Marin’s population is growing older, and as Marin realtors we are assisting more clients 65 year and older to find the best living situations. Here the statistics on age from the US Census.
Median Age of Marin Residents
| Year | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 |
| Median Age In years |
29.8 | 33.7 | 38.2 | 41.3 | 44.5 | 47.1 |
In 2020 the median age for California was 36.7 years and for the US 38.2 years.
The Good News
All of us at Madeline Schaider Real Estate have had successful and gratifying experiences helping clients move out of houses that no longer fit their life styles and into appropriate homes and better living situations. In some cases, we help them stay comfortably and safely in their own homes. We have the experience and the patience.
Everyone Wins
We get to be part of their lives and appreciate their rich experience and knowledge. The beauty of Marin has attracted many interesting people over the years, and they remain interesting. Our clients benefit by living better lives.
Success Stories with Seniors
- One day in the Corte Madera Post Office, Madeline met Don, a retired and disabled Novato resident. He said, “Would you sell my house? I have been trying to get out of there for 11 years!” Madeline helped make the house presentable in a few weeks, and quickly received several offers from buyers. Don was finally free, with about 20% more than he expected to get for his house.
- Blanche came into our office one day asking for help with a repair to her house. Madeline and Alan looked out for Blanche till her 95th year, helping her stay comfortable in her home. She had been a child genius, traveled the world, acquired two PhD degrees, became the family genealogist, and was a great storyteller. We did not sell her house, but what we received in her friendship was worth more than a commission.
- Sonia decided to find a single level home because of health reasons. She loved her two story home and was reluctant to leave. After a search for a replacement home, we recommended a stair lift for her present home. She installed this and lived well in her present home.
- A Marin service organization, Good Fairies, contacted Alan for help in keeping an 85 year old resident, Janet, in her home. Janet owed property taxes and her mortgage provider would soon begin eviction. We put her in touch with Susan Willis at All California Mortgage to investigate a reverse mortgage. Alan set up a campaign on Go Fund Me to pay the property taxes. Within a week, we had collected more than enough to pay the taxes. During this process, Susan discovered that the resident had not had a hot water heater for over 10 years and no clothes washer or dryer. These were donated and installed along with other conveniences; for example, a new mobile phone, a reconditioned computer, and a clothes washer and dryer. Susan is now working on a reverse mortgage.
Great Resources for Seniors
A friend and real estate agent in Marin for more than 50 years, Bruce Wrisley, has written a useful book on housing for seniors. He discusses all of the factors facing seniors and their options, including staying in their home. This is the best book to read if you or anyone you know is facing these challenging decisions concerning where and how to live.
You can order “Stay or Move: The Senior’s Housing Dilemma” at Amazon.com or buy a copy locally at the Book Passage in Corte Madera.
Please send you questions to Madeline Schaider.