Congratulations! 

You're thinking about moving and you're gathering information.  Do you know that very few seniors take the time to adequately plan a move? Planning increases the chances of staying in control of your future. You are to be commended!

Now that you're here, let's briefly discuss the steps involved in developing a move plan.

Determine where you would like to live.

While this doesn't always have to be the first step, if you plan on moving in a year or two, I recommend you start here. You'll want to know the timeline of availability of the housing you are moving to. Some senior housing communities have a waiting list. Plan accordingly!

Get your legal, financial and health care benefits planned.

This is the piece that is often overlooked and is also the piece with the largest financial consequences!  If you haven't yet, meet with an elder law attorney to make sure you have all of your planning done! 

Here's what can happen if you don't plan:

For example, do you have a durable power of attorney? This is a document that allows someone to act on your behalf relating to financial and legal affairs. The person you appoint is called the "attorney-in-fact." You'll want to be sure this is a person who understands your wishes and someone you trust since this person will have the ability to handle your financial affairs. If you do not have a power of attorney document, and at some point you need someone to handle your affairs for you, the court may become involved to appoint a guardian or conservator. 

Here's the bottom line. If you meet with an attorney who specializes in elder law and ask them to draft a power of attorney document for you, it will cost around $100.  A conservatorship or guardianship can cost approximately $5,000 and that guardian may or may not have knowledge of your wishes. 

It pays to plan!

Hire a Realtor.

You'll want to work with a Realtor who specializes in working with seniors.  You'll see designations like Certified Senior Advisor or Realtor Senior Advisor. These Realtors can help you navigate through the process of moving, and address concerns that are unique to you. These Realtors can help you prepare your home for the market, and put together a realistic schedule for your move.