Pat Tanaka knew exactly when she wanted to sell from the large family home she'd owned for over 35 years to a smaller: When she found a more manageable home where she could live comfortably for the coming years.
Pat had worked as a nurse for most of her adult life. She had seen many people put off their retirement move until they were in dismal physical condition, unable to make moving plans on their own. They either ended up in a convalescent home, or worse. The choice of where to move and when was out of their hands; they were often dependent on others to make critical life-care decisions for them.
Pat set a game plan for herself that ensured that she wouldn't find herself in this unenviable position. When she turned 76 and was still in good health, she searched for a small, two-bedroom level house with an attached garage in Alameda, Calif. Pat chose Alameda as a place to live because she had lived there before and was familiar with local stores, merchants, public transportation, libraries and cultural facilities. It was a place that already felt like home, so there was no question of having to make a big adjustment to a new environment.
FIRST-TIME TIP: Retirees who are contemplating moving to an area where they have never lived before should consider renting in the new location first before buying. This way, if you find that you're miserable in the new location, it's easier to pick up and move than it would be if you had bought a home that might be difficult to resell.
Pat used savings to purchase her retirement home and bought it about a year before she actually intended to occupy it. The sellers needed a place to stay until their new home was ready so they rented back from Pat for almost a year after the sale closed. This gave Pat the time she needed to dismantle the family home and get it ready to sell.
One of the hardest aspects of the move for Pat was explaining her plan to her children, who were mentally prepared to have their mother live in the family home indefinitely. Pat's wisdom prevailed, however. The home had been built in the 1920's. It has been well-maintained over the years, but the baths needed updating, the kitchen was older and older homes generally need more maintenance over time. Pat didn't want to spend the rest of her productive life caring for a house and garden that were larger than she needed. It was a full-time job.
About six months before Pat was ready to move, she interviewed local real estate agents and selected one to help her get her home ready for sale. The house was in a wonderful neighborhood, but was dated in many respects.
Her agent recommended that Pat hire an interior decorator who specialized in staging homes for sale. Pat, who was at first resistant to the idea, agreed to go along with the staging plan. The orange shag carpet was removed to reveal oak hardwood floor. Pat's furniture was moved out and rental furniture was purchased to give the home a more contemporary look. The home sold in one week with multiple offers, and for more than the asking price.
THE CLOSING: The move was made easier on Pat because she wasn't personally living in the house while it was on the market. She was happily situated in her Alameda home planning her next trip with the senior citizen's group.
Dian Hymer is author of "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books, Revised 1998.
Copyright 1998 Dian Hymer
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