have,” Riggs said. “But if finances are a concern, you can also leverage a reverse mortgage or something like that, that can help ease those financial burdens.”
Riggs has visited older adults who are unsure about their options. For example, one woman was dependent on outside meals.
“I had a client whose home was literally covered in takeout containers, bags, napkins, utensils,” Riggs said. “She could no longer cook for herself. She didn’t have much family in the area, so her only option was to order in or options like Meals on Wheels.”
In her case, the best choice was to sell her home and move to a facility that provided three meals a day and regular care, he said.
As you consider your options, it’s important to note the way you move into, out of, and around your house.
“You have a one-story home, but you have three steps you have to navigate every day,” Riggs said. “You don’t have a handrail there. Maybe it would be better if you have a ramp because you have a walker.”
Coming up with those kinds of solutions is what Riggs helps his clients do if they would prefer not to sell. And he can visit to evaluate your home.
“Sometimes I see it’s not safe,” he said. “I’ll reach in my toolbox and help find people to help them.”
Riggs has access to a team of professionals and resources that can make the process a lot easier.
“We’ve got options,” he said. “Allow me to be the person you trust to have that conversation.”
Glen Riggs was born and raised in Livermore and is very active in our community. Glen represents buyers and sellers in the Tri-Valley. He has been accredited as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and loves providing real estate assistance to those who are not sure where to start. Reach out to him at Glen@GlenRiggs.com to help you or someone you know get started today.
