The Seniors Who Don't Want To Die

I recently went on a road trip with my husband.  It occurred to me, after visiting Mesa Verde National Park, that seniors don't want to die.  There were seniors with their grandchildren, seniors traveling with friends, seniors laughing, and some were traveling with other couples. There were a lot of them at each spot we went to.  They don't want to work themselves to death anymore but enjoy their surroundings with others or partners.  They were friendly, adventurous, and had zest in their step.  They might not be up all night but they were definitely active.

Senior life has it's advantages since everything is not centered around making money and working.  It's a time to strategize what's next.  You worked hard all your life.  Now what? Downsize from your large home?  Get into the best shape of your life? Volunteer? Travel? Relax? Do it all?

https://www.du.edu/specpro/otherprograms/senioraudit/

As more baby boomers retire, the real estate industry, as well as other industries, have been gearing toward this group of people's desire to enjoy life.  There are senior tours, clubs, cruises, card and game groups, volunteering seniors, senior activities, foodies, and those that want to
learn something new, etc.  What a passion this segment of life has for life.  "The seniors that don't want to die".

If you look into the Loveland CO senior housing area, there is 55+ living at Lakeshore at Centerra,

Affinity at Loveland, West Lake Village, Victoria Mannor, and patio homes in and around Loveland like Radiant Dr and in Marianna Butte.  These homes offer a community where you don't take care of maintenance or minimal amounts, activities are offered, social gatherings, gyms, etc.  With this type of housing, seniors are able to leave their homes without worry for an extended time.  Neighbors watch out for each other, the lawn care people mow the law, the watering is on a timer, the kids are gone and you are left to enjoy yourself until YOU decide to go home.  If you want more information on downsizing or patio homes, call me.

It's amazing to me the power this age group has influenced our society every ten years of their life. The baby boomers have changed the way we buy, the way we socialize, the way we eat, the way we spend our days.  And now, they don't want to lay down and die but be active, social, and a major contributor to their families, friends, and communities.

If you need something done - ask a senior.  They have the time and are willing to help.  They don't want to lay around and let life pass them by.

5 Things You Need To Know To Sell Your Probate Acquired Property!

Selling a Probate Acquired property has many challenges that are different from your normal real estate sale. here are 5 things you need to know to sell a home you have acquired in a probate/estate

1. vacant homes

Homes that are vacant for more than 30 days are not covered by standard homeowner policies.  This is a major issue and one that most Personal Representative or real estate agents are not aware of.  Since most families have 80% of their assets in their home, an uninsured tragedy could be devastating emotionally and financially.  Although a Vacant Home Policy is more expensive than a traditional home policy, isn't it worth it to have the asset covered?  We are able to help you find an insurance agent that can solve this problem with a Vacant House policy – month to month.  

2. CLEAN OUT

Many Heirs and Personal Representatives live out of the area. When there is real estate in the estate, the family usually come and take the family heirlooms but are left with an entire home full of contents that they have no idea what to do with. We call this “Probate Quicksand”.  this is one of the biggest challenges when selling a probate home.  Our clean out crews will dispose of the rest – if that is the families wishes. If necessary we have contractors and handyman services to fix up any needed items, pressure wash and clean the home up in order to get the maximum dollars in the sale. Since we are a Probate Resource we can handle most necessary home challenges. It could take weeks/months to find a responsible crew to do this work.  With an out of town Personal Representative, this could take even longer. Many of the people we help never even leave their home and we never meet them. they can stay home and tend to their family and jobs while we do the work.

3. KEEP PROPERTY MAINTAINED

Now you have two homes or three homes or ???  Homes deteriorate when not occupied, so the sooner you decide what to do with this asset the better.  How will you get the yard work done and keep up with maintenance?  We have people who can assist you in maintaining the home.  We are just a call away.

4. OPTIONS FOR THE SALE

You have three options for selling the property.  A. You can sell to a flipper/wholesaler for 70 cents on the dollar. The advantages to this are they buy it "as is".  We have investors who are interested in these type homes.   B. Place it on the open market for market value.  This is usually done by a licensed realtor.  In our current Colorado market, this process usually takes 30-45 days. If repairs are needed, we have a vast group of individuals who can make these necessary repairs.  We have had over 20 yrs selling real estate assets and can help you with this process. or  C. Sell it yourself.  Typically this takes a lot of time that most Personal Representatives don't have.  D.  What if the remaining spouse needs to be removed from the home to a safer environment.  We have a team of people that we can refer you to for help with this matter too.  

5. OPTIONS FOR THE PROCEEDS

After the sale of the assets, the proceeds need to be divided amongst the heirs.  If there are positive proceeds left then it's time to decide what to do with that money.  Will you invest in an investment property to generate further income?  Will you invest the money in stocks, bonds, etc?  A financial planner might be an option.  We have a list of financial planners we work with that can help with this.  Or, if you plan on buying real estate then we can assist you in what type of property to purchase.  It might be a residential property, commercial entity, luxury home, second home, vacation home, townhome, etc.  We have been involved in all of these type transactions and have been selling real estate for 20 years.  

FREE SERVICE So as you can see we have a lot of people on our team that can help you.  Why go it alone?  With so many options at our fingertips and our service is FREE, why do it yourself. 

CALL US TODAY AND LET’S GET STARTED  OR CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT WE DO

www.turnkeyrealtyco/com/probate       970-672-6069     margaret@turnkeyrealtyco.com

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"  These words will be celebrated around the United States tomorrow as we will celebrate our 234th birthday America!  July 4th, 1776 our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the Declaration of Independence, viewed the relationship between a government and it's citizens a "social compact" among citizens.  Simply by virtue of existing, he believed, every person has an equal right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

What kind of life do American's?  Why do so many foreigners want to move to our country?  Look at the meaning of "liberty" - the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.  This says it all in my opinion.  We can be who we want to be, we can have what we want to have, and we can go where we want to go.  Sure all American's have different views but if we aren't free we have nothing but dreams.  In America, our dreams CAN come true!

The Pursuit of Happiness can be that "dream", that all of us can have a better life for our families.  Safety, security, living without fear, little restraints, freedom to prosper are our rights as an American citizen.  Every person in this country can be happy.  It starts with kindness, compassion, and a love for others.  

As we celebrate in Colorado our "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" tomorrow, wave the American flag of freedom proudly, be happy to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.  When the "bomb's bursting in air" be proud that we live in the greatest country in the world.  Smile, be kind to all and raise your families to be proud to be an American too.

The Time Burden of a Probate Executor

The Executor of an estate has 75% of the work to do in a probate situation.  It's a huge time burden for those individuals who have this responsibility.  In addition to a job and your own family, the first thing an executor/attorney will do is file a petition to probate.  That's the easy part.  Here is a timeline on the process.

Step in Process Duration

Prepare and File Petition Probate	1-2 months
A court hearing on the petition for probate	2-3 months
The following are issued. letter of administration, order for probate, duties, and liabilities, issue bond (if ordered)&** letters testamentary **	2-4 months(if not contested)
Notice to Creditors	2-4 months
Notice to Department of Health Services Inventory & Appraisement	4-8 months
Pay state and Federal Taxes ( if necessary)	6-12 months
Allow or Reject Creditor Claims
Possible Preliminary Distributions
Notice to Department of Health Services (if deceased received medical)
Notice to Franchise Tax Board (if the heir is out of state)
A claim of Exemption (if assets transfer to a minor)	6-15 months
Receive Final Tax Letter from state and Federal (if appropriate)	6-18 months
File Petition for Final Distribution and Accounting	8-16 months
Hearing on Petition for Final Distribution and Accounting
Order Approving Final Distribution and Accounting
Distribution  of Assets to Heirs	9-17 months
Final Discharge Order (indicates close of probate case)	9-18 months
Final Distribution of Funds	9-18 months

In addition to the process above, if there are assets (property) to sell, then the home needs
* cleaned out
* personal property needs to be sold, auctioned or donated
* repairs need to be made
* the lawn needs to be kept up
* locksmith to rekey the property
* different insurance needs to be purchased if the home is vacant
* interview realtors
* review offers
* make any repairs the buyer may want to be done, if applicable

* transfer the deed to the new buyer

* figure out what to do with the proceeds

All these things and more can be expected of an Executor.  Other than an Attorney, your most valued resource will be a real estate team that is trained and experienced in probate and inherited property sales.  Your time is valuable and do you have the resources that my team does?  You need a probate resource!

Go to my website for additional information that our team can do for you:
www.turnkeyrealtyco.com/probate
Or contact me at 970-672-6069 for help

Loveland Farmers Markets - The Way To A Healthier You

Farmers markets are the best way to find fresh local foods and a healthier you.  There is a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit as well as local honey, candles, flowers, and much more.  If you can't make your local location, there are plenty of other locations to visit.   Most are on the weekends but a few are during the week.  One of my favorites is the Loveland Market at the Fairgrounds.  There are picnic tables that you can sample the food, playgrounds, a water park, food trucks, and lots of parking.

Fresh Finds Are Here!  Sundays 9:00A - 1:30P I June 23 - Sept. 29, 2019 

Drake Road Farmers Market 

Where: 802 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays (April 20 through early October)

Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park

Where: 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland

When: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (June 23 through Sept. 29)

Fort Collins Farmers Market

Where: 1001 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays (starting May 5)

Larimer County Farmers Market 

Where: 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays (May 18 through Oct. 26)

Loveland Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds

Where: 700 S. Railroad Avenue   Loveland

When:  9:00 am - 1:30 pm Sundays (June - Sept)

Loveland Farmers Market

Where: 205 Broadway St., Loveland

When: 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays (May through October)

Sunday Market on Main Street

Where: Colorado Feed & Grain, 4138 Main St., Timnath

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (first Sunday in May, June, July, August and October; second Sunday in September)

Windsor Farmers Market

Where: Boardwalk Park, 110 5th St., Windsor

               When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays (June 22 through Sept. 28); live music starts at                          10:30 

Don't Miss Out On These Events!  And, eat great food.

Why Create Powers of Attorney Documents

Why should a person create a power of attorney? 

The failure of an individual to create powers of attorney documents can render them helpless if and when they lose their ability to make decisions for themselves. In such cases, courts may appoint others to take control of the incapacitated individual's life, and the selected parties may not be who the affected individual wants in charge of their affairs. An Estate Planning Attorney can give a concerned individual more information about how to include powers of attorney in their estate plans.

What Are Powers of Attorney?

Power of Attorneys are the estate planning devices that individuals can use to give others the rights to take control of their affairs. When a person becomes incapacitated powers of attorney documents kick in and allow others to make health care decisions, financial choices, and take other action on their behalf. A power of attorney is in effect only as long as the principal is alive and it can only be enacted by a principal who is mentally competent. 

What Can A Power Of Attorney Do?

The Three Main Rolls of a Power of Attorney

• Making medical decisions on behalf of the principal
• Handling financial and legal matters on behalf of the principal
• Making decisions on behalf of someone who has lost their mental capacity

A power of attorney, while still a critical tool for managing the estate and affairs of incapacitated loved ones, has also evolved into a useful mechanism that allows individuals to grant authority to professionals with specialized skills, who can represent them in business, real estate, legal, and financial arenas that require specific knowledge the individual might not have. This allows people to level the playing field when it comes to dealing with larger institutions that have paid professional staff dedicated to acting on their behalf.

Most individuals don't like to think about it as something that may happen before they reach old age. The sense that death is something that only afflicts the elderly is a falsity, and young individuals may hurt their wealth if they do not make plans for how such assets will be managed when they are no longer able to do so on their own.

The best plan is to be pro-active.  Make it a priority to contact an attorney to help you with your future.  This could be a matter of doing it your way or having someone else make decisions for you.  

If you need help finding an attorney, please call me.  I have several I have worked with that I trust with my family matters.  Contact me at 970-672-6069 or margaret@turnkeyrealtyco.com

You Gave Your Life For Our Freedom

I went to a high school graduation this weekend.  During the ceremony, the High School Principal asked to have everyone that had serviced in the Armed Forces to "please stand so you can be recognized".  Then he asked, "would all of the graduating students who plan to serve after graduation, please stand".  Not a single man or woman in this graduation class stood up.  I was quite shocked, as I thought there were always those kids who would follow in their parents' footsteps or choose a career in the military.  

Why does one choose to serve our country?  

Every service member swears the same oath and that oath sticks with you long after your time in service has come to an end.  No matter if your choice is to be an Airman, soldier, Sailor, or Marine you will become something different from who you are now.  You will be a warrior!                                                                                                                                      Maybe they want to follow the path of your father or mother.  There are some career families who are accustomed to living this lifestyle.  It's rewarding, challenging, and a commitment that they make to themselves and their families as well as their country.  They have a passion for it.

Why Does One Choose Not To Serve? 

Is it the boot camp that scares these kids off?  The mission of the Drill Sargent is to break you.  They will tear you down then build you into something new.  They will mold you into being a part of a bigger team, or they'll send you home.  You will get into the best shape of your life, mentally as well as physically.  You will be in pain and feel exhausted on all levels.  Maybe you aren't cut out for this rigorous training and change?

If you have any doubt in your mind, don't sign up.  If your heart and mind aren't in 100% agreement to commit to the armed forces, look into other options. 

The military isn't the place to figure out who you are or what you want to be.  If you're not 110% committed, don't join. 

So I guess this class of 2019 did not have the passion for it or is taking time to figure themselves out before they sign up.  It's not a video game where you can go home if you lose.  It's real life and something these kids might be contemplating but not rushing into.  Good for them!  

For Those Who Have Given Their Life

We salute those who have served our country in all of the wars and even during peacetime.  You are a gift from God and all American's appreciate your fight for freedom.  We would not have the life we have without you and your families sacrifice.  Happy Memorial Day and may God Bless You and your families.