Whenever I review an estate sale, I'm a little saddened that often the sale of a life's worth of collected things, sometimes rather beautiful, valuable items that probably delivered tremendous joy to its owner over the years, is subject to a rather rushed sale with buyers mostly intent on finding bargains.

End of life can never be timed. It's life's great mystery. But most times, we can see the end coming closer. There is that moment several months or a few years before the end, where some are compelled to make very swift, emergency moves, often involving the sale of a home and its contents or most of them. Professional real estate advisors should be speaking to this subject (preferably) many years before it happens. Some may not wish to act upon this, and many are opting to have in-home care, but it would be wise to make clients aware that often the unpleasantries of rushed moves and sales can indeed be avoided. One key area is often around finances (ie: where do you live once the big house is sold, can you buy/rent first and sell after?). Partnering with a smart mortgage broker/finance person can be extremely useful. Big considerations include navigating capital gains taxes and the step-up basis in tax laws. Often, selling property under the best, calm, controlled circumstances offsets any potential tax issues.

I have outstanding resources to help my clients evaluate and navigate these moments. Compass-plus agents are well-equipped in this area. Around 9.5 million U.S. seniors use long-term or post-acute care facilities annually. 11,000 Americans are retiring every day. Around 15 million Americans are 80 years or older. 10 years from now, this will jump to 23 million. I inform and guide my older clients (and younger relatives who often help with this process) to ensure an educated and smooth transition takes place.