By JANET McGREGOR

Contributing Writer

Some of Fayette County's leading real estate agents are lending tips to seniors looking for a new house.

Irene Schoene of Re/Max All Around Atlanta Allstars in Fayetteville said, "I would recommend smaller yards, ground level entrances and grab bars in the shower. Also, consider a ranch rather than a split level or two-story home."

"I was in a wheelchair for 10 days recently," said Joan Sevigny, Re/Max Results, Peachtree City. "Even though I'm in a cluster home designed for empty nesters, I discovered it wasn't necessarily 'wheelchair friendly.' Consider avoiding homes with stairs of any kind. Wide doorways, especially in hallways and bathrooms are helpful. There should be safety bars in the shower and I think a walk-in shower is very important."

She also recommended single lever faucets, which are much easier on those with arthritis. The European lever door handles, rather that round knob handles, are much easier to use.

Fred Cox of Financial Mortgage Center, Inc. in Fayetteville said, "Some seniors are more comfortable not having a mortgage. However, I like to encourage seniors to consider putting 20 percent or maybe a little more down. With today's low interest rates, they can keep their investments in stocks or savings, get an interest write off from the mortgage and usually come out ahead. Seniors are sometimes concerned about qualifying for a loan after retirement. They may not realize that their equity position, credit record and lack of debt offsets the lower non-employment income."

"Seniors in the housing market may want to look for a Realtor who is familiar with the local special subdivisions that have features desirable to seniors," Rosemary Beebe, Re/Max All Around Atlanta Allstars in Fayetteville stated. "It's important to shop around for a Realtor you are comfortable with and can trust. Demand a Realtor who has patience and will go that extra mile for you."

Mike Faulkner, Developer of Clairmont Subdivision, a 55+ active community in Fayetteville said:

- Make sure your home is convenient to shopping and medical facilities

- Research the builder of the home and the quality of the home make sure it is maintenance free (example: brick or vinyl siding)

- Doorways should be at least 32 inches, which is wider than the standard.

You can't foresee your needs down the road, so it is better to be prepared!

Bill Grant, Re/Max Results, Peachtree City said:

- Make sure you work with a good real estate agent.

- Take the opportunity to hire the agent as a "buyer broker." Buyer brokers work for you exclusively and are more accountable to you. They are required to disclose things to you that a "transaction broker" may not have to. There is no additional cost for having the extra service of a "buyer representative."

- Investigate the different lenders. There are many new creative financing options, which can save out-of-pocket expenses such as 100 percent loans.

"I frequently receive calls from seniors asking if their age will affect getting a long-term mortgage," Betty Sopp, Branch Manager and Loan Officer, Mortgage Matters in Peachtree City, said. "There is no discrimination because of age."

"Seniors are looked on the same as anyone else," stated Rob Enyeart of Norwest Mortgage, Inc. in Fayetteville. "The whole range of mortgage options is open to them. I would suggest that it may be beneficial to look at purchasing a home prior to retirement if possible. Anyone contemplating a home purchase would find it helpful to discuss options with a mortgage lender as early as possible."

He noted, "Some seniors opt for a short mortgage, 15 years, others for a 30 year fixed mortgage. Some are concerned about paying off their home prior to retirement and others are looking for the lowest possible payment."

Mark Barnard of Pathways Communities' Summer Grove "empty nester" subdivision, "The Retreat" said"

Many seniors are looking to downsize. They do not want to take care of a lawn and want to enjoy life. Some things to look for are 'low-maintenance' homes. Another is a raised vanities to make the distance you bend over shorter. Wider doorways and ranch style homes with nothing to trip over are things to consider."

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