GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. - ColoradoDesk -- Selling, downsizing or passing on the family home brings legal and tax decisions many seniors never see coming. Vickie Hall, Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) with RE/MAX Professionals, sat down with elder law and estate planning attorney Nicole Andrzejewski of Meurer & Potter, P.C., to answer the six questions Denver-area seniors ask most.

"Hearing it from an attorney, in plain English, before the decision is made can save a family real money and heartache," said Vickie Hall.

Six Tips From the Interview

1. Know which documents you need. Nicole explains power of attorney, wills, living trusts and home title, and why a will alone doesn't always avoid probate.

2. Understand the tax picture before downsizing. Nicole covers the $250,000 (single) and $500,000 (married) capital gains exclusion, the two-year window for widows and widowers, and step-up in basis.

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3. Think twice before adding a child to your title. "You are essentially gifting a portion of your home to that individual," Nicole explains, with possible gift tax and creditor consequences. She generally recommends a will or trust instead.

4. Protect the Colorado senior property tax exemption. Selling and buying a new property could mean a qualifying parent loses that tax advantage.

5. Be careful with beneficiary deeds. Nicole's biggest red flag is that a beneficiary deed "disqualifies the individual from Medicaid." It also bypasses probate for only that one asset.

6. Name decision-makers before you need them. Trusted decision makers in place means loved ones can step in "without any sort of conservatorship or guardianship being required," says Nicole. She also covers probate and why annual trust reviews matter. Her office offers them for free.

Watch the Interview

Watch the complete 20-minute interview here: https://youtu.be/PJb2la3Efls



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About Vickie Hall

Vickie Hall has served the Denver metro area as a REALTOR® for more than 27 years and today focuses on helping Baby Boomers, Seniors and their adult children through housing transitions. She is an SRES®, CRS and RE/MAX Hall of Fame member, and the creator of the Senior Legacy Transition Program.

How to Learn More

• Free Senior Downsizing Guide: https://rem.ax/43znMJk
• Call or text Vickie at 303-944-1153
• Email: Vickie@DreamsCanHappen.com
• Reach out to Attorney Nicole Andrzejewski at 303-991-3544 to schedule a free consultation.

General education only, not legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or CPA about your situation.