Interviewing a real estate agent can be about as fun as going to the dentist. Many of us don’t interview potential candidates on a regular basis. Use these interview questions when you’re getting ready to interview a real estate agent to work with you in the sale of your home. General Impressions Was the agent on time and prepared for your meeting? Is the agent someone you would be comfortable working with? Do you LIKE him/her? Education/Background How effective are you at getting homes sold? How long have you worked in real estate? Are you full-time? During what hours are

Many people don’t know that after a Medical Assistance recipient dies, the State may attempt to recoup from the decedent’s estate whatever benefits it paid for that individual’s care. Moreover, the State will almost certainly make another claim for those benefits upon the death of the surviving spouse, regardless of whether or not that surviving spouse ever received Medical Assistance benefits himself or herself. This process is called “estate recovery,” and is an area where states are becoming increasingly aggressive in their recovery efforts. For many people, setting up a “life estate” scenario is the most simple and appropriate alternative

What are some of the things you can expect to happen when you call a real estate agent to your home? Typically, you would call a real estate agent to do a complimentary consultation to help you develop an idea about how to manage the logistics of your move, and to complete a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA). This gives you an idea of the list price and the closing costs associated with selling your home so you have an idea about what that big fat check will be after you sell your home. Our Two Step Process The way The

We’ve seen our very articulate vibrant well-educated clients become completely paralyzed during the process of moving/downsizing when they become overwhelmed. Webster’s Definition of “overwhelmed” Here’s how Webster’s defines “overwhelmed”: 1. upset, overthrow 2. a: to cover over completely:submerge b. to overcome by superior force or numbers c. to overpower in thought or feeling. To submerge? Yes, that is really is how our clients feel.  So submerged by decisions, memories and stuff that they find it difficult to breathe. With the lack of required oxygen it is merely impossible to call on the higher brain functions needed to plan and make decisions.

The Network of Senior Services The industry that I know as the “senior services” is comprised of hundreds, if not thousands, of small companies offering services to seniors. They all offer services specifically tailored for older adults, or those that care for them. A sub-set of these professionals (myself included) get together on a very regular basis to learn about the services and specialties of the other companies.  We do this so that we know when our clients need a particular service we know who to refer them to. Ask any one of these professionals and they consider it part

Is it time to downsize? Are you thinking about downsizing and wrestling with the question about whether you should BUY a home or RENT a home? For many older adults owning a home offered a sense of pride and was a bar to reach that signified success. After working a lifetime the idea of renting is a kin to “throwing money out the window.” There are some pros and cons to purchasing a home when you’re downsizing. Lifestyle Considerations for a Downsize Unless you buy into a cooperative, owning a home means you’re going to have some maintenance to do.

Let me introduce myself, my name is Lisa Dunn, MA,CSA,GRI,RSA,SRES Maybe you’d like to see the logos of my designations? WHY do real estate agents put all of those letters behind their names? How do you know if someone is a senior real estate specialist?  I used to think it just didn’t matter. It didn’t matter how many letters I put behind my name. Most consumers don’t know what all those letters mean anyways.  But, I’m changing my tune a little. With the coming age wave and how trendy it is becoming to say you’re a “senior specialist” I’m starting

When you visit senior housing communities, the list of the things you want in your next apartment may change. After seeing a couple of model senior apartments you may add or subtract items on and off your wish list.  In addition to the list of what YOU want, be sure to ask questions of the communities in which you are considering living: If (after you move in) you require more services, will they be available to you? At what point would you need to move to another apartment or different senior housing community? Would someone be available to check on

There is no shortage of senior housing in Bloomington. Is it time for you to make a move to a senior apartment? You’ll find different levels of services at each building so be sure to do your homework! If you need some help getting started as you prepare to make your move to senior housing, we have lots of articles available on the website for you, and of course you can always contact us directly.  In the mean time, enjoy browsing this list of Bloomington Senior Housing!

It’s never to early to have your estate planning completed.  When you sell your house it’s a great time to meet with your elder law attorney.  1. Provide for your immediate family. Don’t just think of money (perhaps through life insurance or other means) – you need to nominate the guardians for your minor children in case both parents die when the children are young. 2. Provide for disabled children, adult dependent children, elderly parents, or other relatives. You can establish a supplemental needs trust or other mechanism for family members who need support that you will no longer be there

Should I paint or put in new carpet?  Should I finish the basement?  Should I remodel the kitchen? These are common questions when you’re getting ready to sell your house.  You want to avoid making costly mistakes when you sell your home. The advent of HGTV has got everyone thinking they need to remodel their home before they list it for sale.  But, before you turn to reality TV for real estate advice, I’d like you to know this. The things I consider when I give advice on how to prepare your home include: a thorough financial analysis of your

Have you noticed all of the new senior housing buildings in Roseville? Cherrywood Pointe of Roseville at Lexington is the newest addition to Roseville’s senior housing options. This senior apartment building will be opening this summer. See the list of senior housing in Roseville     

For some of our clients moving is a breeze. For our other clients moving represents a process of letting go, and starting a new chapter in their lives. This process of letting go is emotional. When we’re dealing with emotions it can be really difficult to think logically. The least stressful way to think about a move is to break it down into manageable steps. I hope these ideas will help your move be less stressful. If at all possible, plan on moving first and THEN clearing and selling the house. By moving and then selling you will avoid contending

I am witnessing the stress my family caregivers have undergone. Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimers is a feat of superhuman strength.  My uncle has Alzheimers. Even though both my aunt and uncle have moved into senior housing, my aunt feel she has to be the primary caregiver.  My aunt is unable to stop putting my uncles needs before her own.  It seems to me when you’re a caregiver taking care of a loved one with memory issues, it takes longer and is more difficult, to ask for help.  I attended a seminar about caregiver stress at Open

  I was invited to be a guest on the Alzheimer’s Speaks radio show with Lori LaBey. I’ve know Lori for years, and have admired the work she does with older adults, so it was quite an honor!  Find out how to reduce the stress of your move, just click on the link below.  Listen to “Shifting House and Home with Lisa Dunn” on Spreaker.