A WORLD OF HOUSING OPTIONS 

Program 20 

“Real estate agents consistently interact with each other” 

 

SOSOPWORLD needs your help to make sure every senior has a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to lay their head every night.  

Everything Real Estate (Ask the Experts) 

This “Ask the Experts” program was created to fill the need of a one-stop-shopping area where all SOSOPWORLD members can get the help they need from buying/selling of their home, to choosing the best retirement or assisted living accommodation.  

The program lists, although not complete will cover most housing situations.  

The “Ask the Experts” program, run by the ever-caring duo of Sarah Mahmood and Nasir Akhtar from Century 21 is just one of over 21 programs designed to help all seniors (members) have peace of mind knowing that they are not alone and will get the help they need to make some of the most important decisions they will face as they transition into the later years of their life. 

Of course, if you have a problem or a need that is not covered here, please just go to “Contact Us” and a SOSOPWORLD representative will be happy to help you find a solution.  

Do you have questions about – Buying /Selling, Mortgages, Insurance, etc.? 

Repairs/Upgrades, Legal Advice, or Home Inspection? 

 

10 Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent   

Question – Can you find your next or first home by yourself – Answer – Yes! But why would you want to? Maybe you think all you have to do is find something you like, make an offer, and give the owner your hard-earned money, and then live happily ever after. Suppose your car broke down and you have it towed to your home and after you google the problem you decide to fix it yourself. Not only will you fail, but it could cost you a lot more than a professional would charge. Working with a real estate agent can make a huge difference. A buyer’s agent will take the time to help you find the right home and place you on the path of homeownership.     

There are millions of real estate agents across North America to choose from, so, finding the right agent to complement your personality and help you get exactly what you need is a no brainer.  

 

10 benefits of working with an agent 

1) Agents Get You a Better Price  

When you use a real estate agent to buy or sell your home, they will help you get the most for your budget. They know when a home is priced well, or too high, or maybe too low for the neighborhood it’s in. Your agent is on your side and wants you to get the best price so you can reap the financial benefits of being a homeowner. A real estate agent is knowledgeable about what certain features are worth and how they will impact your finances for years to come. Your agent is there to help you find the best neighborhood and the best price. 

2) You’ll Save a Lot of Time 

Searching for a home on your own can be an endless time-consuming game. But, when an agent understands the specifics of what you are looking for in a home, they can work to weed out anything that doesn’t match your criteria. Also, agents attend events and open houses all the time on behalf of their buyers so they don’t waste their buyers time. Working with a real estate agent is the best way to eliminate looking at home that simply will not work for you.  

3) They Have Full Access to MLS 

The Multiple Listing Service is one of the most effective communication tools in the home buying and selling marketplace. Unfortunately, you don’t always have access to it unless you’re working with a real estate agent. This should not be confused with many of the online home search tools. The MLS is a powerful tool in the real estate industry that is designed to alert agents to things like open houses, new listing notifications and other useful tools to put you in the right place at the right time.   

4) They Have Professional Networks 

The real estate professional network is unlike any other business network that you might be familiar with. Real estate agents are consistently interacting with each other about properties and discovering hidden gems along the way. This is not an inner network of people that you are likely to travel in the same circles with, so having access to that network will prove to be incredibly valuable in your home buying pursuits. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent about some of the professional real estate associations they may be affiliated within their industry.   

5) They Live by Ethics and Expertise 

Realtors live by two-great “E’s”; Ethics and Expertise. Agents voluntarily hold themselves to a higher standard and that’s important for the same reason that doctors take the Hippocratic Oath and attorneys are sworn to a Code of Ethics. Realtors are professional fiduciaries, guided by principals, responsibilities, and rules of conduct that prioritize the client while preserving the dignity of, and respect for, real estate as a profession. Expertise is demonstrated in a variety of ways, including locating homes that meet with specific wants and needs, pricing and valuation, knowledge of building code, writing binding contracts, unemotional negotiation, and the coordination required for a smooth closing. Buying a house for the first time is often the most significant purchase in one’s life, it’s critical to have an experienced Realtor by your side. Properly represented, you can expect to sell for more, but for less, and avoid intensely consequential mistakes.       

6) They Know All the Ins and Outs  

The best thing about working with an agent is that they know everything about their workplace (City). This translates into market knowledge, neighborhood background and real estate insights you may not be aware of. This will come in handy when you have specifics about what kind of neighborhood you want to live in, how far you want to commute to work, or what kind of school you want your children to attend. For example, you might find a home you really like; an agent will be able to tell you more about the neighborhood around things like the quality of the schools, crime rates or pending commercial development.    

7) They Really Know the Market  

It’s a fact that the real estate market changes from week to week. Some changes are small like minor price fluctuations in a neighborhood, while others are more significant like interest rates. Each province, state, city and small municipality has their own real estate markets beyond what is happening on a national level. Real estate agents are constantly monitoring these changes for their buyers which keeps you informed of all of these volatile details so you can purchase your new home at the best possible time.  

8) They Understand both Simple and Complex Transactions 

Real estate agents understand all of the complex processes that take place in a real estate transaction. For instance, the home inspection and being able to interpret unfamiliar details that you might not know. An agent also understands the communications from your loan officers and underwriters which will help you feel organized and aware of what is happening in your transaction. As issues arise, or information is needed so your purchase can proceed with less stress.    

9) They’re Very Motivated to Find You a Home 

It’s comforting to know that real state agents are motivated individuals, because their success is depended on their ability to find you a home. In short, if they do not find you the home of your dreams, they don’t eat. Real estate agents don’t usually work off of any salary, for the most part, they are independent contractors who are in control of their own financial destiny. You can be confident knowing that your real estate agent is motivated to find you a property so you can truly live, happily ever after.   

10) You Are in a Win, Win, Situation  

When you hire and work with an agent you will find your next (or first) home, and you won’t be making a financial investment to do so. The seller will be paying all the fees upfront while you get a qualified professional to represent you before you ever have to spend one dollar.  

We hope you are motivated to find the right agent to help you with your next real estate transaction. We suggest you ask friends, family and neighbors for real estate agent referrals and do some online research to find the best agent that suits your personality and needs. Some real estate agents work within small niches that may prove to be helpful depending on the type of property you are in the market for.        

We highly recommend some Real Estate Agents for your convenience:  

 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

Ask Your Team 

Real Estate Agent: 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Mortgages:  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Home Inspection:  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Legal Advice: 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Insurance: 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Downsizing Your Home: 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

A guide for Downsizing your home 

Some seniors actually look forward to tapering down their belongings and enjoying more free-time by moving into a smaller place, while others can get very emotional about even a small change to their world. 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

Choosing a home   

When possible, always involve your love one when deciding where they will spend the rest of their years. 

Some things to consider   

• Will they be buying or renting a smaller home or condominium?  

• Will they be living with family or friends? 
• Will they move into assisted living? 
• Will they be moving into a retirement home? 
• Will they be going into a Long-Term home? 

Create A Plan and start it ASAP – The downsizing will be implemented and controlled by where your love one will be living for most of their senior life. 

Note: Always be very respective of your love one’s possessions. There will surely be many pieces of high sentimental value. 

Here is a list to help you determine what to do with some of your love one’s prized possessions. 

• Is it necessary or just stuff? 
• Does she/he really want it? 
• Are there multiples of these items? 

• Has it been used often or never? 
• Does it have sentimental value? 
• Will it fit into their new home? 
• Would a family member, neighbor, or friend like to have it? 

“Is it time to call in the professionals?” 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Housing options 

Retirement Homes 

Whatever you want to experience during your retirement years, you are guaranteed to find it at one of Canada’s premium retirement homes.  

Exclusive Services and Amenities 

• On-call nursing service 
• Registered physiotherapist and massage therapist 
• Hair salon and esthetician 
• Housekeeping services 
• Towel and linen laundry service 

• Valet parking and concierge service 
• Postal delivery service 
• Wi-Fi high speed internet 
• Unlimited local calls 
• TV package 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Long-Term Care Homes   

“Assessing a Long-Term Home”    

The Location Test 

The Cozy Test 

The Safety Test 

The Administrator Test 

The Good Neighbor Test 

Do they really care Test?  

The Respect and Dignity Test  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Public/Private Group Homes  

Many communities are obtaining funding to make small group homes available to everyone. Statistics show that many frail seniors in long-term homes could function very well in less protected environments if transition options for housing and services were available to the general public.   

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Market Rentals 

Living on a fixed income isn’t easy. No matter how well you prepare for your golden years as a senior citizen, trying to stick to a limited income and strict budget is challenging. And for many seniors, the financial burden of rising costs and increased housing prices can be especially difficult. If you’re finding it difficult to afford your living expenses – like rent – you need a solution that works for your fixed income.   

Related Searches  

1. Senior Housing 

1. Senior Public Housing 

1. Senior Low-Income Housing 

1. Senior Housing Assistance  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Homelessness 

Homelessness affects many seniors, though some population groups are more at risk of becoming homeless than others, including single adult men, people dealing with mental issues or addictions, women with children fleeing violence, and indigenous people. So, who is standing up for these people? 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

*Call 211 Ontario – to reach all programs for seniors  

(This info goes in the professional help section) 

 

Services for seniors 

Home Maintenance, Yard Work, House Cleaning 

1. Services for seniors  

1. Home Services  

1. Shopping 

1. Appointments 

1. Help Around the Home 

1. Future Care Planning 

1. Physical Activity  

1. Cleanup and Repair Services 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

Did You Know . . .  

That SOSOPWORLD is able and willing to provide services to seniors living in their own homes who are physically unable to do home maintenance, yard work, house cleaning, or help with day to day chores.   

Here’s how it works . . . 

For Garbage, Recycling and Snow Removal, general maintenance – Go to the SOSOPWORLD website and open the program and scroll down to the section “Services For Seniors” (FORM) and explain your need. You will be contacted by a SOSOPWORLD representative who will explain the program and give you an application. You are only eligible for this service if all persons in the household are physically unable to do the work and there are no other options. A medical certificate may be required.   

Attention SOSOPWORLD members: The SOSOPWORLD organization will try to make as many of its services to seniors “Free of Charge” but there will be a charge if the work is done by professionals who work for a company or are self-employed.  

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

Home Improvement Assistance Program 

*The sosopworld.com website will display a list of companies they believe will give its members a fair and honest maintenance contract. If for any reason you the member are not satisfied with your project, you can contact us at info@sosopworld.com. 

Total Yard Care 

For help with all your Lawn Care needs as well as Eavestrough cleaning, Lawn Aeration, Power Raking, Hedge Trimming, Weed Control & Yard Cleanups. Website 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

Community Home Services Project 

Assistance available for low-income seniors and physically disabled persons needing yard work, home cleaning, window and wall washing, and heavy housekeeping.   

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

General Renovations & Handyman 

SOSOPWORLD will help with general repairs and house renovations by recommending experienced carpenters, painters, carpet and other flooring installation, and countertops etc… 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 

“SHOW YOU CARE, GET INVOLVED TODAY” 

 

WITH RESPECT 

THE SOSOPWORLD TEAM