Are you Age 60+ searching for a home?

Here are the 7 steps:

     Step 1: Explore housing options

     Step 2: Consult a Realtor

     Step 3: Prepare your home

     Step 4: Sell your home

     Step 5: Plan and make your move

     Step 6: Notify services

     Step 7: Unpack and get settled

LeRoy Warden and Associates has SRES® accreditation which helps to understand and address the unique real estate needs of seniors. With specialized seniors real estate training, we will guide you through each step, at your pace, providing added resources and our network of experts. Contact us at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com. 

Step 1: Explore housing options

Want to age in place, in your current home, and find additional supports?

Aging in place allows you to continue living in your current home. What is important, is to surround yourself with extra services and supports. This will enable you to live more safely and independently in your home. The Government of Alberta's website at https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-resources.aspx#jumplinks-0 has a list of areas you need to consider. For assistance with funding, resources, programs and services to support aging in place, visit https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance.aspx. We also have some articles that may interest you in our Blog section at https://leroywarden.com/60-blogs.html.

Looking to purchase an Age Restricted Residence, where all the home owners are mature adults?  

If you are an active, fully independent senior and you would like to continue owning your own home, you may be interested in an age restricted residence. You still have the benefits of being a home owner but with little to no home maintenance. It also enables you to travel more often with less worries. Whether an apartment style condo or a bungalow half duplex, there are many options. For a list of current properties for sale in your desired area, contact LeRoy Warden and Associates at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com.

Would you consider a "Life Lease"?

“Life Lease”, also known as a “Rental Investment”, is an added option that you may want to consider that is for active fully independent mature adults. This type of agreement is an alternative option that lies between renting and owning. You are not a renter, nor are you an owner. Once an initial lump sum is paid out as a deposit, it provides the right to occupy a unit in a particular development and use all the communal amenities, such as dining rooms, games rooms and lounges. 

Residents also pay a small monthly occupancy fee for covering management fees, maintenance and other operating expenses, depending on the size of the unit. Typically, the more money paid as a deposit, the less your monthly fee will be, with very little change in rates.

The purchaser typically can occupy the home for life. Usually, the Life Lease lasts for life, a fixed term, or until you are no longer capable of living independently. When you are no longer occupying the unit, your lump sum deposit is returned to you or your estate, within the specified timeline of your agreement, sometimes with a fee held back. To protect your interests, we recommend that you consult your lawyer prior to signing a Life Lease agreement.

For more information on the rules and regulations of Life Leases in Alberta, click https://www.cplea.ca/wp-content/uploads/LifeLeases.pdf

Want a Retirement Home whether subsidized or not, providing additional supports?

There are several types of retirement homes to choose from depending on your level of independence and medical care required. Some are non-subsidized, where you pay the entire monthly housing cost. Some are subsidized, where monthly housing costs are partially paid for by the government. Subsidized housing is acquired with the assistance of a government housing program. If you qualify, then the government will pay a percentage. For more information on affordable government housing programs, eligibility and how to apply, visit https://www.alberta.ca/affordable-housing-programs.aspx.

First we recommend determining if you meet the qualifications for subsidized housing and what the income threshold is:

There are 2 different types of subsidized housing: 

Subsidized Apartments are apartment style accommodations with a kitchen for cooking your own meals. Bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units are available. Monthly housing costs are calculated at 30% of your gross monthly income. Typically included is heat, water and garbage removal, however there are additional fees for power, laundry, cable TV, parking, housekeeping and tenant insurance. For more information, visit https://housing.gef.org/ 

Subsidized Lodges are like living with a community of friends where housekeeping, 3 meals per day and snacks are provided. Non-medical staff is available 24 hours a day. There are daily activities and a variety of on-site amenities. Monthly housing costs are calculated at 30% of the gross monthly income plus a support services fee. There are additional fees for laundry, cable TV and parking. For more information, visit https://housing.gef.org/.

There are many non-subsidized and subsidized housing options. You can start your research using the 3 links below. It does not mean these units are available right now, but you can learn more about each.

1. https://housingdirectory.ascha.com/index.php

The Government of Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association’s website allows you to search by area to find housing options.

2. https://findhousing.alberta.ca/ 

This Government of Alberta website helps you narrows down your housing options based on a questionnaire of your lifestyle.

3. https://www.mysage.ca/

The SAGE Seniors Association of Edmonton’s website can provide additional information on affordable housing options to suit your needs or you can reach them by calling 780-423-5510.

When you have chosen a few places you would like to consider, take a tour of each one in person and ask questions to get a feel of the facility. Are other residents happy and friendly? Is the atmosphere energetic or quiet? Ask for brochures to help you compare. For a list of questions you should ask, and other interesting tips, visit our BLOGS section at https://leroywarden.com/60-blogs.html.  

Once you have chosen where you would like to live, apply for accommodations and funding if required.

Need Long Term Care for yourself or your loved one, providing the highest level of care?

Long Term Care, also known as Nursing Homes, are facilities for those with complex, unpredictable medical needs requiring 24 hour care. It is available once assessed by an Alberta Health Care case manager. 

If you do not already have a case manager and believe one is needed for an assessment the level of care that best suits your needs, visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/Page15484.aspx.

Rooms are either private or shared and furnished with a bed, dresser and closet. Small special items can be brought and activities can be enjoyed. For Long Term Care information and to locate facilities, visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/Page15491.aspx. You will be responsible for monthly housing costs and additional care or support services not already part of your insured health care service plan.  For insured health care plan information, visit your insurance company's website and/or the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan at https://www.alberta.ca/coverage-for-seniors-program.aspx#jumplinks-0.  

Step 2: Consult a Realtor

Your home is filled with years of treasured memories and precious belongings. Decluttering and executing a move can be challenging and emotional. LeRoy Warden and Associates has SRES® accreditation with specialized seniors real estate training, so we will be with you at every step, saving you time, money and especially frustration. We will guide you through downsizing your belongings and make our trade resources available to you whether for cleaning or home repairs. We make packing less complicated and assist you in planning your move. When your home is ready, we take professional photos, prepare digital marketing and list your home for sale. Contact us at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com and together, let us make this experience less stressful. You can be confident in knowing that we will be there to assist you along the way. 

Step 3: Prepare your home

LeRoy Warden and Associates will help you get the best price for a home you have lived in for years. By walking through your home with you, we can advise you of anything that may need to be completed in order to maximize your sale price. There might be some cleaning or minor repairs to deal with. Some of these tasks can be done yourself or by a professional. Contact us at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com for our list of recommended trades. If you haven't started downsizing your belongings yet, you may want to consider starting soon. Our Packing Tips and Donations Centres List makes this step less frustrating and complicated.

Step 4: Sell your home

Together, we will assist with negotiating a great price on your home and getting an accepted an offer. If you don't already have a lawyer to finalize the legal paperwork, we can provide our lawyer resources to you. LeRoy Warden and Associates can help facilitate the legal process, making it quicker, easier and less confusing. Ask us how at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com!! Just like that, your home is officially SOLD!

Step 5: Plan and make your move

An idea that we think works well, is to start with an “Open me first” box. This box will hold anything you want to keep secure (ex. passport, special documents) and essential items you may need at your new home (ex. a coffee cup for your first morning coffee in your new home and toothbrush).

Purchase packing supplies: packing paper, bubble wrap, sharpies, colored stickers and packing tape. Having supplies makes the sorting and packing process easier. What else makes the process easier? Contacting us at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com and asking us about our Packing Tips and Donations Centres List.

There may be items that will not be moved to your new home. We recommend making 5 categories:

1. Pass down to family

2. Sell

3. Donate to charity

4. Recycle

5. Trash

Pass down to family

Giving items to family members is a wonderful way to pass on memories. Invite your children, grandchildren (and potentially even great-grand children ) to come to your home and decide which items they would like to have. You can also take pictures of each item and email your family to ask if they are interested in anything. If there is interest in an item by more than one person, ask them if they can decide who should get the item or play rock, paper, scissors. 

Sell

Selling household items can make you some extra money or you can use it for future expenditures. There are many ways to sell your items: garage sale, estate auction company, Facebook MarketPlace and Kijiji. If you need professional assistance, ask us how we can assist.

Donate to charity

There are several charity donation centres to choose from.  Each accepts and declines specific items. For example, not all charities accept large furniture. Ask us for our Donations Centres List, their locations and what they do/do not accept. 

Recycle

Recycling is a great way to be kind to our environment. For a list of the Edmonton recycling locations, and what they can and cannot accept, visit https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/garbage_waste/recycling-depots.

Trash

If your item does not fit in one of the above categories, then it might belong in the trash. Can it fit in your black bin? If not, you may need to take it to a waste drop off facility or have a garbage removal company take it away. For a list of waste drop off facilities, visit

Here is a list of some garbage removal companies:

GAR-BINZ Waste Removal Services LTD

Phone: 780-427- 2469

Email: garbinz@telus.net 

Website: http://gar-binz.com/

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Edmonton

Phone: 587-882-9707

Email: https://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/contact-us/

Website: https://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/edmonton/

1-800-GOT-JUNK

Phone: 1-800-468-5865

Email: https://www.1800gotjunk.com/ca_en/contact-us

Website: https://www.1800gotjunk.com/ca_en/locations/junk-removal-edmonton

Once you have decluttered each room and every closet, ensure each box is labeled with it's contents and where it should be placed in your new home to make moving and unpacking less stressful.

Based upon the amount of possessions you will be bringing to your new home and the amount of money you can spend on moving costs, you will need to determine if family and friends will be handling your move or if you need to hire a moving company. If family and friends will be helping, now is the time to notify them about your moving date, plans and what you'll need help with. If you will be moving with a moving company, you will want to start interviewing and getting quotes from moving companies at least 6 weeks prior to your move. Ensure to interview and get quotes from 2 to 3 moving companies.

There are many moving companies in the Edmonton area, but here are a few, to help you get started:

https://eagerbeavermoving.com/
https://www.helpinghandsfamilymovers.com/
https://twosmallmen.com/

To help protect you and keep your household belongings safer, there are questions you'll want to ask each moving company. Contact us at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com and ask us about our Moving Company Questions. After you have properly interviewed companies and received 2 or 3 price quotes, it is time to pick and hire your moving company and choose your moving date.

A valuable tip: Call the moving company a couple of weeks prior to your moving date to ensure there are no further details required and then again a couple days in advance of your moving date.

If you need help with any of the above, ask us how we can assist. Contact LeRoy Warden and Associates at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com to make all this a little bit easier!

Step 6: Notify services

Notify all your services, utilities, doctors, etc of your new address. Take any past bills of services and contact them to update your address. You may also want to change your address with the post office so any mail will be rerouted to your new address. We can provide you with our Moving Checklist so you don't forget about anyone. Also, LeRoy Warden and Associates can assist you with cancelling or moving some of your services. Ask us how at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com.

Step 7: Unpack and get settled

Congratulations - It's Moving Day! You've been preparing so long for this. Move your belongings into your new home and/or storage facility. Be sure that your "Open me first" box is placed within the vehicle you will be riding in so that it is kept nice and safe. Have each box placed in the room you desire for easier unpacking. Unpacking doesn't need to happen all at once. Some unpacking may happen little by little. Ensure that your essential items, or items you will need over the next couple of days are unpacked first. Then set up your bed, kitchen and bathroom. The rest you can unpack at your own leisure. To help you get settled a little quicker, have family and friends help you unpack. When boxes are empty, remove or recycle them as well as any packing supplies. Enjoy the process as you get your new home all set up. We hope you enjoy your new home and new life!

Be sure to check out our BLOGS article section which has moving tips, articles and checklists: https://leroywarden.com/60-blogs.html

and our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) section answers some questions you may have: https://leroywarden.com/seniors-faq.html

To sell your home using our Age 60+ Program, contact us at 780-916-6100 or leroy@leroywarden.com. We will gladly assist with guiding you through each step.