I could exhaust myself writing about the number of seniors I have met, who just can't seem to let go of their family home. What was once part of their prime, and the iconic symbol of their achievements, is becoming a growing liability, which they just can't seem to let go of. The years have passed on, the children have moved out, the once bustling kitchen has quieted down. No one rushing in and out the door, no one running up and down the stairs. The empty family home is now inhabited by a senior couple, both trying their best to keep up with the house, and its demanding needs. Tending to the garden isn't a hobby any more, it's become more of a chore. The house requires hours of backbreaking maintenance, and cuts into the entire day. Paying the taxes and keeping up with the bills adds to the existing stress. But for most people, it's difficult to admit that home ownership is intended for raising your family.

Seniors living in a house need to think twice about the risks and hazards associated with independent living at an older age. They can be in danger for a lot of home accidents, as well as personal injury. Stairs are the greatest risk for a slip and fall, causing serious fractures, concussion or even worse! But accident and injury isn't the biggest driving factor to make the move. One of the leading reasons to move to a condo community is to fight off depression. Feeling the ‘emptiness' of the nest can be hard on most couples, and they spiral into loneliness which eventually leads to despair. All these can be easily replaced by a healthy community lifestyle, which allows them daily interaction, and support from others who live around them. Condos are well known for close neighbors, and a wide ranged opportunity to network with others! Seniors can take part in countless programs that are tailor made for all kinds of interests. From sewing clubs, to golfing buddies, reading and cards, movie nights and much more! The best part of living in a condo is that it doesn't isolate you from the rest of the world. You are still a part of community with people of all ages. Your interaction with others isn't limited, but you're also given the flexibility to choose the pace you wish to set for yourself.

One of the biggest reasons why I find that seniors are reluctant to sell the family home, is because we've always been taught that life is about upgrades - things are supposed to get bigger and better. So if you sell your house and move into a condo, the general feeling is that of a demotion, or having to cut back to a simpler lifestyle. But is trade off really that bad? Selling the house and moving into a condo can have extensive benefits, and once a senior couple has made that change, they'll be glad they did!

Aside from the obvious perks of less maintenance, a condo comes with a lifestyle, a community and more importantly, flexibility. When you sell off your family home and trade in for a condo, you're certainly not cutting yourself short, in fact, you're giving yourself an open opportunity to take your life back into your hands! I've seen so many couples take the plunge and sell their home, only to realize later, that they should have made the decision sooner.

These days, condos are coming up with newer and better amenities, offering an endless list of in house activities as well as entertainment. The extensive list can sometimes include a theater, arcade and all kinds of sports facilities, even a putting green! You'll have everything at your door, without having to battle weather, traffic, or the inconvenience of leaving your home! Live the lifestyle without the stress.

The high risk of home ownership isn't something you should be battling at and older age. Retirement is the time to enjoy life, and reap the benefits of all your hard work. Selling your home might even give you financial flexibility and open more opportunities to travel and do things you might have otherwise put off. I love helping people find homes, especially when it means giving them a chance to improve their lives with the move. If you know of a senior, maybe a parent, and aunt, uncle or loved one, call me and I'd be happy to help them.

Bill