“Let me find you your perfect place in the sun” – it’s an often-used marketing phrase. A good Realtor® works very hard to do just that – knowing there are many things to be taken into consideration, including the view and nearness to the water. Many folks coming to Florida seasonally or moving permanently are at or near DELETE “to” retirement age. It’s time to sit back and really enjoy life! Sounds great – and it can be if you take your time to ensure you’re choosing the right location for you and your lifestyle – this includes taking stock of your health.
Discussing your health is not something that is usually part of an initial conversation about real estate. Often, it doesn’t come up at all yet it is an important consideration. Seasoned Realtors (nice way to say “older”) face the same challenges that retired or soon to retire Buyers do and they can be an important resource in helping you make a good decision. You should feel free to discuss any issues you have with your trusted Realtor® early on in your search process. Take, Gale, one of my clients who thought she had found the perfect house, it had everything she wanted and the price was right. She happened to mention to me that she had heard of a very good specialist for a health issue she had. The location she thought she wanted to be in was miles away from this Doctor. Since she needed regular care, that distance did make a difference. If you only look at a map, often the distance from one place to another seems very short – eight or nine miles. If you’re heading out on May 15th, the trip can be completed within 15 or 20 minutes door to door. If you’re heading the same way on February 15th, it’s a completely different situation. Fortunately, this area has an abundance of beautiful communities to choose from. In Gale’s case, we found another house she just loved which resulted in a much easier commute to see the specialist she wanted to regularly see.
“Live near the gate” – have you heard that before? There are some gated communities that cover more than two thousand acres of lovely tree lined streets, beautiful lakes and wonderful neighborhoods. If your idea of an ideal place means secluded and quiet, you might just find that perfect spot deep in the back of such a community. It may be the perfect place to live but if you need to go in and out on a regular basis – you must consider the true commute time. It can easily take fifteen or twenty minutes just to get from your new home to the gate.
What other factors are important? Have you really given consideration to issues that may restrict you in any way? Yes, we all smile and agree that 60 is the new 40 and 70 the new 50, but truth is we all face new challenges as we age. Recognizing this and taking good care now will aid in making that adage more of a reality. If your physician has made some lifestyle recommendations for you, why not choose a place that facilitates those changes? Many communities have miles of walking or biking trails. Golf courses are abundant but many communities also offer alternatives such as pickle ball, water aerobics, and a variety of fitness classes.
The area has excellent health care facilities in several different locations including physical therapy centers conveniently located near many gated communities; however, if you require special services, make sure you know exactly where those locations are in relation to where you think you want to be before you buy.
Your current Healthcare needs may not be the first things that come to mind when deciding to find your place in the sun however a current or anticipated condition should be part of the discussion earlier rather than later. Making the right choice is important, and the same is true when it comes to a good Realtor®. You ask for referrals when you choose a Doctor, do the same when choosing a Realtor®, remember you’re trusting that professional with what is – for most people –one of your largest assets. Choose wisely.
Sue Ellen Mathers
Licensed Professional Realtor® since 2005
MBA, CNE, SRES, ABR
Prior to moving to Florida in 2005, Sue Ellen Mathers was involved in commercial real estate for over twenty years in New York State. As a Vice President of Marketing and Development she was involved with the day-to-day operations of a variety of businesses including shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and apartment complexes. Sue Ellen, who holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s School of Management, successfully assisted a client in turning a fledgling business around through a program that combined exceptional customer service with intelligent cost cutting methodology. Once profitable, she then brokered a deal to sell the business and the real estate.
Working in residential real estate in North Naples and Bonita Springs since 2006, Sue Ellen utilizes her communication and organizational skills coupled with strong financial and negotiating know-how to benefit her clients. A strong believer that knowledge is power, she knows and understands this challenging market and has confidently handled many successful transactions for both sellers and buyers.
Sue Ellen has received numerous letters from clients praising her skills, her caring nature and her above and beyond work ethic. She is proud of the many referrals her clients have sent her.
Sue Ellen is from Saratoga Springs, NY. She has a daughter and two grandchildren in Maryland; a daughter and three grandchildren in Illinois; and a son and grandson in Boca Raton, Florida. She travels often to see her children and their families.
2013, 2014, 2015 Golden Bear Recipient
2013, 2014, 2015 Recipient of the Gulfshore Five Star Award in Real Estate
Royal Shell Real Estate
239-877-2726
Sue Ellen Mathers has been recognized by Gulf Shore Magazine as a Five Star Realtor for the past several years and is a Top Producer for Royal Shell Real Estate. She is very proud of the great reviews her clients write and equally proud of the large number of referrals she receives. You may reach Sue Ellen at 239-877-2726 or email sueellen@royalshellsales.com.