Contributing Writer

Some of Fayette County's leading real estate agents are

lending tips to seniors looking for a new house.

Irene Schoene of Re/Max All Around Atlanta Allstars in

Fayetteville said, "I would recommend smaller yards, ground

level entrances and grab bars in the shower. Also, consider a

ranch rather than a split level or two-story home."

"I was in a wheelchair for 10 days recently," said Joan

Sevigny, Re/Max Results, Peachtree City. "Even though I'm in a

cluster home designed for empty nesters, I discovered it wasn't

necessarily 'wheelchair friendly.' Consider avoiding homes with stairs of

any kind. Wide doorways, especially in hallways and bathrooms

are helpful. There should be safety bars in the shower and I think

a walk-in shower is very important."

She also recommended single lever faucets, which are

much easier on those with arthritis. The European lever door

handles, rather that round knob handles, are much easier to use.

Fred Cox of Financial Mortgage Center, Inc. in

Fayetteville said, "Some seniors are more comfortable not having a

mortgage. However, I like to encourage seniors to consider putting

20 percent or maybe a little more down. With today's low

interest rates, they can keep their investments in stocks or savings, get

an interest write off from the mortgage and usually come out

ahead. Seniors are sometimes concerned about qualifying for a loan

after retirement. They may not realize that their equity position,

credit record and lack of debt offsets the lower non-employment income."

"Seniors in the housing market may want to look for a

Realtor who is familiar with the local special subdivisions that have

features desirable to seniors," Rosemary Beebe, Re/Max All

Around Atlanta Allstars in Fayetteville stated. "It's important to

shop around for a Realtor you are comfortable with and can trust.

Demand a Realtor who has patience and will go that extra mile

for you."

Mike Faulkner, Developer of Clairmont Subdivision, a 55+

active community in Fayetteville said:

- Make sure your home is convenient to shopping and

medical facilities

- Research the builder of the home and the quality of the

home make sure it is maintenance free (example: brick or vinyl

siding)

- Doorways should be at least 32 inches, which is wider than

the standard.

You can't foresee your needs down the road, so it is better to

be prepared!

Bill Grant, Re/Max Results, Peachtree City said:

- Make sure you work with a good real estate agent.

- Take the opportunity to hire the agent as a "buyer

broker." Buyer brokers work for you exclusively and are more

accountable to you. They are required to disclose things to you that

a "transaction broker" may not have to. There is no additional cost

for having the extra service of a "buyer representative."

- Investigate the different lenders. There are many new

creative financing options, which can save out-of-pocket expenses such

as 100 percent loans.

"I frequently receive calls from seniors asking if their age

will affect getting a long-term mortgage," Betty Sopp, Branch

Manager and Loan Officer, Mortgage Matters in Peachtree City,

said. "There is no discrimination because of age."

"Seniors are looked on the same as anyone else," stated

Rob Enyeart of Norwest Mortgage, Inc. in Fayetteville. "The

whole range of mortgage options is open to them. I would suggest that

it may be beneficial to look at purchasing a home prior to

retirement if possible. Anyone contemplating a home purchase would

find it helpful to discuss options with a mortgage lender as early as

possible."

He noted, "Some seniors opt for a short mortgage, 15 years,

others for a 30 year fixed mortgage. Some are concerned about

paying off their home prior to retirement and others are looking

for the lowest possible payment."

Mark Barnard of Pathways Communities' Summer

Grove "empty nester" subdivision,

"The Retreat" said"

Many seniors are looking to downsize. They do not want

to take care of a lawn and want to enjoy life. Some things to look

for are 'low-maintenance' homes. Another is a raised vanities

to make the distance you bend over shorter. Wider doorways

and ranch style homes with nothing to trip over are things to consider."

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