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12 | April 13, 2017 | 22nd Century Media Home and garden 22ndcenturymedia.com Smith Crossing helps retirees prepare homes for sale, move to carefree lifestyle The average American moves about 12 times in a lifetime, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What the statistic does not reveal is that moving later in life is more challenging for a variety of reasons. “Uprooting your family and moving your entire household when you’re in your thirties for a career change is one thing,” said Frank Guajardo, executive director of Smith Crossing, a life plan community in Orland Park. “Downsizing and relocating at age 75- plus is much tougher. Older adults have accumulated a lifetime of possessions associated with very special memories, so letting go of unnecessary items becomes more difficult. Some seniors also have less energy when it comes to organizing, packing and physically preparing their homes for sale.” While moving may be more stressful for older adults, the consequences of not moving can be worse, Guajardo said. So many older adults find themselves living in isolation or in unsafe homes that have become too much of a burden to maintain. “The whole idea of downsizing is to shed the burden of owning a home that has become too large,” he said. “On top of managing a property they no longer fully use, older homeowners often are burdened with paying more for property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs than their current lifestyle requires. To help older adults ‘right-size’ their lives, Smith Crossing offers villas and spacious apartments not owned by our residents. Our entrance fee is 90 percent refundable, so it can be considered an investment in the future.” For older adults putting their homes on the market this selling season, it can help to enlist the assistance of professional home-relocation experts — and especially those specializing in moving seniors, Guajardo said. Which explains why for the last 10 years, Smith Crossing has referred prospective residents to Creative Home Services, an Orland Park-based company that helps older adults downsize, declutter and prepare their homes for sale. Selling a home “One Smith Crossing resident, a retired engineer, recently compared the role of the relocation expert to that of a general contractor,” Guajardo said. “Rather than finding different contractors to paint several rooms, make carpentry and plumbing repairs, and landscape the yard, he employed the services of an expert who has established relationships with a variety trustworthy service providers. The process was much easier.” Using an expert may cost more than handling details individually, but for some it can mean the difference between starting a less-complicated life or staying put. And because the professional negotiates several projects with home decorating and repair professionals, they often can secure a better price for their clients. Guajardo suggested the following steps for home sellers: Contact a realtor to conduct a market analysis. Discuss the pros and cons of performing major repairs or upgrades and determine if they really will add significant value to the selling price for the home. Select a realtor who knows the community. Make sure to feel comfortable with this person and secure a commitment to be available to answer any questions. Consider contacting a home organizer, such as Creative Home Services, to assist with downsizing, preparing the home for sale and setting up the furnishings in the new residence. Clear away clutter and invite relatives to take items no longer needed. Give the remainder to charity. Before putting the home on the market, paint in neutral colors. Change old light fixtures or worn faucets. Remove worn carpeting. Trim trees and bushes. Cut the grass. Freshen landscaping with new mulch. “There’s no longer a glut of homes for sale, so it’s more of a seller’s market this spring,” said Ric Roemer, president of Creative Home Services. “But whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, the house that looks the best in a similar grouping will sell first.” “With the assistance of experts, Smith Crossing helps liberate retirees from home ownership issues,” Guajardo said. “Our goal is make sure our residents enjoy a joyful way of life without worrying about plumbing and landscaping chores.” Smith Crossing provides added security, meals prepared by an executive chef, a variety of life-enriching Please see lifestyle, 13 What could be better than getting cooking tips from a top chef? Not having to cook every night. At Smith Crossing, you can let your passion for food be just that – a passion. This is a place of great choices and excellent amenities, where housekeeping is done, snow is shoveled, and friends join you for dinner with no effort on your part. That’s the beauty of a Life Plan Community. Everything you need today – and everything you might need tomorrow – is taken care of. Experience the ease of maintenance-free living and become an everyday gourmet. foodie MEET THE and her five-star kitchen Smith Crossing Chef and Residents Pictured Schedule your visit today (708) 505-2925 Step into a World of Possibilities. 10501 Emilie Lane · Orland Park, IL 60467 SmithCrossing.org
22ndcenturymedia.com home and garden 22nd Century Media | April 13, 2017 | 13 Family-owned Doran’s offers quality landscaping, value to homeowners Doran’s Landscape, LLC, was officially founded in 1994 by Edmund S. Doran to become fully licensed and insured. He believed his company could deliver a more reliable and higher-quality service than was currently available at the time. Starting out as a oneman operation in 1981, Ned performed daily tasks out of his parents’ house. The company has grown to become an established medium-size organization, with approximately 20 experienced and professional employees who are dedicated to customers. Doran’s Landscape is a fullservice landscape construction and maintenance company committed to excellence within the industry and providing premiere landscape services, as well as snow and ice management. Doran’s believes in educating not only themselves, but also their clientele. They stay up-to-date by sending employees to seminars and classes that are offered from some of the leading organizations in the landscaping industry to give the best service possible for customers. Some of the organizations Doran’s has become active members with include the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, International Concrete, Pavement Institute, National Concrete & Masonry Association, Professional Landcare Network and the American Horticultural Society, to name just a few. Doran’s also believe that involvement in both professional and community organizations is integral to its vision for the future. Giving back to the local community through various charities and events is also something the company feels is very important. They are products of their environment, and they want to keep the environment in their communities clean and strong. At Doran’s Landscape, they understand the vital importance of clear and effective communication between landscaper and customers. They use this communication to facilitate timely and efficient execution of work orders, with quality being the top priority. They continually strive to deliver the best service possible to their customers, and they have been successful in this pursuit. They derive great satisfaction from the many compliments, both written and verbal, from their customers that motivate them to be the best. They believe that a company is only as good as the people that it employs, and at Doran’s, they are proud to say that they have some of the best in the industry. Let Doran’s create an outdoor room for the home that customers can enjoy with friends and family for many years to come. Submitted by Doran’s Landscape, 2219 W. 135th Pl., Blue Island. For more information, call (708) 389-8575. lifestyle From Page 12 activities and services, access to fitness facilities, rehab services and medical support if and when they are needed. About Smith Crossing Smith Crossing, located at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orland Park, is one of only 10 life plan communities in Illinois awarded a five-year accreditation for “exemplary conformance” to international standards set by CARF-CCAC, the industry’s sole accrediting body. Sponsored by Smith Senior Living, a notfor-profit organization serving older adults since 1924, it provides spacious residences and engaging programs for independent living, as well as assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care. It also provides short-term rehabilitation services for residents and others requiring assistance after surgery or a medical incident. Submitted by Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Lane, Orland Park. For more information about Smith Crossing, call (708) 326-2300 or visit SmithCrossing.org. 2017 SPRING SPECIALS LIMITED TIME OFFERS Sign up Between March 15 — May 15 Brick Paver Patio with Fire Pit $8,000 14x14 Patio with 4x4 • Spring Clean up Fire Pit including Steel $3,000 • Coreaeration insert. Unilock Pavers (choice of color). • Fertilization Visit • Overseeding Pricing based on grass or dirt area. 5 Year Guarantee. Front Lawn Sod Installation $1,000 875 Sq. Feet (35'x25') with 4 yards of hardwood mulch for planting beds. New Planting Bed Design for Front Landscape 1 Ornamental Tree — 2" Cal. 3 Evergreens — 24" 3 Flowering Shrubs — 3 Gal. 7 Perennials — 1 Gal. 2 Yards Hardwood Mulch 3 Flagstone Accents Price includes removal of existing front landscape Planting Bed Mulch Special $600 6 Yards of Hardwood Mulch installed Restore your Lawn Special 2,000 Sq. Ft - $600 • 4,000 Sq. Ft. - $1,200 6,000 S • Ft. - $1,800.00 Artificial Turf Grass $13,750 1,000 Sq. Ft. Package. Never cut your grass again! 2219 W. 135 th Place Blue Island IL 60406 www.doranlandscape.com 708.389.8575 • office@doranlandscape.com
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