Are You Or Your Loved Ones Considering Moving To Senior Living?

 

As we all live longer, we need to think about our next life adventure.  I have helped many clients downsize or right-size.  It gets to a point where everyone would like to enjoy themselves rather than maintain their homes, cleaning gutters, doing yard work, and cooking.  

All of us would rather make the decision for ourselves, but if you are helping a loved one always remember what they would like from social, to atmosphere to health needs. 

Here are some tips from Rick Roberts, Certified Senior Care Placement Specialist at Voices, Choices & Solutions:

 “Things to consider for Assisted Living: Make sure you are considering the needs of your loved one and not your own. That applies to the facility's decor, social activities, and care needs. 

In memory care, what is the approach to challenging situations? What security measures are in place to keep residents from eloping? 

We provide all our clients a list of specific questions to ask the Assisted/Memory Care facility - things that may not think about and our recommendations always include what activities the individual is interested in.”

Rick can be contacted at 678-641-4062 or info@voiceschoicessolutions.com.

This is a big decision and working with local professionals plus being kind and caring will empower you on this journey.  

Most of my clients need to use the sale of their current home to provide the funds for assisted living.   As always, I am here for you with all your real estate needs. Feel free to contact me at 678-656-6627 or pam.santoro@bhhsgeorgia.com / http://pamsantoro.com/

#AssistedLiving #VoicesChoicesSolutions #Rightsizing #Downsizing #PamSantoroRealtor #realestate

 

Are You Thinking About "Downsizing" or "Rightsizing"?

Are you thinking about “downsizing” or “rightsizing”?

 

Here are some great tips to help you decide what to keep and what to say goodbye to and how to do this:

 

-        Have I used this in the last year? If not, say goodbye.

-        Have I worn this in the past year? If not, say goodbye.

-        Does this still work? If not, say goodbye.

-        Can I shred any of these old documents? Remember to keep tax records for 7 years. Keep title insurance and house papers plus records of improvements on your house.

 

-        Start in a room with no memories in it: bathrooms, linen closets, or kitchens.

 

-        Take old prescriptions to the pharmacy to dispose of them.

-        Get rid of old makeup and toiletries.

-        Donate old towels to pet shelters or your local veterinarian.

 

-        Go through your books to see if you want to keep collections or donate them.

 

Once you start the process it will make you feel good to see your accomplishments. When I prepare a house to sell/market, I help stage it and actually can make it senior safe in the process by removing excess furniture, rugs or other tripping hazards. Remember as you pack what you’d like to keep, place the boxes in a corner of the garage or basement. Future buyers understand packing to move.

 

There are wonderful professionals who can help you sort and pack. I asked local expert Kaye Ginsberg, Founder of Peace of Mind Transitions for some recommendations:

 

“Take it small to start with – don’t try to downsize the entire basement in one day. 

 

Pick a drawer or a shelf and set a time limit for yourself.  It’s best to start with small successes and tackle the project a piece at a time. 

 

We also recommend having a “downsizing partner”. This can be a professional or a friend or family member.  The key is to pick someone who will be honest with you, but kind, when you get have discussions on whether to keep an item or not.”  

 

You can contact Kaye Ginsberg at kaye@peaceofmindtransistions.com, 404-862-4271, www.peaceofmindtransistions.com.

 

Remember if you need any real estate help or introductions to local professionals, I am here for you at pam.santoro@bhhsgeorgia.com
678-656-6627
www.PamSantoro.com

 

#downsizing #rightsizing #PamSantoroRealtor #PeaceOfMindTransistions

 

Moving to Senior Living or a Retirement Community?

Moving to senior living or a retirement community?

Choosing to move to a senior living, retirement community, or assisted living is a big decision. One that should be made by the individuals that will be moving if everyone is well and healthy enough to make their own decisions.

If you are helping your parents or loved ones with these decisions:

-        Be kind and patient. Your loved ones might not be as active or organized as they were.

-        Be practical, honest, and realistic. Emotions may get in the way when making decisions.

-        Be prepared since moving is an emotional topic even when everyone is onboard.

-        Keep your goal on all the practical issues while your loved ones are dealing with the emotional challenges.

There are knowledgeable professionals who can help you decide what community fits the needs of your loved ones or yourself. These professionals are experts on services, prices, and locations of the local communities that you may want to tour. Some communities will even let you try them out for one or two months. This will give you time to use the all the services and meet new people.

I talked to local expert Amy Hentschel, Owner/Senior Care Advisor, from Senior Provisions for advice on this topic:  

"A lot of families try to look for senior living and care online or even on their own. This is too important of a decision to try to go it alone.

Working with a senior care advisor can help you understand what each community offers and how they are different. There are many great senior living properties in Atlanta, but not all of them are going to be right fit for you or your loved ones' specific needs. Senior Provisions listens to your needs and then guides you to the true solution for what you are looking for now, and for what you might need in the future.

Because of regulations and challenges in staffing in the current market, you have to ask the hard questions about care and reputation. Knowing the right questions to ask and having an advocate with you makes all the difference."

Amy Hentschel is available to discuss your options at www.SeniorProvisions.com, seniorprovisions@gmail.com or (678-925-0223).

If you need real estate help or referrals to professionals who can help you make a plan for your future, please give me a call at
678-656-6627
pam.santoro@BHHSGeorgia.com
www.PamSantoro.com

I am here for you. #NoOneSellsAHomeLikeAMom

#seniorliving #assistedliving #retirementcommunities #downsizing #rightsizing

 

Holiday Wellness Checks

As we all visit our loved ones this holiday season, we need to ensure that they are still safe and happy in their homes. If you notice that the house is not as clean and neat as it once was, that’s a sign your family may need a little help. 

Are the gutters clear of leaves and the yard looking good? Do you notice stacks of mail lying around? These are signs that your loved one may need help from trusted vendors. 

I can help you and your loved ones to make a plan going forward from cleaning the house, retro-fitting items to make things safer, yard work, and possibly moving to something more manageable.  

Here are some home safety tips:

•  Tuck electrical and phone cords safely out of walkways
  
  
•  Ensure rugs, runners, and mats are secured
  
  
•  Test smoke detectors and replace batteries
  
  
•  Install handrails throughout the home
  
  
•  Ensure porches and staircases are well lit
  
  
•  Clear stairs, landings, and floors of clutter
  
  
•  Write and review emergency plans, especially know what hospital that your loved one’s physicians are associated with

 As a Realtor, I have a wonderful network of trusted professionals to help, feel free to give me a call at 678-656-6627 to start your plan for the next stage of your life.   

Remember “No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!” 
 #PamSantoroRealtor  -  www.pamsantoro.com  -  pam.santoro@BHHSGA.com

#WellnessChecks #HolidayVisits #MakingAPlan

Should Interest Rates Scare You?

 If you look at historical data on averages of home mortgage interest rates, you should realize that we have been here before.  

·        1970’s – The average home mortgage interest rate was 8.5%,but it rose to 12.9% at the end of the 1970’s.

·        1980’s – The average home mortgage interest rate was 9%; however it peaked at 18.4%.

·        1990 ‘s - The average home mortgage interest rate was 10.13%.

·        2000’s – The average home mortgage interest rate ranged from high 5% to low 6%.

·        2010’s – The average home mortgage interest rate ranged from 3.45% to 4.87%.

·        2020    - The average home mortgage interest was 2.68% due to COVID.

·        2021    - The average home mortgage interest ranged from 2.7% to 3.10%.

·        2022    - The current home mortgage interest is 6.92% and has been as high as 7.1%.

Really interest rates should not scare you.  Owning a house is still a better investment than renting. Talking to a good lender will aid you in determining what you can comfortably afford.  If there are any issues with your credit, the lender can advise you on how to help make your credit score better.

My husband and I have purchased 3 homes in our 42 years of marriage.  Our interest rates varied from 12.5% to 7% to 8.5%.  They were all good investments and wonderful places to live and raise our family. Remember you MARRY the House but DATE the interest rate.   If rates drop, you can always refinance.

If you’d like to read more about this: Historical Mortgage Rates: Averages and Trends from the 1970s to 2022 - ValuePenguin

As always, I am here if you need any real estate help whether buying or selling. Please give me a call or text at 678-656-6627.  
www.PamSantoro.com  -  Remember “No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!”

#interestrates #realestate #PamSantoroRealtor #mortgagerates

 

Apples in North Georgia

 

I love Fall with the leaves changing, pumpkins everywhere, apple cider, and delicious apples from North Georgia. I went to Mercier’s Apple Orchard to get apples for pies for my husband, Tony. 

We also picked up apple cider donuts and apple cider. They have a tasting bar where you can sample the apples that you’d like to buy, a bakery, honey, wine and more. Fun-filled apple day!

Here’s my favorite recipe for pie crust from Tony’s Aunt Val:

Vinegar Egg Pastry (German) – From Tony’s Aunt Val Santoro

Makes enough for one 9” or 10” double crust pie or two pastry shells.

1 egg

1 Tbsp.  white vinegar

½ cup of ice water

4 cups all purpose flour

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 ¾ cups Crisco butter flavored shortening

1.   Beat egg lightly in a small bowl. Beat in vinegar and ice water. (I usually put all in a bowl and beat then.)

2.   Combine flour sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is consistency of blended coarse meal.

3.   Add all but 2 Tbsp. of the egg mixture and mix quickly with a fork until the dough can be gathered into a ball. Sprinkle in the reserve mixture if pastry seems dry. Wrap in plastic wrap, chill thoroughly before using.

4.   Shape and bake following the directions in individual pie recipes.

5.   I roll between sheets of plastic wrap then flip onto the pie plate.

Enjoy!   

Pam Santoro

#pies #apples #orchards #applecider #PamSantoroRealtor

 

 

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY

 

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a lovely way to spend a day in the North Georgia mountains. They have four-hour or two-hour excursions from Blue Ridge, Georgia to Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia.  

We reserved the inside deluxe seating with optional boxed lunch and beverages.  There is also open-air seating.  

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view with a little bit of history thrown in. You are entertained with colorful stories of how the American Indians caught fish in the river, hear stories about the lives of families in the area when the train was used daily for transportation and more
.  

The towns have great restaurants, specialty shopping with beautiful handmade items, and delicious ice cream and coffee shops.  

Check out the train ride on https://brscenic.com/ .   

As always, if you have any real estate needs, feel free to call me Pam Santoro at 678-656-6627 or check out my website www.pamsantoro.com .   

Remember #NoOneSellsAHomeLikeAMom !

#trains #BlueRidgeScenicRailway #TrainRide