By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Earlier this year, a chief economist with the National Association of Realtors said the Denver-area housing market is in the early stages of recovery. Even better news is that Wind Crest is launching a no-cost real estate service that helps future residents get their homes sold faster—regardless of market conditions.

Rave reviews

Following a successful pilot program, Erickson Retirement Communities is now rolling out its own realty and moving services division at all 20 communities. Erickson Realty & Moving Services (ERMS) was tested in Michigan, Illinois, and Massachusetts last year. “We’re experiencing huge success with it so far,” says Sharon Baksa, director of the ERMS program. ERMS provides a qualified personal moving consultant who offers advice and services designed to get houses sold faster and to make the whole process a lot easier for members of Wind Crest’s Priority List (those holding a spot in line for an apartment home at the community).

“The goal is to take a lot of the work and worry off your shoulders,” says Baksa.

The moving consultant begins by conducting a personalized assessment of a house to help get it in the best saleable condition and secure the best price, Baksa says. For sellers who don’t have a Realtor, the consultant can even help find one who will give each home the exposure it deserves.

“From there, the consultant provides everything from professional advice on things like marketing and staging to connecting people with trusted resources that can help with downsizing, packing, moving, and more,” says Baksa.

A valuable service

Dr. Jim and Elaine Smith, who used ERMS, say they probably wouldn’t be at Fox Run (an Erickson community in Michigan) today if not for the program.

“We didn’t think we’d be able to sell until later this spring due to the market,” says Jim Smith, “but they found us the right Realtor and helped us out every step of the way.”