Bereaving and Leaving: Moving After a Loved One’s Death

Waking up in an empty room is one of the hardest parts about losing a spouse. Likewise, the sound of silence in a home where a child’s laugh once filled the walls is an almost unbearable pain. While there is nothing that will ever fill the void in your heart or home, life must go on. Sometimes, this means making even further changes to the way you live.

Downsizing – it’s your decision

When your deceased loved one was your family’s primary source of income, you may have no choice but to relocate to a more affordable and manageable living situation. However, Grief and Sympathy, a UK-based website designed to help the bereaved cope with loss, cautions against being influenced by family and friends.

Exploring options

When it becomes clear that a move is in your future, try not to rush yourself. There will be many practical things that must be taken care of now in order to avoid more pain and grief down the road. For starters, it’s imperative that you research homes within your price range. In the Bonita Springs area, homes sell for approximately $300,000. There are many different types of homes available both above and below this price range. And there are even more non-price-related factors to consider before choosing a new residence. These include:

●     Location – If you have children you will need to consider school zone and availability of parks, playgrounds and pediatric care. Policy Genius offers more great advice on moving with children.

●     Layout – How much space you need and can maintain will play a huge part in the type of home you choose. Smaller homes and condominiums often have less available outdoor space and may not be designed for entertaining. However, smaller homes are easier to keep clean and cost less to upkeep.

●     Amenities – As a single or single-parent, you may need to consider a home with security features such as a privacy fence or floodlights. Depending on your age and physical abilities, you may also seek out a new home with one story and a ground-level entryway.

Saying goodbye

The process of relocating is symbolic of saying goodbye to the loved one lost. It does not mean that you will forget them or the home you shared only that you are ready to live your own life in your new circumstances. Before you list your current home on the market, take the time to go through your/their personal belongings and decide what to keep and what items don’t contribute to your present-day happiness. One way to cope that also helps you tackle practical matters is by donating your loved one’s belongings to an organization that will help carry on their memory. For example, if your spouse received hospice services, you may consider hosting a yard sale and donating proceeds to the Hospice Foundation of America.

General home buying/moving tips

●     Understand your mortgage options and have money aside for a down payment and closing costs

●     Find a skilled agent to help in your home search

●     Research crime statistics your chosen area

●     Stick to your budget and focus on homes at the low end of your approval amount

●     By your home with future needs in mind

●     Invest in a home inspection

●     Discuss reasons for your move with children

Change is hard but fresh scenery gives you a new landscape upon which to build the rest of your life. Moving a difficult and emotional process. However, when the memories are too painful or you are unable to afford your current home, it’s an opportunity to hit the reset button on your life.

Lucille Rosetti, our featured contributor

This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo is soooo close to the beach!!  We love this home -- it is tastefully decorated with modern finishes. This home is located along the world famous Tamiami Trail, convenient to EVERYTHING that Southwest Florida has to offer. There is a shopping plaza directly across the street that offers everything from diverse dining options to a 24 hour fitness center. Ride your bike or take a short car ride to Barefoot Beach.  Whether you are searching for an investment property or a place to call your Florida home, you can't go wrong with 2875 Trail's Edge!

Call today for your private showing. 239-675-9464.

The Dellatoré  Real Estate Group recently  listed this home, with gulf access, a community marina, and a gorgeous pool on an oversized lot. This home is in a perfect location, just off of West Terry Street in beautiful Bonita Springs. Quail Creek is close to everything -- restaurants, beaches, shopping, the downtown area, and the international airport! Completely updated with new cabinetry, granite counter-tops, tile flooring throughout and much more.  What a value -- a THREE bedroom home with an open concept floor plan, attached garage, a huge lanai -- and GULF ACCESS!!  Don't miss this opportunity as this home will surely sell FAST! Call Angela Lutzi at 239.675-9464 for your private showing before you miss the chance!

March, 2018 Real Estate News You Can Use

Sandy and Tom purchased a home in Bonita Springs, Florida in the 500k price range. Their primary residence is located in Michigan where the winters are very cold.  Of course, they love visiting their new Florida home, particularly during the winter months and truly enjoy the Southwest Florida experience!

Sandy and Tom were referred to Scott and Angela by a family member and were thrilled with the ease of the transaction.  

They highly recommend working with Scott and Angela of the Dellatore Group when searching for a piece of paradise in Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, or Fort Myers!

When recently interviewed, Tom and Sandy discussed the details of their purchase: 

Q: Is your Southwest Florida home your second home or your primary home? 

A: We’ve owned the home in Bay Point for about a year. Tom is currently working in Germany, so we’ve been unable to settle, but this home will be our second home to escape the Michigan winters. 

Q: What brought you to Southwest Florida?

A: To get out of the cold! We looked all over Florida. We originally liked the East Coast because of the boardwalks, but realized that the Southwest Florida area was more laid back and had a mid-western feel. Also, there is a huge common network in Bonita Springs, Naples, and Fort Myers, since we’re in the auto industry. It doesn’t feel like we have to start over with friends and connections. 

Q: What excites you most about moving to Bonita Springs, Florida?

A: The sun and enjoying winters. The restaurants are very nice in Bonita Springs and Naples is the next block over. It still feels like home (Michigan), but warmer. 

Our “new” home feels secluded, it’s on the water and we can watch the boats go by. After looking at Southwest Florida area, we wanted to live in Naples, but it’s very close and we got more for our money in Bonita Springs. We can even walk to the beach!  

Q: Was there a challenge or misconception you had before you made the decision to purchase in Bonita Springs, Florida?

A: The biggest challenge was getting the home completely closed. It had nothing to do with Scott and Angela, but more the way banks operate and they needed us to get a mortgage even though we were paying cash for the home. It seemed that times changed from “everyone can get a mortgage to no-one can!” The process in full took from December to April. Again, nothing to do with Scott and Angela- we love them!

Q: How did you find Scott and Angela?

A: We were referred to them by a family member who had a great experience working with them, even from the opposite side of a transaction. 

Q: What were Scott and Angela’s strengths and how are they different from other realtors that you’ve worked with?

A: They were different Angela found the perfect house right off the bat. We weren’t looking to buy right away as we knew we wouldn’t be able to settle immediately, but we knew we’d regret if we didn’t purchase the home when we did. Angela heard what we wanted in a Southwest Florida home and found it. It was amazing!

Kay and Luann purchased a home in Bonita Springs, Florida in the $300-400k price range. They are beyond thrilled with the personal connection Scott and Angela had to offer, as well as the opportunity to own a home in beautiful, Southwest Florida! 

Be like Kay and Luann and don’t wait to purchase in Bonita Springs, Naples, Marco Island, or Fort Myers with the Dellatore Group | Scott and Angela. 

Q: Is your Southwest Florida home your second home or primary? 

A: Our new home will be our primary home. We are in the process of selling our home in New Jersey. 

Q: What brought you to Southwest Florida and why?

A: The warm weather! Also, the conveniences of Miami’s cruise ports are only 2 hours away! We plan on living in paradise as well as traveling more often. We have an Italian Greyhound who will love the warmer weather, too.

Luann’s mother passed recently and we have always been her primary caretakers. It is time for us to take a permanent vacation. 

Q: What are you most excited about moving to Bonita Springs, Florida?

A: We are not fully settled in Bonita Spring quite yet, but we are excited about the area overall; close to Naples, the beach, cruise lines. It’s also an opportunity for us to “start over” and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Our new home is in a small neighborhood that is close to other amenities. There isn’t a biking path, but it does have a pool, gym, and a restaurant which we’re very excited about. 

Q: Was there a challenge or misconception you had before you made the decision to purchase in Bonita Springs, Florida?

A: Not really. We were confident in the area.

Q: How did you find Scott and Angela?

A: Zillow or Trulia as Angela was listed as a Premier Realtor and covered Southwest Florida. We emailed her and took it from there. 

Q: What were Scott and Angela’s strengths and how are they different from other realtors that you’ve worked with?

A: Scott and Angela did a great job at sharing their knowledge of the area and selling the “town” of Bonita Springs. We’ve worked with other realtors but as we were doing so we kept saying: “We wish Scott and Angela were here.” 

Scott and Angela made us feel really comfortable as they listened to our needs and found properties that met them. We developed a close relationship, quickly. 

We can’t say it enough that they were very personable. 

Texts, emails and phone calls were very responsive. They also took care of the settlement as we couldn’t be present for the closing. It was easy to be comfortable with them and trust them. 

Considering the idea of purchasing a second home? This idea has become become more popular lately,  especially in the Southwest Florida area.  Bonita Springs, Naples, and Fort Myers are all popular areas  where people are purchasing homes for all kinds of reasons --recreation, vacation, development and retirement!

Whether you’re buying a home because you want to live in paradise or for investment purposes, now is the perfect time to purchase a second home.

Consider these four steps before making such an investment:  

1. Decide if it’s the right time to buy: it’s important to assess your goals and clearly state what your objective is for your second home, consider the current market and look for steady appreciation rates
2. Know what to look for in a second home: try out the area by renting and gaining a feel for the travel time and expenses , visit the home during each season to get an idea of what it’s like year-round, talk to the locals and get their perspective of the area and how it’s changing, what types of people are moving there and what it’s like off-season
3. Explore financing options and negotiations with the seller: generally, the sellers of a second home tend to be more flexible, for mortgage financing, use a local lender that has expertise and knowledge of the market, and understand that there are more strict guidelines for a mortgage for an investment property
4. Learn the ins and outs of tax: consider the property taxes, utilities, HOAs and other expenses, the interest on the mortgage of a second home is tax deductible, ensure to work with a tax professional before getting too far into the second-home buying process

According to the National Association of Realtors, the number one location to buy is the south. Property types such as single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums are the most popular. 

Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and Naples offer a beautiful opportunity to own a second or vacation home in paradise. Even if you’re not available for closing, Scott and Angela have plenty of experience working with out-of-state buyers. Contact the Dellatore Team | Scott and Angela, today! They will listen to your wants and needs in your home to find you the perfect fit. 

Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and Naples offer a beautiful opportunity to own a second or vacation home in paradise. Even if you’re not available for closing, Scott and Angela have plenty of experience working with out-of-state buyers. Contact the Dellatore Team | Scott and Angela, today! They will listen to your wants and needs in your home to find you the perfect fit. 

Click on this video to learn more about me, Florida, home buying and how to get a TON of real estate information regarding your dream home in Southwest Florida!