Northwest life More seniors are deciding to go solo Navigating retirement or later-life transitions without a partner or nearby family is becoming more common. More seniors are choosing to embrace this stage of life independently. With the right planning, the journey can be fulfilling, joyful, and secure. Here are a few tips to help you thrive in this next chapter: Build a support network […]
Senior Housing Family connections big factors in housing decisions Housing decisions by seniors often involve more than just finding a new home. A next-step for longtime homeowners are often heavily influenced by family, community connections and planning for the future. Here are some eye-opening facts from real-estate industry sources: 16 percent of home buyers are over 69 years old according to the National Association […]
Northwest life Technology can help inform that next step For homeowners who remember riding around in a real-estate broker’s car to tour homes, technology has changed the process. Recent statistics  show that more than half – 57 percent – of adults over age 55 are using virtual tours during the home-buying process. Of that group, nearly 8 percent have purchased a home based solely […]
Senior Housing To sell or not to sell, that is the first question Many homeowners in the baby-boom generation are living in goldmines. In the U.S., 38 percent of residential real estate owned is by those age 60-78. That group of homeowners have built and incredible level of home equity—72.7% of total residential real estate value, the highest since 1958. While those are impressive numbers, the big question […]
Senior Housing Make decluttering simple: Start with the duplicates How many whisks are in the kitchen utensil drawer? How many sets of no-longer used sheets in the linen closet? For those homeowners thinking about downsizing, here’s a simple tip to get started: tackle the duplicates. Go through every drawer, cupboard and closet, and pull out the items you have more than one of and […]
Senior Housing Downsizing decision can take many forms As longtime homeowners ponder moving to a smaller living situation, many factors can influence the decision. Individuals make their own choices, but here are some of the more common reasons that prompt a new beginning in a smaller space: Saving money Downsizing can cut costs on mortgages, utilities, and maintenance—ideal for fixed incomes. Living the […]
Senior Housing Most home buyers and sellers are over age 55 Older buyers and sellers are driving the real-estate market. According to the 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors here are some of  record-breaking trends: 53 percent of all home buyers were age 55 and over. The median age of home buyers rose to 56 years (up from 49 […]
Senior Housing Consider decluttering before downsizing For homeowners who are thinking about downsizing, they should first start thinking about decluttering. For homeowners considering downsizing, the hardest part may not actually finding a new home. For many, the more difficult task is figuring out how to pare down decades of “stuff” from the current home. For seniors transitioning from large family homes […]
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Senior Housing More aging homeowners considering downsizing Longtime homeowners who are considering moving to a smaller living situation are not alone. Here are some numbers about changing demographics and how they are impacting the housing market: 3.6 million The number Baby Boomers are expected to downsize by 2037. 64 percent The number of retirees will move at least once during retirement. 51 […]
Senior Housing Longer lives are impacting housing needs More Americans are living longer than ever and that number is growing. The number of people over age 65 is projected to grow by 47 percent by 2050. The number of centenarians, those age 100 and older, is expected to quadruple. This trend means housing needs are changing. Longer life expectancy means more seniors are […]
Senior Housing Intergenerational communities can add to quality of life According to studies and surveys, being surrounded only by people your age may not be as healthy as living and participating in a community with people of all ages. Communities that have opportunities for seniors, younger adults, kids, and even pets to connect can reduce isolation, foster friendships, and create a richer, more vibrant environment […]
Senior Housing Checklist ranks most livable cities for older adults Not all cities are created equal when it comes to factors for senior living. AARP’s Livability Index ranks towns and cities based on seven key factors that may help older adults thrive: Affordable, accessible housing Walkable neighborhoods Reliable public transit Clean, healthy environment Nearby health care Social activities Opportunities for personal growth For more tips […]
Senior Housing Keep an eye out for fraud, scams in home services Unfortunately, homeowners are often targeted by scammers offering “quick fixes” that turn into shady home repairs, fraudulent reverse mortgages, property-tax refund schemes, title fraud or fake rental listings. To help protect yourself or friends and family members from housing-related scams, here are a few tips: Research common scams and warning signs. Verify lenders, contractors, and […]
Senior Housing Equity gains can be pleasant surprise for longtime homeowners For those who’ve owned a home for a while, chances are it has increased significantly in value. Homeowners who’ve lived in their homes for just five years have seen an average increase of nearly 60 percent. Those who’ve owned for 30 years have seen their home values more than triple. This growth in equity is […]
Senior Housing Shine a light on safety to stay in your home Adequate and updated outdoor lighting is an essential part of keeping a home safe as homeowners get older. Good lighting can help reduce fall risks, improve visibility, and add peace of mind for both seniors and their families. Here are a few lighting options to consider adding to your outdoor spaces: Pathway lights Illuminate walkways, […]
Senior Housing Letting go of a lifetime of stuff can be hard So, you’ve decided to declutter. You’ve even made piles of what is going to go. Now the question is, “Go where?” Here are a few options: Pass down to family or friends Some items may hold sentimental value. Consider passing them along to loved ones who will appreciate them. Don’t be offended if they say, […]
Senior Housing Decide if renting or buying in retirement is best for you Homeowners heading into retirement may assume that they’ll want to continue to own their housing. However, as wants and needs change with age, renting may be an option depending on what best supports your lifestyle and budget. Buying Buying can offer stability. Monthly payments remain predictable, which is especially valuable on a fixed income. You’ll […]
Buying a home Plan ahead for retiring and buying vacation home Adding a vacation property for your retirement years can be a dream come true. However, to make sure that process is also vacation, here are a few things to consider: Location, location, location Make sure it’s a place you’ll love visiting regularly and is accessible year-round. Before buying, do a test run and rent a […]
Northwest life Bathroom safety: What to update or look for There is truth to the adage that as we age, injuries suffered in falls that used to be inconsequential can become serious, even life-threatening. Perhaps predictably, falls in the bathroom are one of the most common places for falls as we age. To reduce the risk, consider these key updates or features when modifying a […]
Moving Decluttering? Start with linen closet Decluttering your existing home can be good preparation for actually making a move to new living situtaion. Knowing where to start can be daunting, but if you’re working on decluttering, here’s a tip: Take a look at your linen closet. Over the years, it’s easy to accumulate numerous bedding sets, sheets, blankets, towels and comforters. […]