SENIORS
As we age, we require and expect special requirements, especially in our housing and equity needs. Changes in lifestyle and personal situations can occur quickly and dramatically. Good real estate planning now is the most important issue for financial security. You want to make the wisest decision you can when selling a home, relocating or making any real estate investment choices.
We are able to assist seniors in making wise decisions about selling the family home, buying or selling rental property and directing you to experts dealing in capital gains and estate tax. We are aware of the implications of owning Real Estate for Estate Planning and we are qualified to discuss the possibilities of moving to an adult community or assisted living facility here in Marin County or in the Bay area. We have the ability to connect with other specialists and obtain all the resources necessary to assist with these decisions. Jane has her SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) designation.
Propositions 60 & 90 (Marin County residents 55 years or Older)
If qualified, you can buy a new home without paying higher taxes. Under propositions 60 and 90 a qualified taxpayer can take the tax basis from the present home to the new home
Prop 60 allows the seller to take the existing tax basis to their new
property if:
- The individual or spouse is at least 55 years of age.
- The new property is in the same county as the house being sold.
- The new property is purchased within two years of the sale of the
old one. - The purchase price of the new property is equal or less than the old one. Under certain circumstances, a slightly higher value of the new property may qualify.
Prop 90 extends the rule to properties located in other counties, buy ONLY if the property is in a county specifically allowing for such transfer. As of 6/05/2009 the following counties apply: Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Ventura. As this list can change, it is advisable to check with the assessor of the county to which you are moving. For more information: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/AR/main/real_property.cfm
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FREE Housing Information on other areas. Thinking about moving? With my network of Realtors worldwide, I know the agents that specialize in working with Mature Adults in almost every market. Just tell me what areas interest you and provide your full legal mailing address, and contact information.
The New Reverse Mortgage Purchase Program
Since January 1, 2009, a person 62 years or older can now purchase a new home with a reverse mortgage and have no monthly payments.
In 2008, new regulations were issued that allow reverse mortgages to be used for home purchases up to $625,000. It's called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, and it's federally insured. An HECM must be obtained through an approved FHA lender.
Although this concept may seem alien to some due to its uniqueness, it does work. The equity in this case, like in any form of purchase, comes from the down payment the buyer makes as part of the purchase price. Assuming values increase over time, this equity value rises, and the payments for the reverse mortgage come from that equity value.
Great Resources for Seniors
Senior Housing and care communities - www.gilbertguide.com, www.theredwoods.org
Social Security Online - http://www.ssa.gov The official Social Security online website.
AARP - http://www.aarp.org
A non-profit organization for persons 50 years and older by addressing their needs and interests.
Online Community for Seniors - http://www.senior.com
Their goal is to provide our members with a safe community to communicate with family and friends, to research information and to purchase items in a secured environment.
Senior-Center - http://www.senior-center.com
A great website for Seniors.
