There comes a time in everyone’s life when you approach retirement and/or become a senior citizen. For many, it means simplifying their lives and enjoying the fruits of their labors. This is also a great time to create or review a life plan, especially if you consider how the lack of such planning might impact your loved ones. You can begin by assembling all important documents and information in one place.

Some things to consider collecting include the following:

• Instructional—Wills and trusts;

• Care Planning—Advance directive, living will, health care proxy, elder care;

• Financial—Bank accounts, credit cards, investments, safety deposit box information;

• Insurance—Life, health, homeowners, long-term care, disability;

• Benefits—Pensions, retirement funds, Social Security, Veterans Administration;

• Legal Documents—Real Estate deeds/titles, marriage/birth certificates, divorce degrees, power of attorney; and

• Arrangements—Funeral, dependents, pets.

This is also a time that I am consulted for assistance as a real estate professional. Often as people reach retirement and senior age, they want to move from a larger house or apartment to a smaller co-op or condo, rental or retirement community, or they might decide to relocate.

As a real estate broker, my role is to facilitate that transition and to help them select a suitable new place to live. Or if they are choosing to relocate, to recommend someone who will help them find the right home in a different area.

Many times owners will call me to share their strategy for selling their property when the time comes. This makes the process simpler for their loved ones.

There are many resources that you can tap to help set up and plan for your senior years. The sooner this happens, the greater your peace of mind will be. If you need more guidance, contact me and I will be happy to provide you with appropriate resources.

Please send your real estate-related questions directly to jacques@madeleinerealty.com.