As we grow older, challenges await us that some will prepare for but so many will not.  Staying healthy and active should be tantamount in everyone’s mind to be able to stay in place.

But as studies and statistics have shown the U.S. is the most unhealthy, obese, and overweight country on the face of the globe.  Being the wealthiest and most powerful nation, or I say the “Great-EST Society” that there has ever been, somehow doesn’t match up to our current physical condition compared to other European and Asian nations.

It’s similar to looking at an individual who may appear to look healthy from the outside, but inside there are major issues that apparently we know about, but unfortunately do nothing to alleviate those conditions.

Many would prefer to be independent and stay in their homes.  However, the most crucial and critical factor we have to consider is our health.  So many often overlook their health and don’t take it seriously enough, until major problems occur.

But slight to moderate changes can make a marked improvement and as they say “no pain, no gain.”  So we all hunkered down and stayed sequestered inside the last few years, due to the pandemic.

It’s now time during the fall, however, to get out and get active and begin walking each and every day. This will be the simplest thing to do.  If you cannot walk or are somewhat disabled, then just go on Google to see what exercises you can perform.

But whatever you do, you will assuredly see a difference after a week or two, but you must be consistent, just like brushing your teeth and taking a shower.

As we age and want to stay in place, one must think about making accommodations for your living space and retrofitting your home, whether it will be to update a bathroom and kitchen and allow for wheelchair access or a chairlift attached to your staircase for easy access to the second floor.

Creating an owner’s suite on the main floor would be a solution to not having to go up and down the stairs.

I had the pleasure the last week to meet a lady who came into our office to ask me a question.  We conversed for a while and when she told me that she was 89, I was flabbergasted, as her mind was sharp, she was vibrant and had a zest for life.

Most importantly, she appeared healthy compared to the majority of those her age.  She said she still loved living in her home and the community as she had built her roots here and was not ready to move, although I think most of her friends might have moved or passed away.

I told her to continue to enjoy living in her home and when she was really ready to sell, I would be here to assist her. She is an individual who seems to have it all together in mind, spirit, and body.

It is quite obvious that more and more are leaving New York State due to the cost of living, e.g., real estate and state taxes, mortgage rates, daily expenses, food, gas and heating, etc.  If you are currently a homeowner, this is an excellent time to cash out and reap the rewards of all the equity that you have created and built over the years.

Although going south or out west can save you a lot of money, one must be diligent about visiting and surveying various towns to know whether or not you will be comfortable and happy living there.

According to CNBC and the Census Bureau, the top 10 locations where New Yorkers are moving to are Miami, Fl., Philadelphia, Pa., Stamford, Ct., Atlanta, Ga, Tampa, Fl, Boston, Ma, Orlando, Fl, Los Angeles, Ca, Washington, D.C., and East Stroudsburg, Pa. (the Poconos).

It may not all be about saving money as some have moved to be near their adult children, some to leave the cold and snow behind, and some due to being able to work remotely, which enables very flexible lifestyles.

Lastly, having major debt difficulties and complications due to layoffs, the loss of a job, business failures, and continued and mounting credit card debt are other reasons that some will need to move.

Some will hold out hoping for a miracle, which rarely happens.  Loan modifications, bankruptcy, and any type of workout with your creditors may potentially solve your problem, but for many it is a short-term band-aid solution.  Keeping your credit in a healthy state is crucial.

Waiting for the inevitable most of the time is shortsighted and the stress and worry that eventually comes to pass is not worth jeopardizing your health and well-being.  Selling now while there is less competition due to the lack of inventory but still a sufficient number of purchasers will enable you to obtain a sale price that in my professional opinion should be higher than waiting until 2024.

I say cash in and run to the bank with whatever equity you have to keep your wealth somewhat intact and hopefully stabilize your situation.  Call me at (516) 647-4289, if you need any consultation and advice to work on creating a solid plan of action.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck.   For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com