The Process • October 15, 2025

How to take the stress out of buying and selling a home

by Tracy Heller

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most people ever make. Whether you are a first time homebuyer or long time homeowner getting ready to downsize, the process can feel overwhelming at times. The good news is that with the right strategies and tools it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Here are some practical ways to make your next move as smooth and stress free as possible. Figure out why am I making this move. In other words…

Define your goals. Ask yourself these questions: Are you buying to be closer to family? Are you downsizing for a simpler lifestyle? Are you moving to get into a specific school district or neighborhood? Knowing your why helps you stay focused and confident when challenges arise.
Partner with a Trusted Professional. A knowledgable and caring agent can make all the difference. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) who also works closely with first time homebuyers, I’ve seen how personalized guidance helps clients avoid costly mistakes and stay calm through the process. From navigating inspections to negotiating offers, having someone with many years of experience and who knows what to expect and know how to solve problems before they escalate is invaluable.
Plan Ahead. Real estate timelines often involve unexpected delays, timing for appraisals, inspections, contractor issues etc. To reduce your stress, build flexibility into your move-out or move-in dates. Start packing early and label boxes clearly. Keep important documents in one area so your don’t have to search for them when deadlines approach.
Give Yourself Grace and Manage the Emotional Side. Moving isn’t just a financial decision, it is deeply emotional. You may be leaving a home filled with memories or stepping into a new chapter of your life. Here are a few ideas to ease the emotional load: Create a memory box with photos and small keepsakes from your home. Focus on what you are gaining with new opportunities, freedom and fresh starts. Take breaks when needed. You don’t have to everything all at once. Take a little time for yourself!
Use Technology to Stay Organized. Here are some tools to help you simplify the process. You can sign documents digitally. When your printer is put away you can sign most documents online. Turn to your Realtor for recommendations of companies that will sell your furniture and home items online for you. Lots of companies focus on helping people purge items from their homes. Many are connected with programs that help those in need so your items can go to a good cause. Utilize online moving checklists and budgeting apps to help you keep track of expenses etc.
Lean on your Support System. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Friends and family often want to help, whether it is packing, labeling, babysitting during showings or simply being a listening ear during the process.
Celebrate the Milestones. Each step you take is worth celebrating. Find joy in the process and look forward to what lies ahead! Gratitude and positive thoughts can go a long way toward reducing stress!

Real estate transactions have lots of moving parts but it does not need to feel chaotic or out of control. With preparation, communication and professional guidance, you can enjoy the process and all the relationships you develop along the way!

It’s exciting to think about the next chapter.

If you are thinking of making a change, I would love to be your guide!

Senior Living • April 3, 2023

Brain Boosting Activities

by Tracy Heller

Maintaining mental stimulation and engaging in brain-boosting activities can be especially important for seniors, as it can help prevent cognitive decline and maintain overall brain health. Here are a few brain-boosting activities that seniors can try:

Reading: Reading books, newspapers, or magazines can help seniors improve their vocabulary, increase their general knowledge, and stimulate their minds.
Solving puzzles: Engaging in puzzles, such as crosswords or sudoku, can help seniors improve their problem-solving skills, boost memory, and enhance cognitive function.
Playing games: Board games, card games, and video games can help seniors improve their memory, concentration, and cognitive function, and also provide social interaction.
Learning a new skill: Whether it’s learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, or trying a new form of exercise, learning new skills can help seniors keep their minds active and engaged.
Social interaction: Socializing with friends and family, and participating in social activities, can help seniors maintain their cognitive function and improve their overall mental well-being.
Exercise: Regular physical exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for brain health, including improved memory and cognitive function.
Nutrition: A healthy and balanced diet, rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D, can help support brain health and cognitive function.

It’s important to engage in activities that are enjoyable and sustainable, and to find a balance between mental and physical stimulation. As always, it’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new activity or program.

Check out AARP for brain boosting games.

https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/about/brain-health/games-play/

A more scientific look at mind games from the American Psychological Association.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/10/mind-games

For more blog posts go to www.hellersells.com

Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-looking-at-a-newspaper-6939465/

Senior Living • March 14, 2023

Technology and Seniors

by Tracy Heller

Technology can be an important tool for seniors to stay connected with family and friends, access information, and maintain their independence. Here are a few tips for seniors and technology:

Start simple: Seniors should start with simple technologies, such as a basic smartphone or tablet, and work their way up to more advanced devices as they become comfortable with them.
Learn from others: Seniors can learn from family members, friends, or seniors’ groups to get started with technology and develop the skills they need.
Take a class: Seniors can take a class or workshop on technology, which can help them develop the skills they need to use technology effectively.
Use online resources: There are many online resources available to help seniors learn about technology, including tutorials, videos, and forums.
Get help: If seniors are having trouble with technology, they should seek help from a family member, friend, or professional.
Use technology to stay connected: Technology can help seniors stay connected with family and friends, especially if they live far away. They can use video chat, email, and social media to stay in touch.
Use technology to manage health: Technology can also be used to manage health, including tracking medications, monitoring vital signs, and communicating with healthcare providers.
Be cautious of scams: Seniors should be cautious of scams and fraud when using technology, especially when providing personal information or making purchases online.

Overall, technology can be a valuable tool for seniors to stay connected, informed, and engaged. By starting simple and seeking help when needed, seniors can develop the skills they need to use technology effectively and safely.

Helpful Links:

https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2021/oats-senior-planet.html

https://www.uc.edu/about/continuing-ed/olli.html

https://www.healingcentercincinnati.org/page/3330?EventOccurrenceId=8318

https://www.medicare.org/articles/senior-computer-classes-to-try-online-for-free/

For additional senior resources and articles please go to my bolg at https://www.hellersells.com/guide

Senior Living • February 13, 2023

Overview of Housing Options for Seniors

by Tracy Heller

There are several housing options for senior citizens, including:

Independent living: Independent living communities offer seniors the ability to live in a community setting with minimal assistance, while still maintaining their independence.
Assisted living: Assisted living communities provide residents with help with daily tasks, such as bathing and dressing, while also offering social and recreational activities.
Nursing homes: Nursing homes provide residents with around-the-clock care and medical supervision, including assistance with daily tasks and medical needs.
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs): CCRCs offer a range of housing options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care, allowing residents to age in place as their needs change.
Home modification: Seniors who prefer to age in place can make modifications to their homes, such as installing grab bars, wheelchair ramps, and walk-in showers, to ensure safety and accessibility.
Affordable housing: There are affordable housing options available for low-income seniors, such as subsidized apartments and government-funded housing programs.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important for seniors to carefully consider their needs and preferences when choosing a housing option.

For more information on housing options for seniors see https://www.help4seniors.org/about

Additional information can be found on my blog at www.hellersells.com

As you consider the housing options above, there may be benefit programs available for our seniors. Don’t forget to check out this link, https://www.ncoa.org/article/energy-assistance-benefits

Senior Living • January 24, 2023

Aging in Place

by Tracy Heller

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I work with my clients and their families to explore different housing options. One of the decisions we discuss is aging in place vs. moving into a senior apartment or assisted living. This blog post discusses the Advantages and Disadvantages of Aging in Place.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as: “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

Aging in place is a term used to describe the process of growing older in one’s own home and community, rather than moving to a care facility. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of aging in place:

Advantages:

Familiar Surroundings: Aging in place allows seniors to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain a sense of independence. This can be especially important for those with cognitive impairments who may struggle with change.
Cost Effective: Aging in place can be a more cost-effective option than moving to a care facility. This is because the costs associated with living in one’s own home are typically lower than the costs of a care facility.
Maintaining Social Connections: Aging in place can also help seniors maintain important social connections with friends and family members. This can be especially important for seniors who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation.
Access to Community Services: Many communities offer services and programs for seniors, such as transportation and meal delivery. Aging in place allows seniors to take advantage of these services, which can help to improve their quality of life.

Disadvantages:

Physical Limitations: As seniors age, they may experience physical limitations that make it difficult for them to perform certain activities, such as cooking or cleaning. This can make aging in place challenging for some seniors.
Access to Medical Care: While aging in place can be cost-effective, it may also limit a senior’s access to medical care. This is because many care facilities have on-site medical staff, while aging in place may require seniors to travel to a healthcare provider.
Home Maintenance: Maintaining a home can be challenging for seniors, particularly as they age and physical limitations set in. This can make aging in place difficult for those who are unable to perform home maintenance tasks.
Safety Concerns: Aging in place can also present safety concerns, such as the risk of falls or the inability to access emergency services in the event of a health emergency. These risks can be mitigated by installing safety features such as grab bars and alarms, or by having family or friends available to provide assistance.

Overall, aging in place can be a positive experience for seniors who are able to maintain their independence, but it also presents some challenges and potential risks. It’s important for seniors and their families to carefully consider their individual circumstances and needs when deciding whether aging in place is the right choice.

For additional information pertaining to Seniors and housing, please see my other blog posts at www.hellersells.com.

Additional resources are listed below.

The National Aging in Place Council® is a senior support network that connects service providers with elderly homeowners, their families, and caretakers. https://ageinplace.org/

https://www.nachi.org/documents/aging-in-place-inspection-checklist.pdf

https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/senior-housing/aging-in-place/

Senior Living • August 4, 2022

Exploring Medicare

by Tracy Heller

Medicare and Medicaid have been a mystery to many. Until we begin to reach the age where it matters to us or our family members, most of us don’t take the time to research and explore the program and it’s options. Recently, I was contacted by a representative from RetireGuide. When I explored RetireGuide, I found a lot of useful information about retirement planning and Medicare. This sparked my interest. For those curious about Medicare, this blog post was created. I have also included a link to information on Medicaid which will also apply to many. I’d like to start with a little bit of history. The History of Medicare– The Medicare program was signed into law in 1965. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the bill that led to Medicare and Medicaid. The original Medicare program included the Part A (Hospital insurance) and Part B (Health insurance). This was the original Medicare. Over the years Congress has many changes made to Medicare including who is eligible, expanding benefits, and adding the prescription coverage benefit known as Part D. In addition, The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was created in 1997 to give health insurance and preventive care to nearly 11 million, or 1 in 7, uninsured American children and the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) brought the Health Insurance Marketplace, a single place where consumers can apply for and enroll in private health insurance plans. If you are interested in a brief video describing the system please see the video below provided by CMS– The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

For more information on Medicaid, please see Medicaid

My goal is to educate my readers. I am always on the lookout for interesting information that will make us better informed and prepared for the future. I hope you found this information useful.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss your real estate needs.

www.hellersells.com

I am a Licensed Realtor in both Ohio and Kentucky. I work with buyers and sellers of all ages. In addition, I have earned the Designation of Seniors Real Estate Specialist and have a Masters Degree in Social Work.

I have not verified any of the information contained in those documents or websites that were prepared by other people.

Photo by Rodnae Productions

Helpful Home Information • Senior Living • May 18, 2022

How Healthy is your Home?

by Tracy Heller

As I was thinking about potential new blog posts, I explored the SRES Blog for ideas. I was intrigued with their post about healthy homes. The topics of eating right, simplifying, organizing, purging unnecessary stuff and making our homes more healthy seem to come up on a daily basis within my family, friend and coworker groups. It is so important to take a break from the fast paced, crazy world we live in and focus on things that can improve our lives. This post focuses on creating a healthy home.

SRES pointed it’s readers to a website that scores your home health. If you go to this website: Haywardscore.com

They ask you to answer a series of questions about your home. It only took about 5-6 minutes to go through all the questions.

I took the quiz and received the results. As a side note, the email with my Hayward Score went into my spam. I downloaded the report and received my score and the report that gives you general suggestions on how to make my home healthier. I personally found it helpful. It definitely motivated me to take a closer examination of my home and the areas that I could improve and positively improve my family’s health.

The information I am sharing with you was found on http://sres.com
If you are interested in related articles, please see another one of my blog articles below and subscribe. https://www.hellersells.com/2022/02/16/helping-our-senior-loved-ones-prepare-their-homes-for-sale_

To access to more helpful information go to:

https://www.hellersells.com

Photo provided by Ron Lach

I have not verified any of the information contained in those documents or websites that were prepared by other people.

Senior Living • April 27, 2022

Caregiver Stress

by Tracy Heller

Caregiver Stress

This blog post is for all the people going through life stresses associated with caregiving.

As a CABR Seniors Real Estate designee, I am trained to help my clients prepare for housing transitions for their senior loved ones. My background as a Masters Level Individual, Couples and Family Therapist coupled with my SRES designation lends itself to this specialty in the world of real estate.

I find that the clients that seek me out for this type of work are dealing with many types of stress. They are often faced with very busy schedules, care of children young and old, and the stress of caring for loved ones that are beginning to make decisions about their future living situations. Clients often reach out because they need help developing a plan to address these issues. My expertise is helping them navigate their particular situations, beginning the work of starting conversations with their loved ones, preparing their loved ones current homes for the marketplace-downsizing-organizing-donating, looking through the many housing options available in their communities and providing valuable resources to help with the process.

You can find many articles related to Seniors in my blog, A Real Estate Guide, that address each of these steps. https://www.hellersells.com/guide

_____________________________________________________________________

Caregiver stress is real

This quote from the Caregiver Assistance Network is a window into the stress of caregiving.

“Nearly one out of every three people in the United States are caring for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend. Many of them need resources to learn how to take care of their family members, as well as themselves, in order to avoid isolation, burnout or illness.”

Please see the following resources available for caregivers

https://www.help4seniors.org/programs-services/caregiver-support

Do you frequently help an older loved-one with housekeeping, grocery shopping, errands, meal preparation, transportation, paperwork, or personal care (bathing, getting dressed)? If so, you are one of more than 65 million Americans who provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend.

Many caregivers do not identify themselves as such. They tend to see themselves as just doing what they are supposed to do as a spouse or child. However, they are more inclined to seek help and become more skilled if they identify themselves as a caregiver.

Council on Aging’s Caregiver Support Program can help. The program provides one-on-one support for family or volunteer caregivers.

The program works to:

Reduce caregiver stress, burden and injuries
Increase caregiver confidence and knowledge
Improve the quality of care
Help caregivers balance their lives and caregiving responsibilities
Provide respite care (time off/away for the caregiver) in an appropriate, safe environment (not available in Clermont County)

Program qualifications

To qualify, the caregiver or care recipient must be at least 60 years old and the caregiver must live in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton or Warren counties. There is no age requirement for family caregivers who provide care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders with neurological and organic brain dysfunction.

For more information, review the Caregiver Support fact sheet or

Call Council on Aging at (513) 721-1025 or (800) 252-0155, Option 2.

_____________________________________________________________________

AARP provides helpful information in the link below

*For information on Caregiver Burnout and Ways to Cope with Stress- See link below provided by AARP.

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2019/caregiver-stress-burnout.html?CMP=KNC-DSO-CAREGIVING-SelfCare-10905-GOOG-CaregiverBurnout-Exact-NonBrand-ENG&ds_rl=1288354&gclid=CjwKCAiAgvKQBhBbEiwAaPQw3CJpqDwVgTGEgmabRb3R0xU2Q7RKZ2sPPCcojK713GhlWthTzN0TFBoCAvkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

_____________________________________________________________________

Cleveland Clinic Resources are also available on their website

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout

_____________________________________________________________________

As I discussed above, caring for our loved ones can be challenging but there are resources out there to help.

If you are feeling the effects of caregiver stress and want to seek help, you can also seek out a counselor or join a caregiver support group. You don’t need to feel alone. There are so many people that would love to connect.

CAREline (513) 869-4483 – a helpline providing resource information, referrals and support.
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2021/support-groups.html
https://www.help4seniors.org/programs-services/caregiver-support

Please feel free to reach out to me any time. https://www.hellersells.com

Photo by MART PRODUCTION

Senior Living • March 28, 2022

Top 10 Rightsizing Tips for Seniors

by Tracy Heller

Decluttering and Rightsizing!

Many of us seem to be having the same conversations about simplifying our lives, decluttering our homes and getting rid of “stuff”. The “stuff” just simply bogs us down. It is amazing how it all accumulates. From large homes to more modest homes, we all seem to have one shared experience, Clutter! We love shows like Marie Kondo’s Tidying up with Marie Kondo on Netflix and magazines like Simplify Magazine, always looking for new ideas and strategies to face the accumulation.

As I explore resources on this topic, I realize that there is a wealth of information out there and lots of tips to begin this process. I think the tips in the SRES article below will help you get a good start. Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss the process. I certainly have helped many clients work through the journey of rightsizing!

Top 10 Rightsizing Tips for Seniors

Julie https://sres.realtor/blog/blog-home/top-10-rightsizing-tips-seniors

Apr 3, 2020

1. Start with the easy stuff.

Eliminate anything that’s broken, damaged, or no longer wanted. Then, go to the out-of-the-way spaces like attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Progress in these “easier” parts of your home will help you build momentum and tackle the harder-to-decide areas.

2. Ask yourself, “If this disappeared tomorrow, would I run out and replace it?”

If you wouldn’t miss it or need to replace it, it’s probably not worth keeping.

3. Don’t be a storage unit for others.

If friends or relatives have left things for you to store, it’s time to ask them to pick up their possessions—or arrange to have them shipped. You may need to be tough and set a firm deadline, after which you will donate the items.

4. Ask for help.

Although you can do much of this work on your own, a family member, a good friend, or even a professional organizer can help make the job more manageable.

5. Decide what’s important.

Pretend you are moving overseas, but you can only take a severely limited number of items because it costs a small fortune to ship them. What items belong on your list? These are the things that matter most to you!

6. Is this something from a lifestyle I no longer have or want?

For example, if you have three cabinets full of plastic containers, but only cook for one or two people, it’s reasonable to eliminate a few plastic sets—and dishes, pots, and pans.

7. Schedule a regular time each week—or several days a week—to work on rightsizing.

Realize that rightsizing is a life-changing marathon, not a sprint. You didn’t accumulate everything overnight, and you won’t sort it all out overnight, either.

8. Value what you keep.

The fewer things you keep, the more you will treasure and enjoy what you have, instead of tucking items away in a closet or stacked among dozens of other things. These are the select, meaningful items worth having in your personal space.

9. Prevent new collections from forming.

Instead of material gifts, ask people to spoil you by sharing time, enjoying new experiences, and helping you indulge in luxuries (spa certificates, imported chocolate, a musical or other theatre production, gift certificates for dinner out, etc.). In other words, ask for special treats that you love and want, but don’t always buy for yourself.

10. Use age to your advantage.

Now is a great time to give items to family members that you eventually want them to have. Take a photo (preferably a digital one) of your recipients holding their treasured gifts and create a scrapbook of “next generation” memories. These images can serve as powerful reminders of your most cherished items moving forward into posterity with the most special people in your life.

DECLUTTERING

This information is provided by http://sres.com
If you are interested in related articles, please see another one of my blog articles below and subscribe. https://www.hellersells.com/2022/02/16/helping-our-senior-loved-ones-prepare-their-homes-for-sale

Photo by Julia M Cameron

Additional resources:

New Life Furniture Bank

Everything But The House

For more information please feel free to contact me: https://www.hellersells.com

Senior Living • February 16, 2022

Helping our Senior Loved Ones Prepare their Homes for Sale

by Tracy Heller

At some point our senior loved ones will be making decisions around their housing needs. Sometimes this involves staying in place, looking for a home with a first floor bedroom, exploring assisted living options and in some cases looking at nursing homes. As family members, our seniors may ask for advice when considering getting their homes ready for sale.

In this article, I will discuss the emotional impact on our seniors as well as offer practical suggestions for helping our senior loved ones prepare their homes for sale in the current real estate market.

To seniors, their homes are significant both financially and emotionally.”… home is more than just a place they live. It represents their journey, their accomplishments, their family, and the life they have created,” says the American Advisors Group’s “Importance of Home Survey.”

Starting the conversation…

When working with seniors we need to take into consideration that design trends have significantly changed since most older people went through the buying process many years ago. Wallpaper, flooring, colors, patterns have all gone through transformations over the years. As an example you can see this article from House Beautiful on design trends of 2022.

The sale of a childhood home can trigger many emotions. It is bittersweet saying goodbye to a house full of memories. There will be time to grieve. You have to help them separate the home with the memories.

We need to be very sensitive when discussing how the current interior design of their home will fit into the current marketplace. With all of the home improvement and design shows out there, our seniors need to know that buyers tend to frame their taste based on what they see online or on the latest shows. These design features often conflict with styles that our seniors have grown to love. For those seniors that have lived in their homes a long time with emotional ties to their home it is very important to be cognizant of their feelings when broaching the subject of making any changes to the homes. Seniors often see their homes through a lens that incorporates the milestones of their lives. Change is often difficult. Their homes may feel like an extension of themselves. When we tread carefully and respectfully, we will more than likely find success in helping our seniors understand how to get the highest and best price for their homes.

I always try to focus on the positive features of their home and gently discuss facts about what is currently selling and the impact on price. When the facts are presented including statistics, people tend to be more receptive to change.

According to National Association of Realtors in a 2021 publication,

“Forty-seven percent of buyers’ agents cited that home staging had an effect on most buyers’ view of the home.”
“Eighty-two percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.”
“Staging the living room was found to be very important for buyers (46%), followed by staging the master bedroom (43%), and staging the kitchen (35%)”.

Seniors can consider many options including doing nothing, doing light cosmetic changes such as changing paint colors and lighting, doing light renovations, to doing a full staging of the home. There is always a choice to be made.

Making sure our seniors understand the options and are informed on how the market has changed over time is an important step in the process.

We can start the discussion with suggesting potential changes to the home that could make an impact on time on the market and price. Suggestions could include:

*Deep cleaning

*Painting the front door and exterior

*Cleaning up landscaping

*Updating paint colors

*Updating light fixtures

*Replacing flooring

*Putting in new appliances

*Updating hardware

*Changing out countertops

Of Note- “Always check with local building codes if a repair requires a licensed professional”

If you are at a point of deciding that you want to help your senior begin this process, please feel free to reach out to me. I can connect you with Sibcy Cline Home Services, a resource for contractors etc.

Additional resources:

For more information on downsizing, please see my blog post: Tips to Help You Downsize.

There are also service providers such as a provider in Cincinnati – “Home Stretch” that can help with getting the home ready for the market. They can help with various stages of home preparation.

If after discussion, your senior would consider hiring a staging company, there are many to choose from in Cincinnati. As an example, Design to Market in Cincinnati offers full staging services.

A wonderful way to donate furnishings to help those in need: New Life Furniture Bank

Photo by Blue Bird from Pexels

If you find yourself in the position of starting these conversations with a senior close to you, please feel free to reach out to me. I am here to help! https://www.hellersells.com

How to take the stress out of buying and selling a home

Brain Boosting Activities

Technology and Seniors

Overview of Housing Options for Seniors

Aging in Place

How Healthy is your Home?

Top 10 Rightsizing Tips for Seniors

Top 10 Rightsizing Tips for Seniors

Helping our Senior Loved Ones Prepare their Homes for Sale

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