From My Fave Chair to Yours

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO AGE?

Depending on the age you are currently, you are either thinking that you are not “that OLD” or
you are feeling like you are getting “OLDER” every day. I only say this because recently I
jumped into the category of being called a “Senior” Never thought of myself becoming a Senior,
and I currently don’t feel like a Senior nor do I use the word “OLD” Not to say there are not days
of the neck, back or knee pain or some other not feeling good days.

As a Realtor serving Seniors and having an SRES designation that makes me more
knowledgeable about serving Seniors, I decided to refer to life past 55 as the 3rd & 4th Quarter.
In thinking about timelines as it relates to homeownership, it is many different needs that people
have at 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95. Fortunately, I’m blessed with clients in all those ages.
Mostly it’s not about age; instead, it’s about the Lifestyle. What is exciting at 55, is owning
second homes, vacationing, and traveling. Often at 55, the Dream Home may have been
purchased. One where there is plenty of room for entertaining, giving a room for everyone plus
the quest room & den too. At 65 -85, all those same needs exist but, let’s go to a one-level home
Lifestyle.

At 85-95 is the time of downsizing, getting to a home where the care, cleaning, and Maintenance
is not so unmanageable. The age considerations overlap, and I’m generalizing for a point.
How do you plan to age?

Let me list a few things that come to mind as to what I’ve considered about this question.

Health -yep, I want to stay healthy
Family – They should be as close by as possible
Retirement – Never given much thought about it until now
Finances -want to continue to live the lifestyle I’m comfortable with
Social connection -love to be around friends and enjoy an event with them

A longer list is possible.
Could you think of what you would add?

How do you plan to age with your housing? That’s the question you may face with a doctor who
tells you to be in a safe environment. A financial planner tells you to consider other options
because the finances are going to run out. Children have something to say about the family home
too. Maybe they want the home to be theirs, or they are hopeful of an inheritance. Sisters,
Brothers, they may be tugging at you to make a change. There are many options, of course. Like
my friend Elisa Hawkinson with Calming the Chaos writes in
Favelifestyles, How to Navigate Life through each Season of Aging.

Ideas on how to navigate each season of life. Or Elisa points out the reality of making a move in
30 days. Are you Ready? 

My encouragement as you think about how you plan to age is to think about what the real cost of
staying in the large family home you purchased in your 40-50. What is the real cost of living in
that home with rooms you do not use?

Based on an $800,000. Home in the King or Snohomish county area, what are some of the
typical costs (costs vary by location & condition)

The monthly costs would look something like this:
Maintenance (many economists use 3% as the benchmark) $2,000
Home Owners Insurance $75
Property taxes $800
Utilities (gas, electric, water) $150
Sanitation $75
Outdoor Maintenance (landscaping) $200

Total Housing Expense Each Month $3,300

Even if you own your home free and clear, there is still an expense to living in your home, even
if it is paid off. Plus, consideration for market timing in selling should be evaluated. We want to
avoid having you sell in a down market. Keep track of your Realtor and prepare for making
changes, even if you are not ready. You know the path to “How you plan to age” and what
Lifestyle you want to live that gives you peace of mind, financial and physical comfort. In a time
when you are ready for a move, the outcome is successful for you, your family, and friends.

Call Teresa Barthol 425-876-9552 for an appointment to begin your path to financial and physical
comfort, and a successful move. Know the data behind your
dreams! www.lifestylestollive.com  Teresa.barthol@exprealty.com

Enjoy Today!

about

Teresa Barthol

Teresa Barthol -Managing Broker with eXp Realty Seattle.  Brings 22 plus years’ experience to consult with clients about real estate in the 3rd and 4th quarters of their lives. .  With longevity in Real Estate Teresa loves to share her optimistic problem solving skills, creative out of the box thinking along with her enthusiasm for great outcomes. “Believe,” she will say, your desires in life will be realized. Teresa focuses on Lifestyles to Live within the four walls you call home.

With Guest Authors: 
Marcelle Allen from Dreamosity
Elisa Hawkinson - How2GetOrganized!
Karen Herold - Wise Transition