THE SENIOR SNOWBIRD CONVERSION: YOUR GUIDE TO ESCAPING THE TOUGH NEW ENGLAND WINTER

“Officially a ‘senior’ myself, I am well aware of the real estate issues that are most pressing for my peers. Questions surrounding aging in place, property upkeep and affordability, and estate planning are common conversations. This tough winter finds many of us thinking about a plan to allow us to spend some or all of the season in warmer climes. Popular destinations for New Englanders include Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and even the Azores and Madeira! The big question is always where to start with planning.” A Personal Note from Bernadette Kelly

At the Bernadette Kelly Group (BKG), we are a premier, independent real estate brokerage serving the distinct coastal communities from Plymouth, Massachusetts, stretching through the Upper Cape and the South Coast, all the way to Newport, Rhode Island. We deal in significant assets across a broad coastal region, but we are never stuffy, pushy, or overly salesy. When our clients who have become friends look to escape the long winters, we are here to provide full-service consulting to help them navigate their options.

If you are ready to explore the snowbird lifestyle, here is a strategic look at how to leverage your current real estate assets and plan for your next chapter.

WHERE TO START WITH YOUR PLANNING

Before packing your bags for the sunny shores of Florida or the beautiful islands of the Azores, you need a clear financial picture. Your home on the South Coast is a significant asset. We will prepare an up-to-date, current market evaluation for your property. This will help you understand your exact equity position so you can decide whether it makes more sense to downsize your primary Massachusetts or Rhode Island residence or leverage your current home to fund your winter lifestyle. Accuracy is paramount, and we always translate complex data into clear, understandable terms for our clients.

TO RENT OR TO BUY?

Once you establish the value of your current home, the next big decision is choosing between renting or buying a secondary property.

Renting: This offers incredible flexibility. You can spend one winter in Texas and the next in New Mexico without being tied down to a single location. It is an excellent way to test the waters in a new community before making a long-term commitment.

Buying: Purchasing a second home allows you to build equity in another market and customize your winter retreat to your exact tastes. It requires a deeper financial commitment but offers lasting stability.

BUILDING YOUR NETWORK IN WARMER CLIMES

SMART “HEAVY LIFTING” TO PROTECT THE SALE Nothing stalls a successful closing faster than a sWe curate the coastal lifestyle across MA and RI. However, our network extends far beyond New England. Once you explore areas of interest, we can introduce you to experienced professionals in your preferred destination. These trusted agents will provide the local knowledge and insight necessary to make a smart, informed decision in an unfamiliar market.

We love where we live, and we are proud to weather shifting markets alongside you. If a warm winter escape is part of your long-term goal, we are well-equipped to help you explore your options. After all, “We Make the South Coast Home,” but we can help you find your winter haven too.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Learn more by requesting our Senior Snowbird Summary, and explore our standard resources below:

• Get a free home valuation at https://bkellygroup.com/home-value/
  
• Start your free home search across the coast at bkellygroup.com
  
• Read our latest Coastal Market Report at https://bkellygroup.com/newsletter/
  

Schedule a confidential 1:1 consultation with Bernadette at https://tinyurl.com/BKGHello