Erickson Retirement Communities is one of the leading national developers of full-service retirement communities.Headquartered near Baltimore, Md., Erickson has built an innovative network of communities that combine a maintenance-free active lifestyle with a host of amenities, social activities, and wellness and medical centers, proven to improve both physical and mental health.Erickson was named by FORTUNE as being one of the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2008 and 2009. The Erickson enterprise also encompasses the Retirement Living TV network; NorthBay environmental education center; the Erickson Health system; Erickson Advantage health plan; Renaissance Gardens assisted living, long-term nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation residences; The Erickson School at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); The Erickson Foundation; and Point Lookout conference center.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following financial topics areas are important to retirees to consider as they seek greater financial stability in this economic downturn:
Its not always best for retirees to stay in the house where they raised their families With the downturn in the economy, this is the time when retirees should be looking for options that will increase their financial security. Too many seniors are denying themselves a secure and enjoyable retirement by staying in their houses. It is often daunting to leave the house where they raised their children and may have many memories despite the fact that the upkeep and expenses in maintaining an older house makes it difficult to make ends meet on a fixed income. Unexpected home repairs like a new roof, a busted pipe, or a new heating unit can be catastrophically costly. The house is likely too large for them now that the children are grown. And as retirees age, the family house may also become increasingly difficult to navigate stairs and steep driveways, and seniors staying in their homes tend to be more isolated and are often dependent upon a car.
Rising monthly expenses are a burden The rising cost of food, transportation, utilities, property taxes, and the unforeseen expenses that come with home ownership present a challenge to many seniors living with fixed-incomes. According to a 2009 survey by AARP, 44 percent of Americans ages 45+ found it more difficult to pay for utilities in 2008. Due to economic conditions, the majority of respondents cut back on entertainment spending. Many older adults are asking if it is possible, particularly in this economy, to have more predictable monthly expenses without giving up the lifestyle they were eagerly anticipating in retirement. For some, packing up and moving down the street to a retirement community has been the answer.
Take time to analyze monthly expenses Selling a house may not be the most obvious choice for older adults, but when they begin to evaluate where their money goes each month, and the unanticipated costs that come with home ownership, the picture looks very different for many. Erickson created a cost-comparison tool to help seniors map out their current expenses and determine what living option makes the best sense financially. What many have found is that selling and moving to a retirement community provides an opportunity to create predictable monthly expenses while often expanding the opportunities they have to enjoy living. (To request a copy of this tool, visit the Contact Us section on www.erickson.com to find your closest community).
Safeguarding residents financial legacy Erickson pioneered the 100 percent refundable entrance deposit, which protects residents equity. If Erickson residents decide to move, they get their deposit back. If they stay with Erickson for the rest of their life, the deposit goes to their heirs. Ericksons flexible pricing model also allows the company to tailor pricing that works best for an individuals financial situation.
Tips to help seniors sell their houses In todays real estate market, retirees are likely hesitant about trying to sell their house. However, Erickson Realty & Moving Services connects prospective residents with realtors in their regions who have extensive experience helping seniors sell their houses at a fair price for todays market. Ericksons Personal Moving Consultants provide advice on decluttering and staging houses to their best advantage, without spending a fortune on remodeling. Erickson helps retirees use tried and true methods to get their houses sold that are uniquely tailored to the needs of an aging population.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Tom Neubauer, Executive Vice President
Tom Neubauer serves asExecutive Vice President at Erickson, overseeing all sales activities throughout the country. He is responsible for the development and implementation of sales strategies and tactics, training and development for all sales office personnel and consistent tracking of all sales results.
Prior to joining Erickson, Tom spent the first 14 years of his career at Xerox Corporation. During his time with Xerox, Tom held various sales management and product specialist roles in the Baltimore Washington marketplace.
Tom graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Business and Marketing.
Moving is daunting for anyone, but older Americans face challenges that are different than
younger individuals. Erickson, through its Erickson Realty & Moving Services* and
personal moving consultants, has been assisting seniors in the moving and home
selling process. How is Erickson successful, even in todays market? Here is how we
recommend getting homes SOLD!
SUPPORT for a move is critical at any age. If you havent explored moving in
the last five to ten years, it is likely the housing market has changed drastically.
Erickson ensures that a professional realtor, mover, and repair company are
lined up to assist in any move. Work with a realtor who can provide information
about your market what properties are for sale or have sold in the last six
months, what condition the houses are in, and what a realistic listing price
is. Selling a house and making a move are physically taxing, but professional
movers can help pack up and move your belongings. Also identify professionals
who can assist with everything from repairing broken tile to trimming bushes
and cleaning windows, all of which will make the property more attractive to
potential buyers.
ORGANIZE your house to make it sale-ready by getting rid of extra clutter and
creating a clean, organized presentation. This does not mean getting rid of all of your
personal belongings, but maybe you could put them out of sight so potential buyers can
envision their own items in the home. Take a look at your current furniture arrangement and consider
rearranging pieces to create a welcoming flow of walking space. A personal moving consultant can be
particularly helpful in providing advice on staging your home for potential buyers and prepping for an
open house.
LEAVE the things, not the memories. One of the most difficult parts of moving is the thought of leaving
precious memories behind. Determine what is meaningful and what in the house is simply extra stuff.
Go room by room and categorize items into must-haves, nice to have, and do not bring. Once you
have chosen what you must have due to need or sentimental value ask family members or friends if
they want some of the other items. If not, a local charity is a great option, and many will pick items up
at your door.
DELIGHT… in the thought of your new home. Moving to a new place can be a rewarding experience since
there will be new faces, places, and activities to explore. While you let the professionals help you with your
move, you can have peace of mind and an opportunity to embrace your new neighbors and identify new
clubs and hobbies that fit your lifestyle. If you can, think about moving into your new property before your
house is sold as this may help to sell your house faster since potential buyers can see the space free of
personal belongings.
*Erickson Realty & Moving Services, a service of Erickson, connects prospective residents with realtors in their regions who have
extensive experience helping seniors sell their homes at a fair price. Erickson personal moving consultants offer personalized
assistance staging a home, pricing properties, coordinating moves, and recommending vendors. Erickson also runs a Move On
Us program which offers financial incentives to residents who qualify. Erickson has built an innovative network of 20 full-service
retirement communities that combine a maintenance-free active lifestyle with an ever-expanding host of amenities. For more
information, please visit www.erickson.com.
Source: Erickson, 2009{enclose tom_neubauer.mp4}
