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Perfect timing for a move to Charlestown

Written by Danielle Rexrode
August 24, 2020

All the pieces fall into place for one Baltimore couple, who say it was "meant to be"

When Kathy and Peter Cwik moved to Charlestown, a continuing care retirement community managed by Erickson Living, in February 2020, Punxsutawney Phil had just spotted his shadow predicting an early spring; the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win the 54th Super Bowl, and the phrase COVID-19 was new to everyone.  

A lot can change within a few short months, but what didn't change was Kathy and Peter's desire for a maintenance-free lifestyle in a community where they could enjoy world-class amenities and peace-of-mind for the future.

"We started seriously thinking about moving a year ago. The upkeep of an old house and large yard was getting more difficult, [so] we decided to start looking for another option," says Kathy, of their 100-year-old bungalow in southwest Baltimore City.

What they found was Charlestown, a continuing care retirement community managed by Erickson Living located in Catonsville, Maryland. And their timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Kathy and Peter who decided living at Charlestown was a better option for retirement living than staying in their house.

Falling into place

"Everything was falling into place so perfectly, we knew it was meant to be," says Kathy. "I love not having to worry about preparing meals; locking three locks and setting a security alarm whenever we go out; having the laundry area on the main floor; feeling safe when I walk the dog, and not having to mow the lawn, rake the leaves, and pull the weeds."

Charlestown Sales Director Don Grove says, "When you live at Charlestown, you gain the support of a caring community, plus amenities to stay connected, including faith services and fitness programs. Campus staff is on-site 24/7, seven days a week. Essential services like security, maintenance, and medical care are all nearby. What's clear is that seniors not only move to Charlestown for the great lifestyle but also peace of mind and assurance."

Perfect time to sell

Now, with a shortage of listing inventory and an explosion of online real estate searches by buyers spending more time at home, Grove says there could not be a better opportunity to sell your home and say goodbye to the burdens of homeownership.

"Low inventory and near record-low interest rates have created a robust seller's market," says Grove. "For anyone who wants to embrace the Erickson Living lifestyle, the Erickson Realty & Moving Services program can enable them to take advantage of the seller's market before listing their house."

According to Long and Foster's June 2020 Market Conditions Report, the median sale price for homes in Baltimore County was $275,000, up 5 percent from the previous year. June home sellers in Baltimore County received 98.8 percent of their listing price. And the average days on the market was 35, just three days longer than last year.

"The house was listed as 'coming soon' when we received a full-price offer," says Kathy. 

Kathy and Peter selected Charlestown's one-bedroom Ashford floor plan because of the open kitchen, four large closets, and a double door that separates the bedroom and bath from the main living area.

"Originally we wanted a terrace level apartment because of our dog. And we wanted to be near the elevators and have a view of the woods," says Kathy. "When we saw this apartment on the sixth floor facing the courtyard, the other things didn't matter anymore because it was perfect!"

Don't wait

Grove encourages anyone interested in moving to Charlestown not to put off selling and moving any longer.

"For someone on the priority list who has been waiting for an available apartment home, don't pass it up," Grove says. "This is the perfect time to get a great price for your home and sell quickly so you can start enjoying the Charlestown lifestyle."

Grove adds that since time is of the essence, some people choose to move into an available apartment home now, even if it's not the floor plan they originally wanted.

"Nine times out of ten they are glad they moved when they did and end up loving their apartment anyway," says Grove. "We have dozens of floor plans to choose from and they are all stunning. I can't tell you how many times people tell me, 'My only regret is I wish I had moved sooner.'

Whether you plan to move now or in the future, Charlestown's moving experts can help you every step of the way. Request your free brochure and explore floor plans, pricing, and much more. 

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