Higher mortgage rates are slowing home sales here and around the country – but experts who specialize in senior moves at The Steller Group’s Senior Solutions Division say the picture could change rapidly if rates drop this fall.

“National pressures are building that could bring rates down – including the fall elections and hints by the Federal Reserve,” says Conrad Steller, broker/owner of The Steller Group, agents with a dedicated division specializing in senior moves.

“And we typically see sales pick up in fall, as homebuyers look to move and settle in before the holidays,” Steller adds. “To take advantage, you need to get set right now.”

Senior moves are the most complicated ones that sellers will ever make “Not planning ahead can mean losing control of your move, making it less likely you’ll get the most satisfaction and the best price,” Steller says.

Steller offers free seminars covering five essential tasks that require special preparation:

1. Where will you go? Here in Colorado, there never seem to be enough low-maintenance single-level homes to meet the demand of all the buyers looking to downsize.

“Single-level plans are always popular, and senior communities with lifestyle amenities usually have waiting lists for apartments,” Steller says. “We’ll show you some of the newer options and all the possibilities and prices. And we’ll help you to understand the resale market for lower maintenance, single-level homes.

2. Have you begun to declutter yet? Getting rid of the huge amount of stuff you don’t plan to take with you takes time,” said Broker Blair Bryant, a veteran of hundreds of senior moves.

“It’s a rate moment when your kids will step up and take furniture and dishware to keep,” Bryant adds. One Steller seminar is all about decluttering, and features contractors that Steller agents use to help sellers with the task.

3. Are you looking at tax aspects? “It’s likely your house is worth twice its value of a decade ago,” says Conrad Steller. “You need to understand how capital gains work to make sure your estate is structured properly.”

One Steller seminar is “Selling Strong – what capital improvements can lessen the tax hit.

4. Are there any reasons you may have to sell early? Many owners want to stay in their homes as long as possible – but Steller agents can cite countless cases of sellers who have encountered health or other reasons to sell on the spur of the moment, robbing them of much needed control.

5. Have you picked an agent? “Agents typically don’t start work until you’re ready to list,” adds Steller. “However, for a senior move, an agent should help you prepare well in advance.”

WHAT: The Steller Group, Inc., agents specialize in down-sizing moves: listing, selling, improving to increase salability, handling discards, low-maintenance living, purchase and rental.

FREE SEMINARS, REFRESHMENTS INCLUDED

Visit www.DenverSeniorSeminars.com to register for upcoming seminars around the Denver area.

PHONE: 720-593-9355