DUTCHESS COUNTY REAL ESTATE

So, you need to sell your house?  Okay, maybe you don't NEED to sell, but maybe you want  to sell.  For whatever reason, you're selling - because of a job opportunity resulting in relocation, a divorce, a lifestyle change, your retiring or perhaps getting remarried.  But, wait.  What happens if you owe the bank more than what a buyer is willing to pay?  Do you wait to sell?  Why put your life on hold and be miserable? 

To sell, do you NEED to get X number of dollars just to break even on what you owe the lender? 

Of course if you sell below the loan amount, you'll have to pay your lender out of pocket at closing.  It's called negative equity.  Even if you aren't in a negative equity situation, you still need to pay the fees and expenses associated with selling your house.  So, you're crunching the numbers and things just aren't adding up.  It looks like you will not have proceeds left from the sale to pay the expenses associated with selling (transfer tax, broker & attorney fees).  You might not even break even.  Now what? 

Go ahead, apply pressure.  Just tell your Realtor you NEED X number of dollars - and, to work his or her magic.  But, your Realtor is telling you that a buyer does not want to pay X number of dollars in this market.  Don't shoot the messenger.  Your Realtor will probably not be able to pull a rabbit out of a hat.  It's the market, not your agent.  You need to give consideration to what other homes are selling for, how many other properties you are competing with ...and, you have to understand that in order to sell - what you REALLY NEED is to price your house competitively. 

What you NEED - might not be what a buyer is willing to pay. 

This might seem a little insensitive, but a buyer really does not care what you OWE.  So, now what do you do?  Put your plans on hold?  Postpone your life as you want it to be?  Perhaps there is a solution.  But, you have to WANT or NEED to sell bad enough.  Just how motivated are you?  Are you motivated enough to take a loss?  What - you don't think you are in a position to do so?  Think again.

Can you be creative? 

Do you have other investments?  Do you have money set aside in a savings account?  Is there a retirement account you might be able to tap into early?  Do you own stock?  As a Realtor, I once had to be creative and daring enough to tell my unemployed single homeowner that he should probably sell the Mercedes that was sitting under cover in his carport because it was January and he only drove his winter rat during the snowy months to keep his trophy car in mint condition. 

A few months ago, another seller who had his house on the market way too long, came to me and told me his strategy for dealing with his negative equity situation.  There were no assets but he had great credit.  He was financially strapped.  The only way out of the mess was to sell at a loss and use his good credit to apply for a loan which would pay off the negative credit at closing. The monthly payment on a $25,000 loan was a small fraction of what he continued to pay each month for this vacant house.  Don't have good credit to be able to implement this strategy?  How about borrowing from a family member?

Can you borrow from Peter, to pay Paul?

Let's face it - by now, everybody has lost money in every market.  Real estate was just the first market to be hit in this national economic disaster.  But, those caught with negative equity who placed all their eggs in one basket (their personal residence) are feeling it the hardest.  It's like being placed under house arrest as one blogger describes it.  Judy Chapman, REALTOR® ~ Short Sales / Luxury & Lake Properties (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate)  summed it up so eloquently when she wrote a post titled Homeowners Under House Arrest - it's a sad but true dilemma. 

In Judy's post, broker Bryant Tutas Broker/REALTOR(R) Tutas Towne Realty, Inc explains from personal experience how sometimes there is money that can be paid at closing when one has to take a loss on sale. Yes, sometimes we have to cut our losses to be able to move on. Sometimes we even have to be creative.  Unfortunately, not everybody is positioned financially to do this because the one and only investment is - THEIR HOUSE.  No money in the bank, poor credit, no rich uncle.

Can you rent that property?  Perhaps you might need to become a landlord to be able to move on.

When, there are no options the homeowner and the home are like a ball and chain. There's resentment and the house becomes an unhappy place.   

While more and more people are finding that putting their eggs all in one basket is a very poor investment strategy, others are realizing that there are options.  They've found solutions.  And, those buying homes today are hopefully learning that it's okay to live modestly to be able to save wisely for the future.  Perhaps it's a lesson learned too late for many.  But, I sure hope most of us can learn from mistakes made in the past.

Nobody should feel like a prisoner in their own home? 

Most homeowners don't realize that when they interview a real estate agent to list their house for sale, the agent is also interviewing them too.  As Realtors, we don't always take every listing that comes our way.  Well, okay ...maybe some of the most desperate of agents do.  Not me.  The truth is, we CAN be selective about who we do business with.  While I don't normally turn down business, there are a few reasons why I have.  The obvious would be because I felt the homeowner might not abide by fair housing laws.  Another reason I might turn down business is if I felt there was something unethical and/or unlawful.  The last reason would be the homeowner.  Yes, that's right.  Homeowners can scare me away.

Every man thinks his home is a castle and it's worth more than it really is.  My job as a Realtor is to dish up reality.  This is not always easy, nor is what I have to say always well received.

I have had to decline taking a listing when a seller appears to be unrealistic about price.  Oh, and sometimes there is an obvious disconnect.  This doesn't happen often, as I am an easy going person who can usually adapt to all personality types.  But, there's not a person on earth who doesn't occasionally feel the wrong chemistry about someone or something. 

It's usually never about the property.  I will list just about any type of property IF it is priced right and I feel the right chemistry with the seller.  It doesn't have to be a showplace home, but it does have to be priced according to the overall condition and appeal.  True, there is a buyer for every home, but every home will eventually sell ONLY when priced right.  A house needs to be priced to compete with other listings and within a reasonable variance of comparable sales.  And, a little staging often helps too.

Pricing is the easy part.  The data is available through my local MLS datebase.  Delivering the news regarding home values ...NOT SO EASY.  This is when I usually find out if the seller has reasonable expectations,  is in denial, or is simply difficult to work with. Remember, chemistry is part of it too.

Here is a sampling of a recent conversation I had with a homeowner: 

Oh, well that competing property is a short sale.....

     In an effort to get your house sold, I cannot dismiss this listing, nor will a buyer's agent or a bank appraiser.  Sorry.

But, this house was built by (___________fill in the blank) builder.

   I didn't have the heart to tell the proud homeowner that a google search of this national home builder reveals a list of complaints and that some local agents and home inspectors are not saying too many kind things about this builder.  Local custom builders actually have a better reputation for quality. 

That house sits on a corner lot up the street in our neighborhood and has no back yard....

     Yeah, but it's 700 square feet BIGGER than yours.  Can yoy see the trade off?

There was a sale last year at $698,000, I want to list mine in the 700s.....

     That was last year. Home values have fallen 15% since then, and that also happens to be the house which is 700 square feet MORE than yours.  PLUS, you need to be below price point.

Regardless of what you're saying, I still think my house should be listed in the 700s....

     The highest sale in your neighborhood EVER was the house that sold at 698K - before prices fell 15% in the past year.  Houses in your neighborhood have NEVER sold in the 700s - even in a GOOD market, so what makes you think they will NOW?  Sorry, your neighborhood just does not yet command this price - yet.

My house is decorated better than the other homes.

    I didn't get around to telling the seller that we might need somebody to tweak things ...like a professional stager.  There was no sense doing so once I felt I strongly that I probably would not list this house. Why go there? 

     Oh, you don't have to tell us all this, my husband is in the real estate business (he confirms that he has been a mortgage broker for the past 20 years).....

   I didn't say what I was thinking at this point because it's become clear that I know nothing and they know everything there is to know about MY job. But, I was silently thinking ..."I don't pretend to  know the mortgage business, please don't pretend to know how to price, market and sell houses".

So, I didn't want the listing.  I parted ways on friendly terms that day, after agreeing that they should think things over and CALL ME if they were interested in listing their home as I had suggested.  I didn't hold my breath waiting for them to call either, nor did I follow up with a phone call encouraging them to list with ME.  I simply watched the MLS database for a few days and eventually found their property show up listed by another agent at a different firm - for $53,000 more than I had suggested.  Good luck to them!  I won't lie to get a listing.  I won't waste my time, energy and money advertising a property that is overpriced.  And, I won't work with a seller who won't listen to reason.

Not a day goes by that I don't think long and hard about this economy.  And, it's not even because I'm a Realtor working in what's got to be THE hardest hit professions.  Even if I resign to the idea that the real estate market "is what it is" or don't tune into the news to remind myself of how bad things are, there are constant and subtle reminders everywhere I go.  

The trips to the grocery store seem to be getting more expensive.  While cruising around my hometown in Central New York today, I drove past an abandoned factory which was once one of many major local employers.  Weeds are growing high in the parking lot that surrounds it.  Many other manufacturing plants in the area have literally shut the doors in recent years and sent employees packing. 

Can you identify tell tale signs of a poor economy?  I've also noticed many changes in the way people are scaling back while trying to stay in business.  I was disappointed to find that a major grocery store chain in Dutchess County, NY has recently closed down the fresh fish department.  Can you believe they are just selling "pre-packaged" seafood and fish products from the meat case now?  Yes, a major grocery chain.

While shopping for cars recently, I noticed less to choose from on the new car lot and inside the showroom there are few sales people to be found.  At one dealership, I had to walk around to the service department to hunt down the owner/manager - because there were no salespeople on the floor.  After allowing me a solo test drive while he stayed behind to man the store, I was offered a great discount off of a new car - probably because he no longer has any overhead and there are mega offers of rebates from the car manufacturer.  They are almost giving cars away these days compared to two years ago when I was last shopping for one - before I had put those plans on hold. 

On the flip-side,  I pay closer attention to the businesses which have survived throughout the years.  Yesterday I lunched at a Central New York hot dog stand - a long time local favorite.  I noticed a sign boasting that the place has been in business since 1913.  Wow.  A family run business that has survived many economic ups and downs.  How impressive is that?  As I drove around my hometown and became reminiscent, I notice that businesses have come and gone.  I have always been intrigued by the new development, but as the economy worsens I become more and more interested in the businesses which have endured the hard times throughout the years.  When I see a business which has survived at the same street corner for decades the first thing that comes to mind is how somebody once had great vision in selecting the site.  

But, what else can contribute to long term business success?  Location, location, location?  Maybe.  Although, I am a firm believer that it's also about the usefulness and public need of a product or service.  And, mostly it's about the level of customer service.  I believe a recession-proof business is the result of all these things.  And, behind every successful long-term business establishment which has survived the economic downturns, there's a very smart and strategic business owner/manager who made all the right decisions along the way.  

As a business owner myself, I strive to remain a recession-proof business.  This is no small task in the real estate industry. But Realtors CAN survive in tough times.  In every industry, only the strongest survive the economic downturns.  I for one, plan on being around 20 years from now even after enduring the current housing crisis and this poor economy ...and future economic cyclicals which will come to follow.  It's inevitable.  I know I can continue to survive, but not because I found a good street corner to locate my business.  See, location, location location might not matter so much for me.  I work a lot from my home office.  Location has little to do with surviving as a Realtor.  This business is all about having good business sense, providing a high quality of service and having the expertise that people expect and appreciate.  I believe the best way to become a recession-proof business is quite simple...

...have good business sense and strive for excellence ...EACH AND EVERY DAY?                      

UNIQUE HOME SITUATED IN THE DESIRABLE POND HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD!  EXQUISITE QUALITY FEATURES INCLUDE BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORS, WIDE MOLDINGS, ENORMOUS DREAM KITCHEN W/CHERRY, GRANITE & STAINLESS TOP OF LINE APPLIANCES, SOARING CEILINGS COMBINED WITH EXPANSIVE WINDOWS, 1ST FL MASTER SUITE W/LIMESTONE BATH. 4CAR HEATED GARAGE W/HYDRAULIC LIFT. SECLUDED 6 AC. WOODED LOT.  NEAR TACONIC STATE PKWY. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS - NEIGHBORHOOD SETTING WITH SECLUSION. $767,900.  CALL CAROL CULKIN @ 845-430-6543. 

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358  SPECIALIZING IN DUTCHESS COUNTY RELOCATION

Carol Culkin, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker for Houlihan Lawrence, is your source for real estate in Dutchess County. Carol is an award winning residential specialist and has been a Dutchess County top Realtor since 2002. If you are looking for a Dutchess County real estate agent who will be your advocate while providing you top priority service, call Carol today at 845-227-4400 x358 or on her cell phone at 845-430-6543.  http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/

Are you considering a move to Dutchess County?  Are you wondering where you might want to live?  If you are new to this area or just visiting, please take a few minutes to browse the links below for information specific to each Dutchess County town.  You'll see that each community has its own uniqueness.

Dutchess County is  located in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York and is conveniently situated between Albany and New York City. The area continues to attract businesses and new residents.

Many residents commute to jobs in Westchester County, Connecticut or Manhattan because Dutchess offers more affordable housing than in other suburbs closer to New York City. Commuting to points south is made easy via I-84, the Taconic Parkway, I-87 and Metro North commuter trains.  

Amenia   
Beacon
Beekman
Clinton
Dover
East Fishkill
Fishkill  Town Tour >>
Hyde Park
La Grange
Milan
Millbrook
Northeast
Pawling
Pine Plains
Pleasant Valley
Poughkeepsie (City)
Poughkeepsie (Town)
Red Hook (Town)
Red Hook (Village)
Rhinebeck (Town)
Rhinebeck (Village)
Stanford
Tivoli
Union Vale
Wappingers Falls (Town)
Wappingers Falls (Village)
Washington  

There is a diverse assortment of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The cultural life and educational institutions enrich the lives of young adults, older adults and businesses. You can find whatever you are looking for here in Dutchess County!

Go ahead and compare Dutchess County real estate prices to home prices in nearby counties. You'll find Dutchess County more affordable!  Doesn't being able to purchase the most home for your money equate to a better lifestyle?  After all, your not just buying a home, you're buying a lifestyle! 

Thinking about moving to the Dutchess County area? Call Carol Culkin at 845-227-4400 ext. 358.  

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358

Carol Culkin, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker for Houlihan Lawrence, is your source for real estate in Dutchess County. Carol is an award winning residential specialist and has been a Dutchess County top Realtor since 2002. If you are looking for a real estate agent who will be your advocate while providing you top priority service, call Carol today at 845-227-4400 x358 or on her cell phone at 845-430-6543.  http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/

The Town of LaGrange in Dutchess County is a scenic Hudson Valley Community located approximately 75 miles north of New York City.  LaGrange has long been attractive due to the close proximity to a major north/south route, and the bucolic, scenic countryside. The town is mainly a residential area with most conveniences located in nearby Poughkeepsie.  LaGrange includes the communities and hamlets of Arthursburg, Billings, Freedom Plains, LaGrangeville, Manchester Bridge, Moore's Mill, Noxon, Red Oaks Mill, Rombout Ridge, and Titus.  

The town of LaGrange's name derives from the ancestral estate of the Marquis De Lafayette, who toured the area in 1824. 

Recreational Facilities - Central to Dutchess County, one of the area's   hidden treasures is the 590 acre   James Baird State Park. Located in the Town of LaGrange, the park has everything a nature enthusiast would want. The park also has a fully-equipped golf facility, regulation tennis courts, nature center and softball field. There are several miles of marked trails, picnic areas, and shelters.  LaGrange offers a summer concert series at Freedom Park with free admission. The LaGrange Community Day is also held here,as well as many other functions. 

Houses of Worship Include the Valley Bible Fellowship Church, Full Gospel Center, Clove Valley Alliance, Lutheran, Methodist/United Methodist, Nazarene and Presbyterian. There is easy access to many other denominations. 

Educational Facilities - The Town of LaGrange is served by the Arlington Central School District. The following schools are within the town: Arlington High, LaGrange Middle, Titusville Intermediate, Overlook Primary, LaGrange Elementary and Noxon Road Elementary Schools. The town is also home to the private Brendon Montessori School. 

Home Sales Statistics  = By School District for the calendar year   2.48% CAGR*

Source: Westchester Putnam Multiple Listing Service, single family homes, for the calendar year ending December 31st *CAGR=Compounded Annual Growth Rate 

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358

Carol Culkin, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker for Houlihan Lawrence, is your source for real estate in Dutchess County. Carol is an award winning residential specialist and has been a Dutchess County top Realtor since 2002. If you are looking for a real estate agent who will be your advocate while providing you top priority service, call Carol today at 845-227-4400 x358 or on her cell phone at 845-430-6543.  http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/

Do you have the answers?  Maybe somebody out there can help.  When it comes to the pitfalls of a short sale, nobody seems to have all the answers to my client's questions, not even me.  Why do the answers seem to conflict?  Could it be that things are just constantly changing?  Or, are the questions and answers just very specific to each situation?  As a Realtor, why is my knowledge so limited?     

Excuse me for not having all the answers myself.   I do not profess to being a short sale expert.  I consider myself to be a home marketing expert.  I market homes for sale, negotiate on behalf of the seller, facilitate the transaction.  Sure, I also stay current on values, inventory, mortgage rates, etc.  But, it's important that I do not cross the line and give legal and tax advice.  Even when I think I might know the answers, often things change.

In many states, real estate agents must know so much more than I do about short sales.  An out of state Realtor, might read this and wonder why my knowledge is so limited.  But, in  New York a real estate contract is handled through an attorney, preferably one who specializes in real estate.  From contract on - I simply monitor the transaction and push people along whenever I see that prodding is needed.   As far as short sales go, if given a choice, I usually encourage sellers to hire a good short sale attorney instead of using a third party company who will charge exuberant upfront fees.  These are the options since most Realtors in my part oif New York do not attempt to take on short sales themselves. 

In my opinion, it only makes sense to streamline the process and not involve a third party company.  The attorney fees are a little higher for a short sale than a traditional sale, but this offsets the cost of doing business with a third party and gives us peace of mind in knowing an attorney is handling things.  After all, a seller has to hire an attorney anyway. Why not use one who specializes?    

Now, when I recommend an attorney for a traditional home sale, I refer those who specialize in real estate.  However, some of the best real estate attorneys I know don't like to handle short sales.  When it comes to representing a seller in a short sale, only a couple of really good attorneys stand out in my area as consistently and successfully negotiating with the banks and completing the transactions.  These attorneys handle EVERYTHING - including the assembly of the entire short sale package and they will negotiate directly with the lender on behalf of the seller, taking into consideration the mortgage pay-off, expenses and broker fees. 

Having a good "soup to nuts" attorney is key.  And, this leaves me to do what I do best.  - market the home, manage the listing and negotiate with the buyer on behalf of the seller - the end result being a  meeting of the minds.  All the time, I have to be mindful that real estate agents cannot give legal or tax advice.  I must be careful to not cross the line when answering certain questions regarding the legal ramifications and tax implications of a short sale. 

Are there pitfalls to a short sale which every seller should know about?  Absolutely.   Here are some common questions:

How is a short sale seller's credit affected?  

Just how many points will be deducted from my FICO credit score?

What is the waiting period before buying another home?

Could my lender require me to use assets like my 401K to contribute to the equity deficit of a short sale transaction?

Will the forgiven debt be considered taxable income?

After settlement, can the lender still hold me accountable for a portion of the debt?

What happens after I stop making payments if I decide to not to go through with the short sale or the lender will not approve the short sale?

GO AHEAD ACTIVE RAIN MEMBERS - TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE.  I"LL BE VERIFYING WITH RELIABLE SOURCES AND WILL FOLLOW UP ON YOUR COMMENTS AT A LATER TIME.

Poughkeepsie (pronounced /pəˈkɪpsiː/) is one of the original towns of Dutchess County. The county's first house was erected here by Peter Pieterson Lassen in 1688, where its footprint can be observed in Bowdoin Park. Poughkeepsie, founded in 1687, lies on the east side of the Hudson River, halfway between New York City and Albany. Poughkeepsie has a number of notable institutions for arts and entertainment and is the home of two state-of-the-art hospitals, St. Francis and Vassar Brothers, both with heliport facilities.

Vassar College

Distance to New York City: 81 Miles
Metro-North Commute to Grand Centra: From Poughkeepsie Station - 107 minutes
Area: 31.2 square miles

Home Sales Statistics

Source: Westchester Putnam Multiple Listing Service, single family homes, for the calendar year ending December 31st

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358 

Carol Culkin, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker for Houlihan Lawrence, is your source for real estate in Dutchess County. Carol is an award winning residential specialist and has been a Dutchess County top Realtor since 2002. If you are looking for a real estate agent who will be your advocate while providing you top priority service, call Carol today at 845-227-4400 x358 or on her cell phone at 845-430-6543.  http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/ 

Dutchess County is located in the Mid-Hudson Valley, halfway between New York City and Albany.  The area continues to attract businesses and new residents. Employment and business opportunities continue to increase. Many residents commute to jobs in Westchester County, Connecticut or Manhattan because Dutchess offers more affordable housing than in other suburbs closer to New York City. Commuting to points south is made easy via I-84, the Taconic Parkway, I-87 and Metro North commuter trains.  

Considering a move to Dutchess Count?  The link below offers insight on Dutchess County:

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/36/36027.html

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358

Carol Culkin, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker for Houlihan Lawrence, is your source for real estate in Dutchess County. Carol is an award winning residential specialist and has been a Dutchess County top Realtor since 2002. If you are looking for a real estate agent who will be your advocate while providing you top priority service, call Carol today at 845-227-4400 x358 or on her cell phone at 845-430-6543.  http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/

As many of you who regularly read my posts already know, my parents are facing some lifestyle decisions. Health issues have caused my Mom to temporarily give up her role as caregiver for Dad, and after 55 years of marriage they are now separated from one another for the first time.

It doesn't make it any easier knowing that health care providers have been lackadaisical.  We're talking about human life! 

And, as I am solely overseeing this eldercare dilemma, the biggest question: Where should they be living?

First hand experience.  This will only make me even stronger as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), It's all about the quality of life for our seniors.

Over the last few weeks I have also been witness to how elderly people must deal with doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, medicines, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers - etc.  If only I could get my hands on a camera crew, and a good TV producer - we'd have a documentary on eldercare. Or, a good Reality TV show.  

I am appalled.  This has been an eye-opening experience.  I have gotten a glimpse of what seniors must go through on a day to day basis.  Imagine how you feel when you're getting the run around - NOW, imagine you're 82 years old and getting the run around - with an 88 year old man by your side, who with all his strength is leaning over a walker.

While mom recovers, Dad is now a respite resident in an assisted living facility.  She is getting physical therapy twice a day at the rehabilitation center which is now her temporary home.  She is improving and getting stronger - but she is 82 years old and recovery at this age is a slow process. 

The situation is temporary.  Dad is Mom's motivation for getting better.  They just want to be together again.  At her age, it's amazing Mom has not grown tired of caring for him.  While I was there for two weeks, I found it exhausting.  At the end of each day, I was just as worn out as I would be after taking care of my 2 year old granddaughter.  Being a caregiver requires so much dedication, patience, physical stamina and energy.  All these things have been my mother's greatest virtues.  If only she passed that gene on to me.  Truth is, she's not getting any younger.

How long can she continue doing this?  Dad had a stroke 7 years ago which left him slightly paralyzed on one side and speech challenged.  Each year he seems to get more and more frail.  After his stroke, he had to give up driving.  Mobility requires a walker and/or a wheelchair depending on distance.  Still macho, he prefers to not use a wheelchair.  His mind is as sharp as a tack though.  Thank God for that.

Throughout the years, with various health issues they have been resilient. Recently, my son cracked me up when he said "Grandma & Grandpa are like machines."  He's too young to remember the old Timex slogan - "takes a licking and keeps on ticking."  - That's my Mom & Dad.  

All the joking aside, this is not a laughing matter.  I have been witness to hospital and doctor shenanigans and if I had not been there to put my foot down I believe Mom would have been submissive to the bureaucracy.  After preparing her for surgery and wheeling her into the operating room they canceled the surgery.  They decided they had to perform another procedure first, but probably not that particular day as it was un-planned.  SO, they wheeled her to a hospital room where they later told her they would send her home and re-schedule for another day.  Then in 6 weeks, once she recovers from THAT procedure (or once the doctor returned from vacation), they would finally go ahead with the surgery for her aneurism - one which they already told her was so large it could rupture at any moment.  Huh?  Was I hearing right.  I had to ask for a patient advocate.  Why weren't they prioritizing?  Cancel somebody else's surgery - but don't cancel THIS.  Un-planned procedure?  An Angioplasty was needed first, before the could operate on an aneurism that was about to rupture.  What if we treated this as an emergency?  We're talking about human life!     

For this, we arrange assisted living for Dad.  He was now all settled in, and they are paying out-of-pocket.  To reschedule would cause them to start all over.  Leading up to this day had been a major production.  "No.  She's staying in this hospital until surgery.  What happens if the aneurism ruptures"?  That was late on a Thursday morning.  At my insistence, they performed the angioplasty that afternoon, kept her admitted and the aneurism surgery was performed on Monday.  Alleluia!  

But, the shanagans didn't stop there.  It's a bit scary when a cardiologist is not communicating with the primary care doctor, as was the case with my father.  For 3 days the assisted living facility was trying to get clarification on nitroglycerin.  Heart medicine.  Should he be wearing the nitro-patch?  His cardiologist took him off this 2 years ago after congestive heart failure.  The primary care doctor didn't know and sent over paperwork with orders for a patch.  Is it okay for him to self-administer his own nitro-tablets or do these remain under lock and key - out of his reach?  Is he competent to administer it himself?  I argued.  Of course he is.  What would happen if he needed that little nitro pill and it was under lock and key?  What would happen if he rang the little buzzer from his room and the aides took their sweet, before finally realizing a life or death situation was unfolding and the little pill that could save his life is locked away?  Why did it take 3 days for the doctors to finally talk to one another and give clarification?  We're talking about human life!

Now I am sorting through brochures and overwhelmed for them.  They will eventually be out of this situation but there are decisions to be made.  The distance is too great from any of us kids for them to continue to live independently.  We are unable to check in on them and help on a regular basis.  Do we need to arrange for home health aides,  coordinate permanent placement in an assisted living facility where they can share a room, put Dad in a nursing home (no way) or somehow consider relocating them,  or US? 

First hand experience.  This has made me even stronger as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), It's all about the quality of life for our seniors.  Stay tuned.