August 2023 PAFC News - Our Newest Mission Sponsor, Pickleball Pics, Solo Agers, and LOTS MORE!

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PAFC News and Views

August 2023

Thank you to our Mission Sponsor, Sonders Fort Collins! We appreciate your ongoing dedication to helping us problem-solve challenges older adults face as we work to strengthen our Larimer County communities.

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We are thrilled to share our newest Mission Sponsor, UCHealth! The team at UCHealth is committed to helping PAFC cultivate communities where people of all ages thrive. THANK YOU UCHealth for your support.

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Changes

by Bonnie Shetler

For years my husband and I took an annual excursion with my brother, Ron, and his wife Barb. Everywhere from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Although our families have lived entirely separate lives - theirs in rural Wisconsin, ours here in the foothills of Colorado – those amazing trips together reminded my brother and me how connected we still were no matter the geographical distance between us.

Then, a few years ago Barb, strong, bright, ever alert, began showing signs of what turned into an incredibly deep, dark, and disabling dementia. As of this writing she is tended at home by her husband, her twin sister, and hospice. She is barely conscious, unable to communicate, and slowly dying. My communication with my brother is via Zoom from the room where she lies, still and unresponsive.

Married life can change on a dime at any age, but as we move into old age change becomes a looming certainty. While the two of us deal with new aches, declining stamina, and names that are slow to recall, we are both still in relatively good physical health. For this I am grateful. But I no longer take for granted that my life and my relationships today look like the ones I will accommodate tomorrow.

I must say this sense of imminent but unpredictable change forces me to be more present in my life, more grateful for its personal gifts - present and past - and more resigned to its reshaping into whatever it is to become. Really, what else can you do?

Bonnie Shetler lives in the foothills west of Fort Collins where she works and volunteers remotely, sometimes writes, often bikes, hikes, reads, and idly considers the vastness of time and space. She and her husband both enjoy exploring and camping in the back country.

A Message from our Newsletter Sponsor,

Andrea Chirich:

Have You Seen Where Mortgage Interest Rates Are Today?

Have you seen where mortgage interest rates are today? Last I checked mortgage interest rates were about 7.5%! If you are one of the fortunate individuals who can be a cash buyer, it could not be a better time for you to be buying real estate! I fully understand the importance of making wise investments. Whether you're looking to downsize, invest in a vacation home, or secure a comfortable retirement, the current market conditions offer numerous advantages that can greatly benefit you as a cash buyer.

The higher interest rates have many Buyers sitting out on the real estate market. That means much less Buyer competition. Houses are sitting on the market longer, even 60-90 days sometimes, before receiving an offer. Sellers are more open to offers that are below list price. Sellers are more carefully preparing their homes before going on the market to make them more attractive and competitive to the Buyers that are searching. Nationally we are seeing home prices become “softer.” Here in Colorado our real estate market is still very strong and robust due to the diversity of types of Buyers, industry and our wonderful weather. But we are seeing more accepted offers and even some Seller concessions as homes may be on the market longer and Sellers are anxious to sell.

Here are some other advantages to jumping into today’s real estate market as a cash buyer;

1. Seizing Opportunities:

Having the advantage of being a cash buyer allows you to not worry about the current interest rates and capitalize on less Buyer competition. While many Buyers are sitting out due to the higher interest rates, or have had to lower their price search, as a cash buyer interest rates are irrelevant! The benefit is less competition for that home that you want to purchase! As more of the population reaches retirement age, there is a significant number of individuals looking to downsize and sell their larger family homes. This creates an ideal situation for cash buyers who are in search of properties in highly desirable locations. Suddenly, pricier homes may fall well within your budget range, enabling you to acquire a more luxurious property than you initially envisioned.

2. Enhanced Negotiating Power and Speed:

The ability to pay in cash expedites the buying process and provides you with greater negotiation leverage. Cash offers often capture sellers' attention as they eliminate any risks associated with financing falling through. This quick transaction can give you an edge by allowing for better negotiation terms and potentially securing the property at a lower price.

3. Market Stability:

Real estate has consistently proven itself as a stable long-term investment option. Despite occasional fluctuations, property values tend to increase over time. By purchasing real estate as a cash buyer, you insulate yourself from potential economic downturns or interest rate hikes that may affect individuals with mortgages. Owning property outright affords peace of mind and serves as a secure investment for your future.

4. Generating Additional Income:

If you're considering generating supplementary income during your retirement years, being a cash buyer in the real estate market offers lucrative opportunities. Investing in rental properties or vacation homes can yield substantial passive income and supplement your retirement savings. Cash purchases also facilitate swift and seamless investment transactions, helping you fast-track your path to generating income.

5. Personalization and Enjoyment:

As a cash buyer, you have the freedom to personalize your property according to your unique preferences. Whether it involves carrying out home renovations or adding amenities tailored to fit your lifestyle, investing in a property with cash provides unparalleled flexibility in creating your dream living space. Doing so guarantees that your home perfectly aligns with your needs, allowing you to fully savor your retirement years.

Now is an exceptional time for cash buyers to take advantage of opportunities in real estate! The combination of less Buyer competition, available market opportunities, enhanced negotiation power, stability, and potential income generation make real estate investment an enticing option for securing your financial future. As a knowledgeable realtor, I strongly encourage you to explore the possibilities that lie ahead and embrace this opportune moment in the market. By doing so, you can strategically invest in a way that supports your retirement goals and enhances your overall quality of life.

Have a question for Andrea?

The Sonders Doubles Pickleball Classic:

A Tournament for the Ages!

The Sonders Doubles Pickleball Classic was held Saturday, August 19th, 2023, and what a fun event it was! Pickleball pairings from across Larimer County came together to compete in this lively, intergenerational matchup. All levels were represented, and the competition was both fun and FIERCE! We are so grateful to Sonders Fort Collins for being our Title Sponsor for this special event! Thank you also to Aims Community College, our Court Sponsor for the day! We could not possibly have pulled off this memorable day without our sponsors' generous support!

Congratulations to all of our participants! Check out photos from the event below, and stay tuned for future intergenerational events like this one!

Solo Agers Project Needs Your Help!

As some of you are aware, PAFC’s Health and Wellness Priority Group is exploring the formation of support networks for Solo Agers—individuals age 50 or better who have no loved ones to depend on as they age. Solo Agers may include people who live alone, people with no spouse or partner, people without living children or stepchildren, people with estranged children, or people whose only child is disabled and who lacks the ability to provide support.

Communities in Minnesota, New York, and Washington are already operating Solo Ager support networks. Leaders of these groups have shared leader and participant manuals with us.

Network members meet at least monthly and help each other with advance care planning, transportation to medical appointments, emergency contacts, and other health-related matters.

We may be able to adapt these existing models to Larimer County Solo Agers, once we gather and analyze information about their specific needs and situations. Or we may develop a model of our own.

To accomplish this effort, we need three types of help from you:

1. Refer Larimer County residents over age 50 to our online needs assessment survey HERE and take the survey yourself.

2. Identify and refer knowledgeable, articulate Solo Agers to us. We’re looking for individuals who might be willing to participate in several focus groups to help us better understand their needs.

3. Volunteer to help the Health and Wellness Group get this project off the ground. We need a variety of skills, such as communication, group facilitation, public speaking, research capability, project management, and more.

Will you help us with this worthwhile effort? If so, please contact Paula Stearns, Health and Wellness Group Chair, at pstearnsrn@aol.com or just complete the survey and add your contact information at the end.

Click HERE to Take Our Survey!

Looking to Return to Work? Need a Boost?

Are you age 55 or better and looking to re-enter the workforce or make a career switch? Eager to explore new job opportunities, but not sure where to start?

If you were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our workforce program may be able to help. Our comprehensive program will equip you with the tools you need to successfully navigate your job campaign and find meaningful opportunities that match your skills and experience.

We'll have a new cohort starting soon, and you won't want to miss it! Learn more below and contact us today!

www.PAFCLarimer.org

info@pafclarimer.org

Donate HERE!