Blog - Jennifer Baukol

Sellers

5 Ways to Find Out What Your Home Is Worth…and Why Online Estimators Can Be Wrong

5 Ways to Find Out What Your Westchester Home Is Worth (And Why Online Estimators Can Be Wrong) If you’re a homeowner in Westchester County, NY, chances are you’ve wondered what your property is really worth. Especially in today’s dynamic market. While online estimators like Zillow’s Zestimate or Redfin’s Estimate offer quick answers, they often […]
Downsizing, SRES

“Please Don’t Put Me in a Nursing Home…”

How Families Can Help Loved Ones Stay Safely at Home It’s a plea I’ve heard many times in my work with older adults and their families:“Please don’t put me in a nursing home.” For many seniors, the thought of leaving their home and moving into a nursing facility is their biggest fear. In fact, studies […]
Global Luxury, Sellers

Timing the Market to Sell Your Home

Why Every Season Can Be the Right Season Selling a high‑end, lifelong family home in Westchester or Fairfield? It’s all about being market‑ready, or “Camera Ready” as I put it, not just waiting for spring. Here’s how each season brings its own magic and why hiring me as your listing agent is the best timing […]
Downsizing, Senior Relocation

“What If My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff?”

How to Navigate a Common and Emotional Part of Downsizing You have lovingly cared for your belongings over the years. Your furniture, dishes, heirlooms, collections. Each item tells a story, holding the memories of decades past. So when it comes time to downsize and your children say, “I don’t have room for that,” or “I […]

Sellers 5 Ways to Find Out What Your Home Is Worth…and Why Online Estimators Can Be Wrong 5 Ways to Find Out What Your Westchester Home Is Worth (And Why Online Estimators Can Be Wrong) If you’re a homeowner in Westchester County, NY, chances are you’ve wondered what your property is really worth. Especially in today’s dynamic market. While online estimators like Zillow’s Zestimate or Redfin’s Estimate offer quick answers, they often […]

Downsizing “Please Don’t Put Me in a Nursing Home…” How Families Can Help Loved Ones Stay Safely at Home It’s a plea I’ve heard many times in my work with older adults and their families:“Please don’t put me in a nursing home.” For many seniors, the thought of leaving their home and moving into a nursing facility is their biggest fear. In fact, studies […]

Global Luxury Timing the Market to Sell Your Home Why Every Season Can Be the Right Season Selling a high‑end, lifelong family home in Westchester or Fairfield? It’s all about being market‑ready, or “Camera Ready” as I put it, not just waiting for spring. Here’s how each season brings its own magic and why hiring me as your listing agent is the best timing […]

Downsizing “What If My Kids Don’t Want My Stuff?” How to Navigate a Common and Emotional Part of Downsizing You have lovingly cared for your belongings over the years. Your furniture, dishes, heirlooms, collections. Each item tells a story, holding the memories of decades past. So when it comes time to downsize and your children say, “I don’t have room for that,” or “I […]

Adult Community The Pros & Cons of Active Adult Communities If you’re considering downsizing or exploring new living options for yourself or a loved one, active adult communities—also known as 55+ communities—may be on your radar. These communities are designed for independent adults aged 55 and older and offer a unique blend of lifestyle perks and thoughtful amenities. But like any major life decision, it’s […]

Senior Relocation What Makes a Retirement Hot Spot? What Makes a Retirement Hot Spot? Ever wonder what turns a place into a retirement hot spot? 🌟🏖️ It’s not just sunny weather (though that helps! 🌞). Here’s what makes certain locations stand out for retirees: 🏥 Top-Notch Healthcare: Access to quality hospitals, specialists, and wellness services is a must. 💰 Affordability: Lower taxes, reasonable housing costs, and everyday expenses that fit […]

Long Term Care Insurance The Rising Cost of Long-Term Care and How to Pay for It Planning Ahead: Cost of Long-Term Care and How to Pay for It. Did you know that nearly 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care at some point in their lives? It’s a reality many families face, and with the cost of care expected to rise by over 30% in […]

Sellers Managing Conflict When Selling a Parent’s Home Navigating the Sale of a Parent’s Home: Tips for Families Selling a parent’s home can often become a challenging experience for families. As the ‘For Sale’ sign goes up, practical decisions about pricing, renovations, and profit-sharing can clash with emotional attachments and longstanding family dynamics. This can turn a straightforward sale into a delicate balancing […]

Sellers When You’re Moving What to Do with Items That Won’t Move with You? When moving, it’s common to realize that not all of your possessions will make it to your new home. The big question is: what should you do with the things you’re leaving behind? Here are some practical options: 1. Offer to Family & Friends Before […]

First-Time Homebuyers Eco Friendly Home Tips From Small Adjustments to Major Upgrades: Ideas to Save Money, Decrease Energy Usage, and Make Your Home Eco-Friendlier Making your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you’re ready to tackle larger projects or prefer smaller tweaks, the benefits are clear: lower utility bills, reduced energy consumption, and a […]

Sellers 10 Ways to Make Downsizing A Bit Easier If you’re thinking about moving, downsizing and decluttering can help you enjoy a simpler, more secure, and less stressful lifestyle. However, the process can feel overwhelming at times. Here are some tips to make downsizing easier: 1. Start Early Downsizing takes more time than you might expect. Begin at least 2-3 months before your planned […]

Sellers An Overview: Long-Term Care Alternatives If you or a loved one is considering a move to long-term care, there are many options with varying levels of care, costs, and benefits. Your SRES® Real Estate Professional is trained to assist seniors and can help you understand the choices in your area, including: Active Senior Communities Many areas offer active senior communities […]

Sellers 4 Built-In Benefits of Planned Communities If you’re searching for a home that offers built-in perks to enhance your lifestyle, a planned community might be the perfect fit. Designed with thoughtfulness, these communities provide opportunities for everything from making new friends to staying active. Here are just a few benefits that planned living offers: A Strong Sense of Community Planned communities […]

Financial Advisor What to Expect When You Meet with a Financial Advisor Meeting with a financial advisor is a crucial step toward ensuring your financial security and achieving your retirement goals. If you’re not already working with one, the idea might seem intimidating, but knowing what to expect can make the process easier and more rewarding. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for your first meeting […]

Sellers Navigating Capital Gains Taxes When Selling Your Long-Time Home A Guide for Retirees Selling a home you’ve owned for over 30 years can be an emotional and complex process, particularly when it comes to managing the financial implications. One significant concern for many retirees is the potential capital gains tax on the profit from the sale. Let’s explore several strategies to help you navigate […]

SRES Tech-Savvy Living A Guide to Property Technology for Older Adults Property technology is shifting how people buy, sell, and manage their homes and real estate transactions. Although several different types of technology are used in the housing industry, here are three types you may benefit from adopting. 1. SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY Smart home technology offers many benefits, […]

Sellers Comprehensive Area Reports Comprehensive area reports on Sales, Listings, and Home Values. Stay updated with the most recent market trends and valuable insights. Click the link to dive into the details! Making Your Home Stand Out: Strategies for a Successful Sale and much more. https://www.cbprospectsquare.com/CWB/app/public/newsletterpreview.jsp?newsletterkey=3092031&recordtypename=NEWSLETTERAGENT

Sellers Selling Your Home with Sentimental Value Navigating Emotional Attachments while selling your home: As a seasoned real estate agent with over 15 years of experience, specializing in senior real estate, I’ve encountered countless clients facing the daunting task of parting ways with homes filled with cherished memories. Selling a home that holds sentimental value can be emotionally challenging, and it’s perfectly […]

SRES Essential Conversations When Moving Near Family Considering a relocation to be closer to family? The prospect of moving near loved ones can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to navigating shifts in family dynamics. Research indicates that for older adults, this transition can be particularly challenging due to three key stressors: Loss of established social networks: Moving to […]

Sellers Embracing Swedish Death Cleaning: A Guide to Moving and Downsizing in Senior Real Estate In the realm of real estate in Westchester County, New York, particularly in senior housing and downsizing, a concept has emerged that transcends mere tidying up or decluttering. It’s called Swedish Death Cleaning, a term coined by Margareta Magnusson in her book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your […]