Recently I traveled to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to teach a class to Realtors there entitled “Seniors Real Estate Specialists, the Designation is SRES.” This is an in-depth two-day workshop on how best to serve seniors when dealing with real estate matters. Is it better to sell or renovate to age-in-place?
The class discusses specific needs seniors have when contemplating a move. There are various generations of seniors each with their own view on the world. Physical condition plays an important role; does the senior have no current aging issues, gradual aging issues (like MS), or urgent issues such as a stroke?
I found it funny that a 65-year-old guy with a bad hip was teaching the class!
For some seniors aging necessitates they move from their home, perhaps too many stairs or a doorway that can’t be modified to accommodate a walker or wheelchair. Sometimes folks will buy a home better suited for them in the same area, this is called aging-in-community. Aging-in-place is where the home you are in can accommodate your needs or in some cases, the home needs to be modified to accommodate different needs of the occupant.
There is an entire body of work: courses, certifications, books, videos on Universal Design. The principles of Universal Design originated at North Carolina State University. There are some excellent resourced on the topic at https://projects.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud/.
Universal Design Principles:
• Equitable Use – The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
• Flexibility in Use
• Simple and Intuitive Use
• Perceptible Information
• Tolerance for Error
• Low Physical Effort
• Appropriate Size and Space for Approach and Use
Guidelines for doorways, wheelchair ramp, turning radius, bath and kitchen design features and more are defined in detail.
You can find these folks for your area by going to this web page and typing in your state and city. https://sres.realtor/work-sres-designee/find-member.
My LocalsGuide readers know me as a lending expert; however, I have been trained and teach both the seniors’ class for the National Association of Realtors and the Universal Design class for the National Association of Homebuilders.
Obtaining a renovation loan to future-proof your home makes sense. An alternative loan would be a reverse mortgage for those 62 or older.
I’m happy to discuss with you these programs if you’d like to meet. Let’s set up an appointment at my office on Main Street in Ashland and have a cup of coffee. Dave @ 541-708-4020.
This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or commitment to lend. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other limitations apply. Rates, terms and availability of programs are subject to change without notice. State disclaimer: loanDepot.com, LLC NMLS ID 174457. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org Licensed by the OR Division of Finance and Corporate Securities, Mortgage Lending ML-4972.| WA: Licensed by the WA State Department of Financial Institutions, Consumer Loan Company CL-174457. | ID | CA: Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act CRMLA 4131040.
