What should you consider before making a move in retirement?

In this episode of Real Estate Connections, host Mary Foerster sits down with Frank Menard, a real estate professional, coach, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, to talk about the real-life decisions behind relocating later in life.

Frank shares his personal experience moving from New Hampshire to Florida and then relocating again within Florida, offering insights into what worked, what didn’t, and what he would do differently.

This conversation goes beyond logistics. It explores lifestyle, purpose, community, and the emotional and practical factors that come into play when making a major move in your 60s and 70s.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

• What to consider before making a geographic move in retirement
• Why visiting and testing a community before moving matters
• How weather, natural risks, and environment impact long-term decisions
• The role of community, lifestyle, and daily activity
• Why retirement can create unexpected challenges in identity and purpose
• What to think about when downsizing your home
• Why having an exit strategy is critical
• How to evaluate real estate professionals before hiring them
• The difference between a real estate agent and a true advisor

Guest: Frank Menard

Frank Menard is a real estate advisor, personal development coach, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served 22 years as a Master Sergeant. With decades of experience in real estate and coaching, Frank helps individuals make confident, informed decisions in both business and life.

He is a certified coach, speaker, and trainer with the Napoleon Hill Institute and a member of the John Maxwell Team. Frank is also actively involved in supporting veterans through Mission 22 and leads coaching initiatives focused on helping men find purpose and direction, especially in later stages of life.

Connect with Frank Menard

Mission 22
https://mission22.org/

Schedule a Discovery Call
https://calendly.com/themenardteam/professional-development?month=2026-04

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This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

What happens to your home as you age?

In this episode of Real Estate Connections, host Mary Foerster has a candid and personal conversation with her husband, Carl Foerster, about the real-life housing decisions they are beginning to face in their 70s.

From health considerations and financial realities to emotional attachment and lifestyle preferences, this episode explores the many factors that influence whether to stay in your home, downsize, or relocate.

This is not just a theoretical discussion. It is a real conversation about what happens as we age, and how those changes impact one of our most important assets, our home.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

• How health and mobility influence housing decisions over time
• Why living on a single level can become increasingly important
• The role of community and proximity to family
• How property maintenance becomes more challenging with age
• The financial realities of living on a fixed income
• Why unexpected expenses like heating or repairs can impact decisions
• The emotional side of downsizing and letting go of space
• Why having a contingency plan is critical as circumstances change
• The importance of estate planning and professional guidance

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This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

Have you ever seen signs that say “We Buy Ugly Houses” and wondered what they really mean?

In this episode of Real Estate Connections, host Mary Foerster breaks down the concept of real estate wholesaling, what it is, how it works, and why it matters for homeowners, investors, and families.

Drawing on her background in state government affairs with AARP, Mary shares both the legitimate role wholesaling can play in real estate and the risks that can arise when bad actors use high-pressure tactics to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners.

This episode is designed to help you understand what is happening behind those signs and what protections are being discussed at the state level.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

• What real estate wholesaling is and how the process works
• Why homeowners may choose a quick cash sale
• How wholesalers assign contracts to investors
• The difference between ethical investing and predatory practices
• Why elderly and lower-income communities are often targeted
• What high-pressure tactics can look like
• Key consumer protections being discussed in legislation
• Why understanding your options can protect your financial future

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This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.