Real Estate Blog

If you are close to or have already reached retirement age, the topic of downsizing your home has probably come up in discussions with your peers and/or your family. Retirement does not automatically mean it's time to downsize, but I have many clients who have come to me around that time to start the discussion. I always remind those who ask that this is one of those decisions that you will want to make on your own terms instead of being forced into something because of your age or health.

I've seen many situations with older couples well past retirement age where one spouse dies or one gets sick and needs assisted living, which leaves the other spouse scrambling to make difficult decisions and to make physically difficult moves without the kind of help they need. The truth is, a move is a physically daunting experience, so the older you get, the harder it's going to be. And being forced to sell quickly can cause several headaches as well. You won't have the time to get your home in tip-top shape to get the best asking price, and you are left with less time to research the best options of where you need to settle long term.

There is no perfect age to make the decision, so you will just need to sit down and write out what is most important to you for your future lifestyle needs and what makes sense financially. Do you need to move closer to family or friends? Will you need more amenities such as yard care or more social opportunities? Do you need to free up more of your budget so you can travel more freely or use less of your nest egg? Only you can answer those questions.

A move like this can be very emotional since so many memories are tied to your home, but in the end, taking that burden off yourself at an older age and off your children after you're gone can be a huge blessing in the end. Try to focus on the positives such as less maintenance, bills, and cleaning responsibilities that come with a larger home. Even if the mortgage is paid, those elements can still eat up a large part of your budget.

With home prices on a steady rise, the equity in your home can give you several options for a comfortable retirement if you make the right moves in a downsize. Use this time to start researching exactly what you want and need, so that when the time is right, you are ready to make a move.

I would love to walk with you through this process, so please give me a call when you're ready to start making these important decisions.

Jarod
jarod@realtracs.com
615-669-8265

For the 12th consecutive year, the Williamson County Fair is back and better than ever! This year's theme is "Barnyard Mardi Gras." After winning the "State Premier Fair" in the AAA Division for 2014, this past year the Williamson County Fair won the first-place award for promotional merchandise and top prize for their scrapbook. At the international level they won several awards, including third place for their website.

As usual, the schedule will be packed with something for everyone including musical shows of difference genres, midway rides, competitions, educational events, and a local favorite, the Little 1's Farming Exhibit. More specifically, this year will include: BMX Pros Trick Team, Lady Houdini, Kids Celebration: The #1 Family Game Show, Balloon Magic, the Little Big Shots Show, and fireworks, just to name a few!

The Seattle Wheel will be making an appearance again. From the fair website: "The Seattle Wheel was created by the Valarie Brothers for the Worlds Fair in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Wheel stands at over 90' tall and is capable of accommodating two adults or three children in one of its 16 spacious tubs. To this day, we currently operate the only Seattle Wheel on the road." 

The Williamson County Fair began in 1857, and that year it was held near the Carnton Plantation in Franklin. The next year it moved to what is now Fair Street and then to Fairground Street. The fair took a 21-year hiatus, started up again, and then took a 55-year hiatus until it made its much-needed comeback in 2005. 

Although county fairs in the United States were initially held to display or trade produce or to display or parade animals in our then mostly rural country, fairs today hold those traditional components plus much more. The Williamson County Fair's Web page states, "Fairs offer a link between urban and rural Tennessee. They serve as tools for educating Tennesseans about the importance of agriculture and introducing young people to both traditional and innovative aspects of life on the farm. Fairs reach far beyond their agrarian roots and encourage industries and individuals to strive for excellence through competitions. Winning the blue ribbon at a fair competition is a great incentive to showcase the best of Tennessee. Through their social and cultural impacts, fairs embody the community spirit and highlight the diversity of Williamson County and Tennessee."

Come to see and be seen at Williamson county's largest social event of the year!

Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, Tenn.ʉ۬(Take exit #61 off I-65 at Peytonsville Rd.)

Parking is free and there are several ways to get discount tickets on each night. For a complete list of discounts, click here.

The Schedule is as follows:
August 5-13, 2016
Monday  Thursday â€¨6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 
(Midway open until 11)
Fridayʉ۬6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 
(Midway open until 12)
Saturday
 10:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m.
 (Midway open until 12)
Sunday
 12:00 a.m. 10 p.m.
 (Midway open until 11)

Visit the fair's award-winning Web Site for a complete list of scheduled events, competitions, and other general information.

Photo credit: Freedigitalphotos.net by Simon Howden