Bob and Diane Teklits of Littleton have the kind of backyard that a younger family coming into Denver dreams about: a quarter-acre thatap been well-manicured from the moment they bought it 45 years ago—lush turf now shaded in fully grown fir, ash, and honey locust.
But they’re ready to give it up.
“We’re tired; itap a lot of work,” says Bob Teklits, noting that although somebody mows it for them now, they still keep up the shrub garden, big deck, and other features themselves.
“We raised four kids here when we needed the room. Now we need everything on one level.”
Two years ago, on the recommendation of friends, the couple attended a seminar on downsizing strategies offered by The Steller Group’s Senior Solutions Division (two of which are coming up, July 7th and 15th).
Steller agents specialize in these kinds of transitions—helping sellers navigate the decluttering process; coordinate pre-listing renovations; plan the marketing and timing of listing their home; and most importantly, helping them find single-level living opportunities while maximizing the equity from their existing home.
For the Teklits that will be a Village Cooperative in Centennial, where they’re purchasing a 1,500-sq. foot apartment thatap a unique concept for Colorado: a nice-sized unit, very low maintenance, at a set rate of appreciation, all for a buy-in thatap WAY lower than some other independent-living communities around town.
The move from their Littleton dwelling will take place in a single day this week, door-to-door, with all of their furnishings in place for them at the new place—something the Teklits say they particularly appreciate.
“Itap important to know what questions to ask,” adds their Steller agent Seth Jones, noting that Steller’s seminars and webinars offer expert guidance on navigating the entire downsizing process.
“The best outcomes from these kinds of moves happen when you have more time to plan,” adds Jones.
Steller avoided bringing the home to market until the co-op’s completion date firmed up, saving the Teklits an extra move. Now Jones and his Steller team of contractors and stagers will set to work on some minimal fix-ups to ready the home for sale next month, including removing wallpaper, re-painting, and re-stretching some carpet in good condition.
“In this market, itap important to offer a home thatap move-in ready,” says Jones. “The way prices are now, buyers are setting aside cash to go toward their down payment and a little extra in case the appraisal comes in too low.”
“They’ve been great,” the Teklits say about Jones and his team at Steller, as they pack up some final items coming along to Centennial with them.
Those include a trunk of memorabilia from Diane’s family—who made a move from Chicago to Denver’s west side, where her grandfather and father each played drums with big bands, including at the Trocadero Ballroom at the old Elitch Gardens.
The Teklits rave about their nicely kept Leawood neighborhood where they’ve spent most of their 55 married years, centered between three pretty parks.
Unlike most newer communities, they have a low-key civic association with voluntary dues—but are looking forward to making new friends at their next destination. They are grateful for the time they took to strategize and plan their move, as it allowed them to achieve their moving goals at their pace and on their timeline.
“Itap never too early to plan,” concludes Jones. “As soon as downsizing is on the horizon, learning about your options ultimately allows you more freedom because you’ll be more in control of the process.”
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this postap preparation.