Page 26 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Fall 2019- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

The Dangers

of Doing

Nothing

by Donna Alexander

While counseling with those looking to move into a senior living community, I am often told that the intent is
to do nothing with their home ‘just yet’. Clearly selling the family home and severing those ties are emotionally
charged. However, there are some very real pitfalls if that adjustment period extends too long.

Financially, you are still responsible. If there is a mortgage some major damage to your house and, therefore, to
on your house, you are still responsible for that the value of your investment. Be sure to continue to
regardless of where you are currently living. The same maintain the lawn, and make sure mail and newspapers
goes for property taxes and possibly HOA fees and don’t pile up. Continue to inspect the house for
other mandatory neighborhood expenses. Unpaid damages and make timely repairs.
mortgages, fees and taxes can lead to a lien being A change in insurance may be needed. Most homeowner’s
placed on your property. If you own it, you will be held insurance policies only cover the home if the
responsible for those costs. Additionally, you could be homeowner occupies that property. BE SURE to contact
held liable for injuries that happen on your property, your insurance agent to discuss changes that may
whether or not the injured party was invited. be necessary if you intend to leave your home. Your
Vacant homes attract unwelcome guests. The longer your premium may rise, but this is not something you want
house sits vacant, the more likely it is that squatters, to learn about after a claim!
thieves, vandals, pests and rodents will find their way For most of us, our home is our largest single
inside. These uninvited guests can cause thousands investment. I encourage you to choose how to utilize
of dollars of damage to the home and/or the contents. that investment as quickly as possible. Whether you
Make sure the doors and windows are locked. But even rent, sell or move back into the house, there will be
the best security systems have their weaknesses and some lag time between the decision and the benefits
vulnerabilities. received.
Non-use leads to deterioration. Like our bodies, use it
or lose it. A house that sits begins to decay. Wires get If you have any questions, or if I can be of any help
brittle, gaskets get hard, settling occurs, pipes freeze, whatsoever in your decision, please contact me
small repairs are left undone and pretty soon there is at (806) 683-1299.

26 Amarillo Senior Link