For those 60+ years of age, a major life transition is leaving your longtime home for a retirement community. Add to this major decision an unsure housing economy that can delay selling your house, and it can become difficult to follow through on your plans.

A crucial step in switching to an independent- or assisted-living community is selling your home so proceeds from the sale can finance the new place. Nationally, retirement communities are reporting drops in occupancy that tend to mirror the percentage of unsold housing stock in their areas. On a personal level, this means people who want a home that matches their changing needs are left in a frustrating holding pattern.

Should you find yourself in this odd situation, here is something to consider:

What if you could turn your existing home into the ultimate version of the retirement villa you are considering?

Would you stay in your home if it meets all the wants and needs of your new lifestyle?

An AARP survey found that over 80% of people over 60-years old desire to stay in their own homes for the rest of their lives, meaning they prefer to age in place. Typically, the aging process is blamed for many problems seniors encounter with daily activities, when, often, it is the home that creates the difficulties. Most homes are geared to young healthy adults so do not properly support the physical and sensory changes we experience as we age. For a person with even minor aging changes, an insignificant home feature can have significant effects. For instance, a change in lighting can change how well you navigate your own home.

We understand how the aging process changes the way you feel about and use your home, and we know how overwhelming the list of questions and concerns can be. We have two Certified Aging In-Place Specialists (CAPS) on our team (including Scott Mosby, who was the original CAPS national ambassador) who can work with you to explore all your options. Together, we will create a plan that is beautiful, functional and satisfying.

At this point in time, it can be a better investment to remodel your existing home to suit your needs than waiting a long time to sell your house for less than it is worth. If you love everything about your neighborhood, and wish you did not have to leave, then this is exactly why you should talk with us. We are certified and experienced to keep you comfortable, vital and productive in your own home.

Related posts:

1. Scott Mosby is the 2006 CAPS Designee of the Year
2. Scott Mosby Receives His CAPS of the Year Award
3. Mosby Custom Furniture in Remodeling Magazine
4. Cover Boy Scott Mosby
5. A Mosby-Built Custom Home From 1954

Learn the Art of Living at CallMosby.com.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008 at 9:34 am and is filed under accessible design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.