55+ Communities (Dover, Little Creek: capita, taxable, hunting)

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by EdB

In NJ, the realtor has to be with you the first time you visit a community and register your name. I don't know if that's true in DE but could explain why you were blow off.

Good Point! Yes, that's true in Delaware, also.

[little eggplant]

Originally Posted by rdlr

Never heard of an "active senior specialist.

The poster was perhaps referring to a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a group of realtors who have had special advanced training to assist buyers age 50 and up. I only know this because we were introduced to and encouraged to use such a realtor over 10 years ago when we first moved to New England. We were told these realtors are extra sympathetic to older buyers, are up-to-date on financing and dealing with senior budgets, and in general look out for this unique buying group. They have their own website. I am not a realtor - I am a nurse .

[rdlr]

Originally Posted by little eggplant

The poster was perhaps referring to a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a group of realtors who have had special advanced training to assist buyers age 50 and up. I only know this because we were introduced to and encouraged to use such a realtor over 10 years ago when we first moved to New England. We were told these realtors are extra sympathetic to older buyers, are up-to-date on financing and dealing with senior budgets, and in general look out for this unique buying group. They have their own website. I am not a realtor - I am a nurse .

There are numerous designations Realtors have, such as GRI, CCIM, ABR, PMN, RAA, CRS, GAA and many more. They each indicate extra training in specific areas, are counted in continuing education, and are also good marketing tools. There's something for everyone, included NAR's e-Pro (proficient in digital internet skills). I know because I was a Realtor.

When I think of it, why would I need a specialized Realtor because I might be 50 OR up? Will there next be a specialized Realtor for those 70 and up? Do they have to handle us aged people differently? (that's a joke) ALL Realtors are trained to educate buyers and sellers in regard to the current market, which now includes the pros and cons of 55+ communities, a recent phenomena in Delaware. The seasoned Realtors I know are more than proficient in working with all transferees, and all ages, because they have extensive knowledge of individual subdivisions, builders' reputations, financing techniques, and current market trends. Having said that, I'm all for any professional designation indicating that particular professional has had training over and above licensing requirements. They have to keep on their toes, and any marketing tool helps their business. Learning never stops.

[Gone-2-Beach]

Originally Posted by rdlr

Will there next be a specialized Realtor for those 70 and up? Do they have to handle us aged people differently? (that's a joke)

Actually, it's not so much a joke as it is a new reality for some of us. A realtor for those in the later years might see some things in a home that could be very important, i.e. stairs, the ability or inability to add a chair-seat to a staircase, wheelchair access to all rooms and through all hallways, maintenance issues, etc. Knowing the abilities of the potential buyer, a realtor well-trained in senior issues might be able to exclude certain homes from those he/she might show, given some of the issues listed above.

So yes, maybe as the population continues to age, realtors might have to handle our aging population differently to meet their needs. It's a great point.

(Not exactly a 55+ "community" issue, but certainly an important consideration for the 55 and older buyer.)

[rdlr]

Yes, it's a new era, and there is specialty training for all, in all professions. Every bit of training helps. I do think, that working with 55+ ers, or 70+ ers requires empathy, common sense, understanding specific circumstances and patience, but mostly knowledge of that particular real estate market. Most seasoned Realtors I know don't have that particular designation and have more than adequately counseled and helped many 55+ transferees.

Speaking of wheelchair access, etc. I will agree that the courses I took in adaptive housing were extremely valuable, in that I was more able to help that particular group of people find a suitable home. But, that's an extension of the 55+ topic.

[Gone-2-Beach]

Originally Posted by rdlr

But, that's an extension of the 55+ topic.

That's OK. As the "original poster" (four years ago! can you imagine?) it's certainly an appropriate extension of the topic.

[patc-v]

Does anyone know how many homes will be open at Champions Club Parade of Homes that are owner occupied and not the models?

I know it is June 11th 1-4 with a BBQ and pool party to follow, but have not heard how many homes are going to be open.

Don't know if we can make it down, but would love to see more of our future neighbors homes and how they are decorated.

[EdB]

Don't know if we can make it down, but would love to see more of our future neighbors homes and how they are decorated.[/quote]

I don't know the exact number but I'm sure it will be in the 15+ range, including our modified Broadmoor (we changed the dining room into a den, expanded the kitchen and changed the 1/2 wall into a full wall.) There will be plenty to see and a super party afterwards. COME ON DOWN.

[letmeoutofhere]

Hi everyone! I feel as though I know you all as I've been reading this blog for quite a while. It took most of my time to catch up from the beginning!
My hubby and I are in NJ and looked originally to retire in Delaware about 4 years ago on our way to visit friends who moved to Va. Hubs is retired military so we want to be near a base and Dover is about midway between us and Chesapeake. At the time about the only place that was advertised was Heritage Shores. It was nice but wasn't what we wanted. Last year my friend from Va and I stayed a few days around Milford and checked out a few places. I really like Independence but thought it was a bit more expensive than we could afford. With a high HOA, it would be as much as we pay in taxes. And it was about an hour away from Dover.

So this year we tried again, but did go the route of using a "Senior specialist" realtor. With so many different communities and so many different unknown areas to explore, it was extremely helpful to have someone with the knowledge who was able to narrow down the possibilities. We thought we wanted Dover, 3 bedroom home, and with the ability to fence the yard for our dogs where we owned the land, and my husband wanted to be able to have a flagpole.

Being from NJ I wasn't thrilled with the idea of anything Hovnanian, but was willing to look. (Alot of my opinions have been guided by this forum!)
Anyway, I was very thankful to have someone who knew the area and was able to take us around.

First stop, Nobles Pond. Fell in love with the homes, just not the surrounding areas. Went to the mall and was quite uncomfortable. That's just me, perhaps I need to explore more. Only thing we couldn't have was a fence.

Went to Roesville and just didn't get that "home" feeling.

Like Champion's club, don't mind planes, but again, there just wasn't a connection.

Maybe I haven't spent enough time at each place. For me it's very hard to decide where to live out your life in just an afternoon. But, as I said, it was good to have someone who could at least narrow things down.

The best thing about this forum is the diversity and the range of opinions. Not everyone will look for the same things, or like them. But I just wanted to add my 2 cents and thank everyone for contributing to a great forum!
Thank you Charley for starting it all - I'm sure you've helped dozens of people over the years make an informed decision!

[pa -> de]

Hello everyone! My wife and I have reached that point in our lives where a relocation is in order. We've researched and decided that staying in PA doesn't benefit us and are attracted to DE's tax base. We really had no idea how many 55+ communities there were to choose from! I read this from page 1, hope you don't mind if I jump right in.