Reno Gazette-Journal Sunday, June 9, 2018
It’s normal to be anxious when facing a late-life move from a longtime family home, but certified senior housing professionals Annette and Brett Junell have important tips and valuable resources to help reduce the stress.
“With my partner and husband, Brett, we specialize in assisting seniors and their families,” Annette said. “We know that making a move later in life can be daunting.”
“Having helped hundreds of families and individuals with their moves, we have the resources to make the transition easier,” she added. “It’s not just about selling the home, we help with and coordinate sorting, packing, selling or donating belongings, organizing movers and resettling.”
Brett Junell said because of the expertise he and his wife have gained in 15 years of working with senior adults, plus the training and coaching received from both the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Institute and National Association of Senior Move Managers, “We are the one stop solution for Northern Nevada seniors and their adult children.”
The Junell’s are considered leading authorities on issues related to downsizing, late-life moves and (55+) senior living solutions. Annette has a master’s in psychology, and Brett leverages his background in business to bring unique perspectives to the challenges faced by downsizing seniors.
The Junell’s say their mission is to educate, empower and equip retirees.
For a client selling the family home they have lived in for 30, 40 or 50+ years, this can be an especially stressful time, Brett acknowledged. “When it is ‘the family home’ and adult children and grandchildren are involved, the challenges and stress are often magnified,” he said
That’s why the Junell’s are presenting “The Truth About Selling the Family Home” seminar on June 20 as part of their monthly Retired Living Truth Seminar Series.
“The truth is that selling a long-time home and moving to a new place can be full of excitement and anticipation, or it can be fraught with anxiety, fear, and overwhelm seniors,” Annette said.
So what makes the difference?
“There are actually a few key indicators that will often determine which of the two experiences a would-be home seller will have,” Brett said. “And, that is what this talk is all about.”
“You will also gain helpful tips and resources for turning any current anxiety you may have about downsizing into productive and useful energy,” he added.
Navigating a successful late-life move takes expertise that goes beyond the scope of a typical real estate transaction. It may include guiding senior adults in available living options, home repairs, staging, cleaning, estate sales, legal matters, sorting, packing, moving, unpacking and resettling
In many cases, senior adults are moving from a family home into a smaller house, a condo, an apartment or a senior liv
ing community. “In these cases, the amount of space available will be dramatically reduced, so we explain that now is the perfect time to share treasures with the rest of the family,” Annette said.
Divesting the home of furniture, heirlooms, collections and items of sentimental and financial worth will minimize the expense of moving, plus it will eliminate double-handling and the need for offsite, possibly long-term storage.
While adult children and grandchildren can be helpful, at times they can be an impediment, especially when the family home is being put up for sale.
“After all, this is a house where now-adult children were raised,” Annette said. “And, it holds more memories and sentimental importance than a recently-acquired home. Everyone could feel they have a stake in the outcome of the sale.”
Some of the topics to be covered by “The Truth About Selling the Family Home” include:
- The primary reasons for selling the family home after retirement, including preparatory or anticipatory moves based on future needs or concerns related to aging. The sellers’ goals will be explored for each of the reasons.
- Typical housing options available based on the reason for selling, whether it is for a home with more amenities or a home that requires less maintenance.
- Some of the myths and truths about selling the family home, including the truth that husbands and wives view selling differently and that it’s OK to be emotional when selling the family home and how to deal with those emotions.
“The Truth About Selling the Family Home” seminar will be held on June 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the RSAR Building at 5650 Riggins Court, Reno (near Meadowood Mall).
The seminars are free for seniors and their guests. Pre-registration is required because seating is limited.
Reservations can be made online at www.RetiredLivingTruthSeries.com or by calling (775) 432-6398.
Upcoming seminars in the Retired Living Truth Series include:
- June 20: The Truth About Selling the Family Home
- July 18: The Truth About Living, Dying and Leaving a Legacy
- August 15: The Truth About Trusts, Wills and Guardianship
- September 12: The Truth About Home Health & In-home Care
- October 24: The Truth About Paying for Retirement Living
- November 21: The Truth About 55+ Retired Living Options
- December 19: The Truth About Successful Aging