Moving to Fox Run made easy

People who move to Fox Run, a senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Living in Novi, Michigan, often say it’s the easiest move they’ve ever made, and there’s a good reason for that—new residents don’t have to go it alone. They have the benefit of working with Kristen Yaquinto, the community’s personal moving consultant who provides personalized assistance every step of the way.

Yaquinto helps incoming community members select a real estate agent, home inspector, moving company, and senior move manager. She also plays a big role in assisting with the downsizing process, which can often be one of the most challenging parts of moving. And perhaps most important, Yaquinto often ends up being a source of friendly support for residents as they plan and complete their moves to Fox Run.

Here, Yaquinto explains the services she offers and how she can be such a valuable resource for residents.

Q: For people who have never heard the term, what is a personal moving consultant?

Yaquinto: A personal moving consultant is a new resident’s point of contact who will customize a plan to help you move to Fox Run.

Q: How do you help prospective residents?

Yaquinto: My overall goal is to assist with a stress-free move to Fox Run. There are a variety of services that I can provide and those include meeting directly with our customers in their home, helping them to select a real estate agent, senior move manager, moving companies, and estate sale professionals. I also offer tips on how they can begin the downsizing process on their own. One of the most useful services I provide is a furniture layout on the floor plan that they are moving into.

On the day of the home visit, I bring a magnetic floor plan of their new apartment. We tour the home and they tell me which pieces of furniture they want to bring. After measuring, we sit down at a table and have some fun creating their new space by placing the to-scale pieces on the magnetic floor plan. I always try to do the layout directly with the customer when at all possible because it’s interactive. It gets them involved—after all, it’s going to be their home—and it is really exciting to see how the vision comes together. Plus, our customers really enjoy seeing the magnetic board and all of the furniture pieces on it.

Q: As a personal moving consultant, how do you make the moving process less stressful?

Yaquinto: I discuss the process of moving and what new residents will potentially need to be doing to prepare for their move. I ask key questions and listen carefully to their responses. I want to gain a better understanding of the areas where they will need assistance. Sometimes people don’t know what level of help they will need. It’s my job to really pay attention to what they are saying (or not saying). When I meet with clients in their home, I come prepared with excellent professional resources such as real estate agent referrals, senior move managers, moving companies, estate sale information, and lists of charitable organizations they can consider donating to. The companies and services that are on my list are our preferred partners because they have provided excellent services to our residents over the years. After our home visit is finished, I follow up with our client by providing a summary of our time together and an outline of recommended next steps to take during their move process.

Q: At what point in the decision-making or moving process should people connect with you?

Yaquinto: I always encourage people to start early, especially if you want to move sooner rather than later. In fact, even if you don’t know when you’re moving, my services are available to Priority List members. The sooner you start the process, the more prepared you’ll be to move when your preferred home becomes available. I meet with clients that are moving as soon as a month out and up to a year away. The goal is to create less stress and the best way to do this is to preplan so you will not be overwhelmed before the move. Most of the time, people don’t know where to begin and this is where my services can help the most.

Q: How are you able to safely work with prospective residents during the pandemic?

Yaquinto: My appointments are conducted when all parties are feeling healthy and safe and, of course, masks are worn during our time together. I’m also equipped to meet virtually online.

Q: Can you share a story about a client you’ve worked with recently?

Yaquinto: I love to share stories that inspire people to take action. I am working with a couple right now that is planning for a move in the summer of 2021. They have been members of our Priority List (those who have committed to move to Fox Run) for several years, so they have spent time visiting our community, touring the clubhouse amenities, meeting other residents, and becoming familiar with the Fox Run lifestyle. They have spent time with our sales counselors, who have helped them determine which apartment floor plans will best match their preferences. They decided on their perfect floor plan, when they want to move and scheduled a home visit with me. After our time together, I armed them with their next steps, which included meeting with real estate professionals and downsizing. They are meeting with an excellent senior move manager who will begin to help them with the sorting process. The couple has lived in their home for over 40 years and they have a lot to organize. They will be able to complete their big downsizing project over the course of the next seven to eight months, making the job less stressful and easier to manage. I commend them for getting started early and hope others will be inspired to do the same.

If you are interested in learning more about moving to Fox Run, please visit www.FoxRunNovi.com or call 248-926-5200.

About Fox Run: Fox Run, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Novi, Michigan. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,300 residents and 750 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information can be found at FoxRunNovi.com.

Photo: Many new residents enjoy the opportunity to design their new apartment homes based on their personal style.

Written by Meghan Streit