Five class series tackles topics important to mature adults and their families

A little over 9 years ago, Ingrid and John Sullivan were faced with the task of helping John’s mother make a move.  As REALTORS®, they were very familiar with the ins and outs of selling a home but they weren’t prepared for all of the additional things that come with helping a senior move from their home of over 50 years.  Throughout this process, they came to realize that there was a great need for assistance and education when it comes to the downsizing process and they began focusing their business toward helping mature adults and their families.

Their  company, The Senior Downsizing Experts Group, has helped scores of seniors make moves and educated hundreds through their seminars and panels.  In 2017, they authored the book “The Ultimate Guide to Downsizing” which gives an overview of the downsizing process and provides a blueprint to help older adults as they begin to think about making a move.

Last year, they started the Smart Senior Series which consists of five seminars.  This educational series explores topics near and dear to adults 55 and older and their families.  Each session runs approximately 90 minutes and is followed by a Q&A session.  Each includes a panel of experts who present facts - and bust myths - about the featured topic.  Panels are moderated by the Sullivans.  The series ran in Arlington during the 1st half of 2018 and then moved to Fort Worth for the 2nd half of the year.  Beginning next month, the series will begin a 5 month run in Frisco at the Hyatt House.  Title sponsors are Senior Downsizing Experts and Trendmaker Homes.  Other sponsors include Davidson Law Group, Dignity Memorial, Watermere at Frisco and Retirement Funding Solutions.

"We created this education series to help mature adults separate fact from fiction.  They see things on TV and hear rumors from friends and they aren't sure what the truth is about these topics," says Ingrid.  "We have partnered with senior-focused professionals whose goal is to help seniors, not take advantage of them.  We are bringing these experts together on our panels to educate attendees so they can be informed and empowered as they make decisions about their future."

The first panel, "Be Smart About Planning for Your Future," will be presented on Saturday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Hyatt House Frisco located at 2875 Parkwood Boulevard.  In this seminar, experts will discuss important legal considerations, ways to preserve wealth, how to be prepared for any situation, and how to avoid being caught unprepared in a time of crisis. 

Future seminars will cover topics such as downsizing/rightsizing, preparing a home for sale, dealing with your stuff, and aging in the right place.  For a full list of seminars and dates, visit www.SmartSeniorSeries.com.

There is no cost to attend for those 55 and older or their guests.  Reservations can be made at www.SmartSeniorSeries.com or by calling 817-635-1043.  Space is limited so guests are asked to pre-register to reserve their spot.

New book by Ingrid and John Sullivan helps navigate the complicated process that often accompanies late-in-life moves.

Arlington, TX, August 16th, 2017 - Life-spans are increasing with each passing decade, creating an ever-growing population of seniors, many of whom will be faced with making a downsizing move.

The authors of The Ultimate Guide to Downsizing hope to make these moves, which can be overwhelming and emotional for many, a little less daunting.  Each chapter provides tools and strategies to help boomers, seniors and children of aging parents implement a successful move, along with real-life anecdotes and motivational quotes.  In addition, the appendix is packed full of worksheets, inventories, and checklists to assist readers through each step of the downsizing process.

“So many times we see older adults who would love to make a move but are so overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they own and the process of looking for a new place.  They don’t know where to start so they just decide to stay where they are,” says author Ingrid Sullivan.  John Sullivan, her husband and co-author, adds, “Whether they intend to move right away or to stay home and ‘age-in-place,’ we urge boomers and seniors to talk to their families and formulate a plan in order to avoid a potential crisis situation in the future.”

The Ultimate Guide to Downsizing is available in paperback for $19.95 or as a Kindle e-book for $12.95 on Amazon.com.

In addition to working with their real estate clients, the Sullivans present educational opportunities for older adults and their families through seminars, panel discussions, and speaking engagements.  For interviews or more information, please call 817-330-9235 or email info@sullivandfwhomes.com.

About Senior Downsizing Experts

Ingrid and John Sullivan are senior specialist REALTORS® and owners of Senior Downsizing Experts. They have worked in the real estate industry for more than 20 years. Through their experiences with helping their own parents with moves, they came to realize that there was a great void in the industry and began concentrating their efforts toward helping boomers and seniors with downsizing and rightsizing moves. While they are full-service REALTORS® and work with clients of all ages, they have found working with mature adults to be their true calling. Along with their team of trusted experts, they help guide their clients through every step of this often emotional process.

The Dallas Fort Worth area is home to some of the best Christmas light displays in the state.  There are dozens of options available.  Whether you prefer visiting neighborhood displays, drive-thru parks or other festive lighting displays, there is something in the area for you.  We’ve put together a list of some of the best!

Neighborhood Displays

Lights in Interlochen (via arlingtontx.gov)

Interlochen

2016 marks the 41st year that Arlington’s Interlochen neighborhood has participated in this huge lighting display.  More than 200 homes typically participate and traffic is known to be extremely heavy.  The display runs December 16 through 25th from 7pm to 11pm daily.  Entry is at the intersection of Randol Mill Road and Westwood Dr.  Full details are available here!

Deerfield

This neighborhood in Plano began their Christmas light tradition because the builders wanted to get people into the neighborhood to look at the homes in the new sub-division.  Prizes were offered and it became very competitive.  The tradition continued as the neighborhood grew and is now a huge neighborhood display and a big fundraiser for Children’s Medical Center.  Admission is free, but the hospital auxiliary will be out to collect donations throughout the neighborhood.   The display runs December 1  through December 30 from 7pm to 11pm daily.  Deerfield is located in Northwest Plano between Preston Rd. and Coit Rd. Enter from Legacy on Colonnade or Archgate, noting one-way and restricted-turn signs along Old Pond Dr. and Hallmark Dr.  Full details at deerfieldplano.org.

Highland Park

The prestigious Highland Park neighborhood is full of majestic homes decorated beautifully for the holiday season.  As with other neighborhood displays, expect heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic as you make your way through the neighborhood.  Several companies offer carriage rides through the neighborhood if you’d rather not mess with traffic.  Enter at Armstrong and Preston for the best experience.   Viewing begins November 25 and runs through December 31.

Drive-thru Lighting Displays

Light tunnel at Prairie Lights

Prairie Lights

Located at Lynn Creek Park near Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, the park features more than 4 million lights along a two mile path.  Lights line both sides of the road and in many places arch over the road  A highlight is the animated light tunnel.  Visitors can take a break for shopping, dining and a walk-through area at the Holiday Village.  There is also a laser show and Santa is available to visit with the kids (extra charges may apply).   The park opens Thanksgiving day and remains open through January 1, 2017.  Hours are 6pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 6pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday.   Price per car is $25 for weeknights and $35 for Friday and Saturday.  Discounts may be available through sites like Groupon so be sure to check that out.  The park is located at  5610 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie.  For full details visit prairielights.org.

Texas Motor Speedway Gift of Lights

TMS boasts the largest drive-thru lighting attraction in Texas.  It features more than 2 million LED lights in 600 holiday displays that you can drive through at Texas Motor Speedway.  At the end of the drive-thru park, stop for a visit in Santa’s Village for photos, refreshments and more. Tickets are $25 per car but you can get a $5 discount if you donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots at the gate.  Open nightly from November 24 through December 31 from 6pm to 10pm.  TMS is located at 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth.   Visit tmsgiftoflights.com to find out more.

Christmas Tour of Lights in Farmers Branch

The Tour of Lights features over half a million flashing lights and is one of North Texas’ longest animated shows.  The tour is accompanied by festive holiday music and the grand finale show that will include Santa Claus himself!  The Tour begins at Valley View Lane and Interstate 35, continues south on Denton Drive, and through the Farmers Branch Historical Park.   The tour begins November 25 and continues until December 30 except for the first Saturday in December and Christmas Day.  Times are 6:30pm through 9:30pm.  Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Ln.  Admission is free but a $5 donation per vehicle is suggested.  For more information call 972-919-1433 or visit farmersbranch.gov.

Other Options

Trees in Vitruvian Park (courtesy of Brad Swiger & Chris Rivers Band)

Vitruvian Lights

Addison’s 12 acre Vitruvian Park illuminates hundreds of trees in this gorgeous display of lights.  The season kicks off on November 25, as Mayor Todd Meier “flips the switch” at 6pm!  The evening will also feature a concert by The Jordan Kahn Orchestra, Gourmet Food Trucks, delicious Desserts, Free Photos with Santa and the Holiday Reindeer, an Elf Balloon Artist, Holiday Shopping Village and Metrocrest Services Food & Toy Drive.  Visit the park any day until January 1 or come out for special performances including The Dallas String Quartet on December 3, The Chris Rivers Band on December 10 and The Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra on December 17.   Admission is free and free parking is available at Alfred  J. Loos Sports Complex located at 3815 Spring Valley Road.  The park is located at 3966 Vitruvian Way.  Find out more at vitruvianpark.com.

Magic of Christmas Light Show

Located at the corner of Main Street and Dallas Road in historic Downtown Grapevine, this 20 minute light show runs continuously from 6pm to 11pm nightly beginning November 22 and running through January 8, 2017.  Grapevine has many other Christmas activities so be sure to check out  grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas/ to find more.

Christmas in the Square

Frisco’s Christmas in the Square boasts the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas. With over 175,000 lights, 11.5 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords, Christmas in the Square is unlike anything you have ever seen.   Experience ‘snow flurries’ every 15 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout Christmas in the Square. Light show nightly runs nightly from November 27 through January 3 from 6pm to 10pm.  Located at Main Street and Coleman Boulevard, in Frisco.  Admission is free but  some attractions may require an additional fee.  Visit friscosquare.com/cits for more information.

Know of other Christmas displays in the DFW area?  Comment below and share your favorite!

If you are interested in finding a home in one of these areas, or anywhere in Dallas/Fort Worth, you can start your search right here. And if you have questions or would like to find out more about a home you find through using our search tools, please give us a call at (817) 330-9235. We’d love to help you find your dream home!

"Downsizing Made Easy" Gives Ideas for Starting the Process

Frisco, Texas   September 28, 2016

The challenges of making a downsizing move can be stressful for mature adults and their families.  Many don't know where to start or what options are available to them. 

To assist Dallas/Fort Worth seniors and their families in dealing with the complexities involved in these types of moves, Senior Downsizing Experts will present a casual and interactive workshop entitled  “Downsizing Made Easy" at Watermere at Frisco on Tuesday, October 18 at 1:30pm.  Watermere is located at 4220 Cotton Gin Road.

Attendees are urged to look at all of the options available to them for a new chapter of life that requires less maintenance and allows for more freedom and fun.  Topics of discussion will include:  things to consider before making a move,  senior living options in the DFW area,  tips for hiring various professionals related to the moving process,  and how to deal with your belongings.      

"Serving seniors is a real passion for us.  It is so easy to become overwhelmed by the process of making a late-in-life move," says Ingrid Sullivan of Senior Downsizing Experts.  "Our seminar  helps them understand their options and gives them information to help with formulating a plan.  We want them to know that they are not alone."

For more information, or to register for the free seminar, please visit www.DallasFortWorthSeniorLiving.com/events or call 972-525-8000.

About Senior Downsizing Experts:  

Ingrid and John Sullivan have made it their mission to help older adults navigate the obstacles they face as they begin thinking about downsizing and selling their home.   The Sullivans are Realtors® with Keller Williams and have completed extensive training to become certified Senior Real Estate Specialists®.  Ingrid has also achieved the designation of Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP®) through the Seniors Real Estate Institute.   Just recently, Senior Downsizing Experts also became a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers.  The Sullivans have managed late-in-life moves for hundreds of clients -- including their own parents -- and are aware of how emotional and complicated the process can be.  

About Watermere at Frisco: 

Watermere at Frisco is a brand new independent retirement community located in the heart of Frisco.  Watermere is dedicated to creating a friendly and hassle-free living environment where residents can enjoy all the benefits of a safe, attractive, and surprisingly affordable lifestyle. Watermere is a truly unique place where you can live life on your terms, while knowing that there is no higher standard than the incredible services and amenities offered.

The housing market in North Texas is extremely competitive right now.  Many times there are multiple offer situations within the first few days of a home hitting the market.  As a buyer, this can be extremely frustrating as you lose out on offer after offer but there are a few things you can do to help make your offer more attractive to the seller.

1. Offer Cash - If you have the means, offering cash can sometimes make your offer more attractive.  The seller gets their money regardless of whether you pay cash or finance but a cash offer can usually close faster.  It also eliminates the potential for issues with the lender and there is no appraisal requirement. Submit your offer with proof of funds so the seller knows you're serious.

2. Get Preapproved - If you can't pay cash, a preapproval is the next best thing.  This is a good idea any time you begin shopping for a home, but it is a must in the current market. Sellers want to know that an offer is solid and likely won't run into any snags along the way.  A preapproval can help them feel at ease.  Being preapproved for a mortgage loan doesn’t obligate you to borrow the money, but the lender must stand behind its written loan commitment unless something changes with your situation.  Keep in mind that conventional loans are often preferred because they are more streamlined and aren't subject to the government approvals that FHA and VA loans are.

3. Make Your Best Offer - In a competitive market, there is no room for haggling.  Another potential buyer is probably offering list price and yet another may be offering more than list.  Figure out what you are willing and able to pay and make that your offer.  Be prepared to offer over list price with no contingencies.  If you hold out for negotiation, you may lose out on the house of your dreams.

4. Be Flexible - While most sales close within 30 to 45 days, a seller may need extra time for their new residence to be ready.   If you can be flexible on the closing date, it might help you win against another potential buyer with a more rigid timeline.

5. Write a Heartfelt Letter to the Seller - It is becoming more and more common for potential buyers to send a handwritten note to the seller describing their love for the home and why it is a great fit for their family.  Some even include a family photo to tug at the heartstrings of the seller.  And it often works.  Selling a home can be a very emotional event and making that personal connection to your family can make your offer seem a lot more attractive.  Most sellers want to know that their home is going to someone who will love it just as much as they have.

If you're looking to buy a home, call the Sullivan & Sullivan Team at Keller Williams at 817-330-9235 today.  We'll help you find your dream home and get your best offer submitted.