OK,   another reminder....IF you have a Trust,  don't forget to put your house in your Trust if you've forgotten to do that and that had been your intention ... and IF you don't yet have a Trust,  contact an attorney and talk to them about whether that's something you should do.  I can't give legal advice but I can suggest you speak to an attorney about that.  If you need a referral to one, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to suggest one.....I'm sure there must be many who will give you a free "consultation" so you can decide if that's something you need to do.

Now, another reminder about a Property Tax benefit you may or may not know about.

Under Proposition 60, any person 55 or older can sell a home eligible for the homeowners exemption and transfer that home's CURRENT property tax assessment to another home of EQUAL OR LESSER value  in the same county within two years before or after the sale of the original property.

Alot of people don't know about this little benefit,  but think about it!   Maybe you're an empty-nester and your home is too large for you but you don't want to rent and worry about a landlord continually raising your rent.  Soooooo,  here's a wonderful benefit.....you sell the home you're in and purchase a smaller home, as long as the purchase price is less than the one you're selling.  This works especially well if you've been in your current home for a long long time,  like I have.  I've been in my home since 1977 so my property taxes are very very reasonable.  You may be in the same situation.  And what a great opportunity.....maybe you just want a half-plex or a smaller home...or a condo.  Isn't this a great idea and great little-known benefit?

As a senior myself,  I'm always receptive to information that may benefit me and I hope you are too. If you have any questions about what is involved in selling your home...whether you're moving into a senior residence or into a smaller home to take advantage of this property tax break,  call me!  I'd love to help you.....

If you think you may be selling your home in the coming months,  let's be prepared!   When I work with my "senior" clients, we take it a step at a time to make sure everything goes smoothly.  Sometimes when you haven't listed and/or sold a home in a long time, there are lots of questions you may have....and I have absolutely no objections whatsoever about answering each and every one of those questions.  It can be a smooth and easy "transition" so I don't want you to be worried or concerned about anything....I'll help you.   One of the first things I happened to think of today to mention,  is that IF you think you'll be selling in the coming months and IF your home is in a Living Trust,  one of the first things we will be doing is taking a copy of your Trust to the title company so they can verify who has authorization to actually sell the property.  That applies to whether you're the actual seller and Trustee....OR.....the Successor Trustee of a parent who may have passed away or is incapacitated.
But that's a good "first step".....

One of the best....if not the only....senior publication in the Sacramento area has now suspended publication.  What an absolute shame, in my opinion because it leaves seniors with one less "resource" at their disposal.  Besides the timely articles,  it provided seniors with lists of resources to help enhance their lives.  I understand The Golden Pages,  published by Senior Spectrum,  will definitely be coming out shortly.....the 2014 version even though it's now almost halfway into 2014.....but at least it too hasn't been suspended.  This too,  is a great resource for seniors looking for various services.

One of my specialities is assisting seniors as they "transition" from their homes into senior apartments,  assisted living facilities, closer to their families, or perhaps their relatives call me after they've passed away.  I'm always on the lookout for articles or resources that may assist these clients.

There are many wonderful senior "facilities" right here in and around our Sacramento area.....and many seniors who often say "never, not me, I'm never leaving my home",  find they absolutely love the friendships and social interaction they find at many of these senior residences.  They can participate if they want or they can stay close to their own apartments.  The opportunities are there and there are many many activities offered.   For loved ones of these "seniors",  they find a renewed sense of security knowing someone is keeping their eye out on their mom or dad..... I can't tell you the number of times clients of mine have laughed and said they had called their parent in the middle of the afternoon only to be told "gotta run.....it's bingo time".....or "can't talk now,  we're playing wi bowling"......they're having a wonderful time.

If you have questions or need help when your parent gets ready to make this move,   please feel free to call me.  I'd love to help you or answer any questions you may have....whether you're ready to make this change now,  or a year or two down the line.  I've been listing and selling here for over 35 years and have no plans to retire.....just call me when you're ready.