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Meeting the Specialized Home Needs of Seniors in Orange County, California

By
Real Estate Agent with Village Real Estate Services, Inc.

 When I first began my career in real estate, I wasn't old enough to qualify for senior discounts or live in the local active senior retirement communities of South Orange County like, Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World), Palmia, or Casta del Sol.  So, I didn't think of myself as a senior.  Well, I'm beginning to find out I was wrong about that.  Many government agencies classify us as seniors once we hit age 50!  I was shocked to discover this.

I guess the difference is that today's grammas and grampas aren't like the ones I remember from my childhood.  My Grammy wore orthopedic shoes and stockings, never wore slacks, pinned her hair up in a bun and never had a remote control for anything.  She never learned to drive and never had hired help inside the home or a gardener.  The closest she came to a gym was watching the Vic Tanny commercials on television.

Times have certainly changed.  We're not only living longer, we're living better.  Our quality of life is so good we've had to adjust to the idea that we will live into our 80's and 90's.  With this longevity, come many new concerns such as Long Term Care, homes that are senior-friendly (for some this could mean the need for ramps and grab bars in the bathrooms), and what's the earliest tee time we can get a couple days a week?  Today's active seniors are looking for opportunities to volunteer their time and use the skills their skills.  They're taking classes to keep up with expanding technology and to stay; fit.  As Americans, we are living longer, healthier, more active, and more productive lives than ever in the history in our country.

As a real estate professional, I've been watching the needs of many of my clients changing.  So, I've been working to accumulate resources for my clients who fall into this senior category and their families.  I've amassed a list of qualified, reputable, professionals and trades people who meet many of the specialized needs of this unique and ever-expanding portion of our population called seniors.  If you are a senior or know a senior who may be seeking resources regarding their changing housing needs, I'd be pleased to furnish information that may be of help to you.  No obligation, just information.  I'm here to help!

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Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®  800 777-1775

South Orange County Real Estate Website

Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®

President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce

Marlene is a highly experienced  South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.   

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Linda Scanlan
A Fan of AR - Burleson, TX

Marlene, what a wonderful post! SRES is a designation I plan to get this year because I see a growing need  in the population here in Fort Worth. You

That sure is a handsome couple in the photo! You did a wonderful job highlighting the difference between your Grammy's generation and the generation of seniors today. It is so true!

Jan 06, 2008 01:32 PM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate
Linda - Thanks so much for your positive comments.  Getting the SRES designation was a wonderful eye-opener to the changing needs of the baby-boomers and older seniors that I work with here in Southern California.  Get the designation as soon as you can.  It will add so much to your ability to help your clients in Fort Worth.
Jan 06, 2008 01:37 PM
Sarah Nopp
South Sound, WA
It is interesting how quickly our ideas of age are changing. Especially, as regards to work. Like how long a person will realistically work. I have a feeling that will be changing even more dramatically in the next 10 to 20 years, as the generations hti different marks, and financial realities make changes in our culture.
Jan 06, 2008 02:25 PM
Joan Mirantz
Homequest Real Estate - Concord, NH
Realtor, GRI, CBR, SRES - Concord New Hampshire

Marlene...in general what areas does the SRES designation highlight? I have been thinking of going for it!

Good post!(as usual)

Jan 06, 2008 03:15 PM
Bill Roberts
Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA
"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Marlene, Yes, we are they. This is a very good Localism post.

Bill Roberts

Jan 06, 2008 04:19 PM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate

Sara - Yup.  Sure never thought I'd be working at 50 and looking forward to another 10 years.

Joan - Here's the link to get more info.  https://www.seniorsrealestate.com/sarec/servlet/consumer/learnMoreAboutSAREC  It's learning about special needs, government regulations, tax implications, all sorts of things.  The website will give you a great overview.  Thanks for the compliment and looking forward to hearing your got your SRES!

Bill - It's hard to believe, but yep, we be them!

Jan 06, 2008 04:29 PM
Sarah Nopp
South Sound, WA

LOL I am 33. I expect to work until my 70s, unless I become independently welathy somehow. Even then, I will probably have to work to pay the taxes :) Because I certainly won't be banking on Social Security!

Jan 07, 2008 11:01 AM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate
Sarah - Wishing you health that will allow you to achieve your plan and luck to achieve financial independence!
Jan 07, 2008 02:14 PM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate
Diane - From your lips to God's ears!
Jan 10, 2008 09:42 AM