Question 1

How do I get the money?

Accepted Answer

You choose.
You can receive monthly income payments for a fixed number of years.
If you prefer, you can choose to receive a portion of your total amount upfront as a lump sum, while still receiving the remaining balance as monthly income.
This means income is always part of the agreement - the lump sum is optional and can be combined with it.

Question 2

How is my payment amount determined?

Accepted Answer

Your payments are based on your age, home value, and location. Everything is explained in writing before you sign, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

Question 3

Can I use the cash however I want?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no restrictions on how you use your funds. You can use the money for living expenses, enhancing your lifestyle, paying off debt, medical care or helping your family.

Question 4

Does this affect Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

Social Security and Medicare are usually not affected.
Medicaid may be affected depending on your finances. If you are using Medicaid, we suggest you talk to a benefits advisor or elder-law attorney before signing.

Question 5

Will I ever be forced to leave my home?

Accepted Answer

No. You have a legal right to stay for the rest of your life, no matter what happens.
Even if property values change or ownership transfers, your lifetime occupancy is protected by law and recorded with the county.

Question 6

What if I go to the hospital or move in with my kids for a while?

Accepted Answer

You still keep your right to the home.
Your right to live in the home continues even if you temporarily or permanently move out. Whether you're traveling, receiving medical care, or staying with family, you can return at any time during your life.

Question 7

Can my spouse or partner stay too?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
If your spouse or partner lives in the home with you, they must be included in the agreement from the start. The Lifestyle Agreement is based on a life estate, so both residents are named as life tenants in the recorded documents and each retains the right to live in the home for life.
This is not optional — the life estate must reflect both occupants to ensure full legal protection.
For program eligibility, both residents must also meet the minimum age requirements of the Lifestyle Agreement.

Question 8

What happens when I pass away?

Accepted Answer

If you are the only one in the agreement, your right to live in the home ends. The property then belongs to the buyer.
If your agreement included your living spouse or partner, the agreement continues.
If you selected monthly income for a certain number of years, and you pass away before the term ends, those payments continue to your surviving spouse/partner or chosen beneficiary.
We also help your family settle the final paperwork-gently and clearly.

Question 9

Who pays for repairs and bills?

Accepted Answer

We make it simple:
Under our standard model: the buyer covers property taxes and structure (dwelling) insurance; you cover utilities, routine upkeep, and contents/liability insurance. Day-to-day maintenance remains with you. (Your agreement/Welcome Pack lists examples.)

Question 10

Can I rent out part of my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases.
You can sub-rent to someone else, like a trusted tenant or family member, with our written consent.
You stay in control, and you keep the rental income, unless your agreement says otherwise. The property will still transfer to the buyer following your death, at which time the renter will need to leave the home.

Question 11

Can someone speak for me if I can't?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you want a family member or trusted person to help, you can add them as a Power of Attorney or designated contact.
They can help manage paperwork or coordinate with us. We respect your privacy and protect your rights.

Question 12

Should I talk to my children or family before signing?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we encourage it. Also it's obligatory to get trusted contact signature.
We're happy to answer questions with your family on a joint call or Zoom, if you'd like.

Question 13

Can I change my mind?

Accepted Answer

This is a permanent real estate sale, so please take your time.
You can't "undo" the agreement, but you can move out if needed. We'll help with that process if the time comes.

Question 14

What types of properties are eligible?

Accepted Answer

We typically work with:
Single-family homes
Certain condos and townhomes (case-by-case)
Properties must be in good condition and meet local zoning and title requirements.
At the time of the agreement, the mortgage must be paid off - you can use a portion of the proceeds to settle any outstanding balance.

Question 15

Can I see the legal agreement before signing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We'll send you a plain-language summary and the full legal documents in advance. We recommend sharing them with a family member or advisor. Counseling is mandatory.

Question 16

What if my home loses value?

Accepted Answer

If the home declines in value, it doesn't affect your right to stay or the money you get.

Question 17

Do you check my credit score?

Accepted Answer

We may perform a soft credit check as part of our process.
This does not impact your credit score in any way and is not visible to other lenders. It simply helps us verify basic financial information.
You will always be asked for your permission.

Question 18

This sounds unfamiliar. Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is based on a long-standing legal concept called a life estate.
It's not a loan, and you can't lose your home due to missed payments.
Everything is explained clearly, and your rights are protected in writing and recorded publicly.

Question 19

What is a Lifestyle Agreement?

Accepted Answer

A Lifestyle Agreement is a real estate sale where you transfer ownership of your home while keeping a legal right to live in it for the rest of your life.
Your occupancy is protected and recorded as a life estate.
It is not a loan, and there are no monthly payments or interest charges.

Question 20

Who is this for?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners (often 74+) who want upfront cash and scheduled income while keeping the security of lifetime housing and the flexibility around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifestyle Agreement

Graceful Finance

Frequently Asked Questions

Lifestyle Agreement

💵How do I get the money?

💰How is my payment amount determined?

💳Can I use the cash however I want?

🧾Does this affect Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid?

💬Will I ever be forced to leave my home?

🏥What if I go to the hospital or move in with my kids for a while?

📜Can my spouse or partner stay too?

👨‍👩‍👧What happens when I pass away?

🧑‍🔧Who pays for repairs and bills?

🏠Can I rent out part of my home?

👩‍⚖️Can someone speak for me if I can't?

👨‍👧‍👦Should I talk to my children or family before signing?

🕰️Can I change my mind?

🏘️What types of properties are eligible?

📄Can I see the legal agreement before signing?

📉What if my home loses value?

🧠Do you check my credit score?

🙋This sounds unfamiliar. Is it safe?

🏫What is a Lifestyle Agreement?

👤Who is this for?