55+ Real Estate in Walnut Creek California

The approaching tsunami of 55+ year old baby boomers is about to come ashore in Walnut Creek, CA. According to the research, this massive demographic of homeowners do not want to be referred to as seniors. They certainly don't see themselves as seniors and most are not looking to retreat behind wrought-iron gates with a bunch of shuffle boarding, bridge playing – bingo fanatics.

Of course, they aren't looking to move next door to a bunch of big wheeling, skateboarding, gum popping – iPod fanatics either. 

Downsizing the Walnut Creek Home- See Joanna Quan

Even with dropping home values, sagging 401K's and a long and winding road for the economy, baby boomers still represent the largest retirement generation of population in history – and they still have a lot more money than previous generations. 

They aren't planning for assisted living as much as they are planning for free-spirited living. This generation wants to downsize their homes and give in to the wander lust they have been suppressing while raising the kids, putting them through college and paying off the mortgage.

The real estate profession has a Senior Real Estate Specialist designation for Realtors that want to serve the needs of "more mature homeowners." Currently, this group is busy with the tail-end of the last generation which were still accommodating of the term "senior." They're busy helping the baby boomers with mom and dad who are in their late 70's, 80's and early 90's.

Walnut Creek CA Assisted Living, Senior Care, Alzheimer's and Health Care

What effect will a bankrupt California have on the golden years of baby boomers? Much more timely – what will happen to the parents of today's boomers that happen to be California residents?

Do you remember when Reagan dealt with ballooning health care costs by doing things like releasing a hoarde of schizophrenics into the greater population with reduced health care support provided by an increasingly burdened health care system? Will California do something similar for those with mild cases of dementia? Are there enough shopping carts left to go around?

The Reverse Mortgage Bonanza

The warning system I use to spot the next fleecing machine designed to lighten the pockets of homeowners – especially the "senior citizen" homeowners is the lowly infomercial. Remember the home equity line of credit to consolidate your credit card debt? Every 3 years. Or, the refinance your home at a ridiculous ARM rate for 3years. You see the old has-beens of the silver screen in front of their Rolls Royce or on the golf course encouraging you to send in for the free booklet – today it's a DVD.

They're at it again with reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages aren't near as evil as the hucksters pushing them. Reverse mortgages hold the key to happy golden years for many. Unfortunately, the kids expecting some inheritance may have to realign their expectations.

What's a globe trotting, parrot-head boomer to do? There's a lot to consider, a host of unknowns and more variables than a wet day at NASCAR.

Do you need a SRES Realtor, that has done masters' work in gerontology, worked with "seniors" in all kinds of situations and knows how to listen to the needs of a more mature clientele? 

Talk to my friend, Joanna Quann,in Walnut Creek CA.