For many Polish seniors living in the New York and New Jersey area, there comes a time when maintaining a large house becomes impractical. The children have moved out, the garden requires more and more work, and heating bills and property taxes are rising. Then the question arises: is it worth moving to a smaller, more functional place?
In New Jersey, there are many so-called senior communities — developments designed for people over 55. They offer smaller homes or condo-type apartments, often on the ground floor or with an elevator, with a low entry threshold and no need to worry about the surroundings. HOA fees typically cover snow removal, lawn mowing, trash collection, and building insurance. This is a great convenience for people who want to enjoy their free time without additional responsibilities.
Another popular solution is so-called downsizing — exchanging a large house for a smaller one, which allows for the release of capital frozen in real estate. By selling a house for, for example, $500,000 and buying a condo for $300,000, a senior gains $200,000, which they can allocate to retirement, travel, or family support.
Katarzyna Gurzakovic specializes in serving senior clients. She holds an SRA (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) certificate, which means she has undergone additional training regarding the needs of older people in the context of real estate. She helps in finding a suitable community, negotiating purchase terms, and coordinating the move. Her approach is based on patience, understanding, and respect for the pace at which seniors make decisions.
An important aspect is also the legal and financial issues. Kathy helps clients understand the difference between a condominium and a cooperative, explains the rules of HOA operation, and also refers them to trusted financial advisors and lawyers who speak Polish.
Are you planning to change your place of residence in retirement? Call Katarzyna Gurzakovic and find out what options are available in your area.
