Make retirement planning your top New Year’s resolution

Planning for the future, whether for retirement, college, or a dream vacation, is one of the top resolutions for the New Year. The priority list at Greenspring, an Erickson Living-managed community in Springfield, Va., offers the opportunity to make retirement planning resolutions a reality. It also delivers unbeatable peace of mind by providing a financially risk-free way to reserve a place in line at the popular community.

"The promises of the New Year reenergize the commitment to defining retirement goals," says Greenspring Director of Sales David Taylor. "We find that many people who have previously visited our campus, attended events, toured apartment homes, and met our residents are eager to make 2020 the year they call Greenspring home. At the same time, we find people who have postponed their first visit or inquiry are now motivated to take the first steps."

Whatever the ultimate goal, Taylor's advice is the same: join the priority list, the only guaranteed way to reserve a future home at the popular community in Northern Virginia. Currently, Greenspring priority list membership is growing faster than any other time in recent history.  

"My husband Allen and I were on the priority list for years prior to moving to Greenspring last year," says Alice Butte. "We knew we wanted to move to Greenspring but kept putting it off because we were enjoying living nearby in an attractive in-law suite with our daughter's family. As priority list members, we enjoyed the comfort of knowing we would secure an apartment with the features we desired when we were ready to act." 

Simple and straightforward

Joining the Greenspring priority list requires a fully refundable $1,000 deposit and a $150-per-person, nonrefundable application fee. 

"There really is no downside because the deposit is fully refundable should circumstances cause us to change our minds," says Alice. 

When prospective residents submit their deposit, that date is noted as their priority list date. Once their preferred floor plan becomes available, the sales team gives first right of refusal to priority members based on their joining date.

There is no penalty should the preferred apartment home become available before a prospective resident is ready to move. It is simply offered to the next member on the list, and priority list status remains the same.

Time to explore

Once a member, the Greenspring priority list offers an unbeatable gift: the gift of time.

"During our years on the priority list, we attended many Greenspring marketing events with numerous opportunities to learn downsizing techniques, view apartments, and discuss life here with many friendly current residents," says Alice. "We also enjoyed many goodies created by the dining staff." 

Neighbor Betty Griffin agrees. "I used my years on the priority list to learn as much as possible about Greenspring," she says. "I met other potential residents, enjoyed the wonderful food, and witnessed firsthand how well residents are treated and cared for."

Priority list members also receive exclusive invitations to special seminars and events designed specifically for their benefit. 

"For me, one of the biggest benefits of joining the priority list were the invitations to sales events during which we could talk with current Greenspring residents, see various apartments, and learn more about living here," says Betty Christman.

And for some, joining the priority list offers benefits in the short term.

"I was on the priority list for only a month before I was offered an apartment home," says Adrienne Cannon. "Each case is different, and in my case, an apartment that fit my requirements came up very quickly. That's just the luck of the draw."

Time to prepare

Another big benefit of joining the priority list is access to Erickson Realty and Moving Services and a team of experts whose number-one priority is helping prepare homes for sale and finding the right real estate agents as well as downsizing, packing, and moving experts.

"Attending priority list events provided me with the opportunity to learn about the help that the Greenspring staff provided with downsizing, advice on what to bring, real estate agent assistance, and moving assistance," says Betty.

This month, priority list members will enjoy a right-sizing seminar specially designed to help tackle the first stages of downsizing.

Priority list members are also encouraged to take advantage of the Live the Life experience, where they can live on campus for a designated period of time and enjoy access to the same amenities and services as those who live at Greenspring. 

"We took advantage of the opportunity to spend a night" says Alice. "We met with residents on scheduled appointments but were also free to wander around. We checked out many resident-led clubs, visited the fitness center, saw a movie in the theater, tried three of the restaurants, and rode the campus shuttle." 

A new life is waiting

Taylor encourages anyone interested in learning more about the Greenspring priority list to schedule a visit this winter. Guests enjoy the unique opportunity to witness real life on campus and ask their important questions. 

"This is an exciting time in the life of our community, and we are eager to share that excitement," he says.