When I recognize a need in my community, I dedicate myself to finding practical solutions. In my effort to impact the lives of others, I have experienced the transformative power of connecting with diverse individuals, understanding their unique challenges, and embracing the opportunity to make a real difference.

 

My commitment to community service has always been strong. My father, a social worker, greatly influenced this passion. He dedicated his life to helping others, and his example instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. Over the years, I've been deeply involved in various roles. From serving in the PTA and coaching youth sports to being a judge of elections for 20 years, I've always sought ways to contribute meaningfully. However, my focus shifted significantly when I began to see the urgent needs in my community.

 

My journey in gerontology began with a simple request from a client in 2009: help transition her mother out of her home. This opened my eyes to the significant challenges seniors face, especially regarding housing and retirement. From that moment, I dedicated myself to identifying and addressing the needs of my community, particularly its senior members.

 

The greatest issue I recognized was a critical lack of affordable senior housing. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Gerontology at 57. This education equipped me to become a Senior Transition Specialist, where I help seniors move into suitable housing and navigate the complexities of retirement. I quickly identified a looming crisis: many seniors lack sufficient retirement income due to the decline of pensions. They are left with limited funds, making it difficult to afford personal care facilities before needing Medicaid and skilled nursing care.

 

In response to this need, I developed the Senior Hostels Program. My vision is to convert unused office buildings into affordable single-room occupancies (SROs) and one-bedroom units for seniors. This initiative would allow seniors to live independently longer, supported by a community of peers who help each other with daily tasks, combating loneliness, and ensuring medication adherence. I hope to rally support from others to bring this dream to life, addressing a critical gap in our community's housing needs.

 

Parallel to my work in gerontology, I developed a concierge service in real estate. This service helps clients, particularly seniors, sell their homes at higher prices by coordinating necessary renovations. My extensive community network and political connections, such as running judicial races and working with Elder Care attorneys, have been instrumental in this endeavor. These connections have also led to referrals for complex cases, such as divorce settlements, where I assist in selling and buying homes for clients under challenging circumstances.

 

Beyond housing, I have always sought to improve the overall well-being of my community. As a soccer coach, I focused on developing life skills in young players, ensuring they gained more than just athletic prowess. As a Commissioner for the soccer league, I provided structured and beneficial athletic experiences for children. My role as a Judge of Elections was another significant commitment, where I ensured free and fair elections and even facilitated school elections to educate young people about the democratic process. 

 

In the Rotary Club, I participated in various fundraising and community enhancement programs. One impactful project involved building water catchment systems in countries affected by monsoons, leading the way for Water.org to pipe clean water directly into homes. 

 

My greatest achievements revolve around how I can help and serve others. Whether it's through innovative housing solutions for seniors, real estate services, or broader community initiatives, my goal is to address the needs I see around me and find practical solutions.

 

Outside of my professional and community endeavors, family is central to my life. My wife and I cherish time with our kids and grandchildren and enjoying dinners with family and friends. 

 

In my approach to real estate, building genuine relationships and creating a supportive network has always been my priority. I’ve created a fantastic team to provide a top-notch concierge service, ensuring that whenever someone needs anything real estate-related, I have a trusted professional ready to help. I enjoy meeting with people who have questions or are simply interested in real estate, blending business with personal connections. I often mentor younger individuals, offering them advice and guidance. This approach ensures that when real estate opportunities arise, I’m the first person who comes to mind because I genuinely care about helping others achieve their goals.

 

From working with first-time homebuyers to guiding seniors to the next chapter, I happily take on challenges because I know at the end of the day, it is more than a transaction to you—it is your life and future. I’m here to offer my knowledge, support, and resources to help you navigate the buying and selling process and transition into the next chapter with ease. Even after the transaction is over, I am here to help as your REALTOR® and friend for life!

 

Sincerely,

 

John F. O'Hara

REALTOR® | SRES

Cell (267) 481-1786

Office (215) 643-3200

johara@remaxcentralinc.com

www.Johnfohara.com