A new life worth the risk

          As veteran readers of this site know, I am not a fan of those services that promote specific golf communities in the guise of what looks like "editorial" information.  There are plenty of web sites dense with details about specific golf communities, but almost all their publishers are paid fees for promoting those communities.  Thus, they never compare communities or indicate any negative points.  How objective can they be about their advertisers?

         Every once in a while, though, these promoters offer something that, while clearly in their self-interest, is nevertheless well articulated and thought provoking.  An op ed in the latest (Fall 2009) issue of Ideal Living, published by the organization that conducts the Live South trade shows in Northeast and Midwest cities, is worth considering for anyone wishing to start the next phase in their lives but not quite sure if they should.

         Under the title "The Value of Risk Taking," the piece on page 102 of the magazine compares the "risks" and fears many

of us faced at the birth of our first child.  "Remember...when you and your spouse agonized over having a baby?" the piece asks, and how you worried about expenses, the need for a bigger home, and the anxieties about being able to afford it all.  Yet despite the temptation to put it off, "you had the baby anyhow.  Lo and behold, it all worked out..."

         The article concludes that retirement involves risks not unlike those faced when deciding to have a child, such as not having enough money and the feeling that you are not ready.  But postponing what you want may "rob you of years of new adventure and the emotional re-nourishment that comes with it."  The unnamed author of the article advises that each of us faced with such a decision should consider the risks, have a plan to deal with them and then move forward if the consequences are not "catastrophic" (my word, not the author's).

         "Retirement is a time to awaken and live out your dreams," the piece concludes.  "Risk is just part of the process."

         I think readers of this site are awakening to the prospects of a reinvigorated life.  In recent weeks, I have received a

number of inquiries from couples either in retirement or contemplating it.  They are more seriously than ever considering identifying and moving to their dream homes on the golf course.  If you are one of them, please contact me.  My services are free, customized to your needs, and I never recommend any community I have not visited personally.  I have outstanding contacts throughout the southern U.S., and where I don't, I will do the research to identify the most qualified real estate professional who will work as hard for you as I will.

         Yes, there are always some risks involved with big decisions like relocation.  Honest, timely information can reduce those risks.  Ultimately, the risk of not following your dreams may have longer-lasting consequences.  I look forward to helping you realize your dream of a home on the course.

 

Note:  Ideal-Living is not posted online but the magazine is available, for free, via the magazine's web site .  Make sure you specify that you want the Fall 2009 issue, as the sign-up form indicates Spring 2009.  You will have to provide your name and address and other personal information, so expect follow-up communications such as invitations to Live South trade shows.  This weekend's show is in Reston, VA, followed by shows in Morris County, NJ (9/18 - 20) and Long Island, NY (9/26 - 27).