Schooner Estates Native TEST
Next Up in the Your Community Series at Schooner: Making the Move Informational Seminar
Auburn, Maine: Schooner Estates Senior Living Community will be hosting a series of events, open to the public, featuring topics of interest to the senior population of Lewiston-Auburn and their families. The first event, held the day after Memorial day, featured a panel of World War II Veterans speaking about their experiences. The next event, an informational seminar called “Making the Move: Selling Your Home and Downsizing” will be held at 2:30 PM on June 19th, and will feature local Realtor Gina Letourneau and professional Downsizer Liz Pattison.
Gina Letourneau works with the Masiello Group in Auburn, and is eager to share her knowledge about the process of selling one’s home in today’s seller-friendly market. “There’s a lot that goes into the sales of a home, and it can be very overwhelming.” Says Gina, explaining the many topics she’ll cover in the seminar. “It’s important that people have a professional they can trust, and turn to with questions. Especially seniors, who may have been in their homes for forty or fifty years or more. I’m really excited to have this forum where they can come and ask questions without feeling any pressure.”
Downsizing is another big part of the picture for anyone who has been in their home for a long time. “There’s a lot of emotion that goes into deciding what to part with. It’s a very intimate process—we’re literally there with them going through their most treasured possessions.” Says Liz Pattison of SimplySized Home, a professional downsizing company out of Yarmouth. She explains that the process involves making decisions, helping with packing up, shipping items to relatives or to a new home, and arranging the sales of valuable pieces. “The ethical piece is very important. We never take a commission on anything we sell, so people can trust us that we’re not pushing for them to sell something for our own benefit.”
The seminar will consist of short presentations from each woman, and an opportunity at the end for audience members to ask questions. The two companies will be presenting together for the first time. “It’s a very natural partnership.” Says Gina. “I was so excited when I learned about SimplySized Home. I went right to their website to learn more.”
Schooner Estates explains that it’s a great fit for their prospective clients, as well. “Often times, people are just overwhelmed by the steps when it’s time for them to make a move to a community like ours.” Says David Cassidy, Director of Marketing and Human Relations at Schooner Estates. “Maybe it’s no longer safe for them to be in their homes, but they just don’t know where to start. Both of these presenters bring expertise that will help people to get an idea of the big picture, and how they can move forward.”
Schooner will be holding community events which will be open to the public throughout the summer and into the fall, often in conjunction with local businesses or the area agency on Aging, Seniors Plus. “It’s very exciting to contribute to the community like this, and to offer people a chance to come in and see our community first hand.” Check the Schooner Estates website, www.SchoonerEstates.com, for upcoming information on the Your Community Series, or check out their Facebook page.
