Senior Housing • December 22, 2024

Intergenerational communities can add to quality of life

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Getting multiple generations together can be a healthy addition to living situations.

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 for us as we age.

Whether it’s sharing meals, volunteering, or learning new skills or hobbies, projects and programs that bring together people from all walks of life can remind us how much we all have to offer.

If you’re looking for a home or community that keeps you connected and engaged throughout this next chapter of life, check out this article from the National Association of Realtors.

#SeniorHousing #SRES #AginginPlace #senior

Senior Housing • December 15, 2024

Checklist ranks most livable cities for older adults

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Various factors can come into play in choosing where to make your next move.

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 on picking a most livable location for a next move, check out this Readers Digest article.

AARP 2024 Most Livable Cities for Seniors list

Great Neck Plaza, New York
Aspen, Colorado
Gunnison, Colorado
Montpelier, Vermont
Takoma Park, Maryland
Falls Church, Virginia
Fairview, New Jersey
La Crescent, Minnesota
Winterset, Iowa
Cliffside Park, New Jersey

To check out your hometown or your dream hometown, use the AARP Livability Index form to see how your choices rank.

#SRES #seniorrealestate #seniorspecialist #livablecities

Senior Housing • December 8, 2024

Keep an eye out for fraud, scams in home services

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Be an informed consumer when it comes to services for your home.

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 property managers through trusted sources.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers, whether by phone, mail, or in person.
Take your time with any financial or housing decision—avoid pressure tactics.
Keep mortgage documents, deeds, and sensitive financial information safe.

For more information on what to look for, check out this article at forbes.com.

#seniorrealestatespecialist #realestateforseniors #SRES #realestatefraud #contractorfraud

senior real estate specialist, real estate for seniors, SRES, real estate fraud, contractor fraud

Senior Housing • November 30, 2024

Equity gains can be pleasant surprise for longtime homeowners

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Equity for homeowners can build significantly over time.

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 more than just a number. That equity can be a powerful asset when planning for a next chapter in life. For senior homeowners, knowing just how much home equity is available can provide financial flexibility. The equity can serve as a cushion for unexpected expenses, like medical bills, or helping fund a major life change.

It also can make more options available, whether considering downsizing to a more manageable space, relocating to a dream destination, or moving closer to family members. Understanding home equity helps you know exactly what you can put toward a new home without taking on a large mortgage.

For more information about home equity, check out this Realtor Magazine article.

#homeequity #downsizing #SRES #retirementplanning #seniorrealestatespecialist

Senior Housing • November 23, 2024

Shine a light on safety to stay in your home

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Adding motion sensing lights on an exterior wall can add to safety for homeowners.

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, stairs, and driveways to make navigating outside at night safer and easier.

Motion-sensing lights

These lights turn on automatically when someone approaches, providing instant visibility and adding an extra layer of security.

Floodlights

Great for lighting up larger outdoor areas, like patios and backyards, making outdoor spaces more accessible after dark.

Solar-powered lighting

Energy-efficient and easy to install, solar lights are a low-maintenance solution to keep outdoor areas well-lit.

Proper outdoor lighting makes a big difference in creating a safer, more comfortable environment for aging in place. 🌟

#aginginplace #seniorliving #seniorspecialist #SRES #outdoorlighting

Senior Housing • November 16, 2024

Letting go of a lifetime of stuff can be hard

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Cleaning unused items out of closets can be helpful when its time to move.

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, “No thanks.”

Sell items online

Try sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp to connect with local buyers quickly and easily.

Contact consignment stores

Consignment stores are looking for quality items
These stores may specialize in items such as furniture, collectibles and decor.
The store handles the sale and you receive a portion of the profit.

Donate

Set a deadline and if items haven’t sold, consider donating them to local charities, thrift stores, shelters, or community programs.
Gently used items like clothing, kitchenware, and furniture are often welcome additions.

Recycle

Items that can’t be donated (some electronics or large appliances), check for local recycling programs.

Decluttering can feel freeing and helps make your home—and any future moves—easier to manage. For more tips, check out this article at goodhousekeeping.com.

#declutteringtips #seniorliving #organizedhome #SRES #seniorrealestate #seniorspecialist

Senior Housing • November 9, 2024

Decide if renting or buying in retirement is best for you

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Consider whether renting or buying is a better fit in retirement.

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 also build equity and have full control over your space.
However, owning does come with maintenance responsibilities and upfront costs.

Renting

Renting can provide more flexibility for location.
There is some freedom from repairs.
However, rents may increase with little notice, impacting your budget.

Renting or buying may make more personal and financial sense, depending on the individual’s priorities. Check out this article at usnews.com for more information.

#rentvsbuy #seniorrealestatespecialist #seniorliving #aginginplace #realestateforseniors #SRES

Buying a home • Northwest life • Senior Housing • October 31, 2024

Plan ahead for retiring and buying vacation home

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Relaxing at vacation home can a retirement dream come true.

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 property for a season. That way you can make sure that this location is right for you.

Budget for maintenance, insurance, and property taxes

A second home comes with additional expenses beyond the purchase price, including utilities, repairs, insurance, and property taxes.
Many people underestimate these ongoing costs, so plan carefully to avoid surprises.

Rental potential

Will you rent it out when you’re not using it? Be sure to research local regulations and demand.
Don’t forget—you’ll also need to manage the logistics, like bookings, maintenance, and guest communication.
Consider hiring a property manager to handle rental-related services for you.

Healthcare access

As you age, proximity to reliable healthcare services is crucial, but don’t forget to consider access to pharmacies, specialists, and emergency care.
You’ll want to ensure the area has the support services you may need in the long term.

Resale value & estate planning

Consider the property’s long-term investment potential and appreciation and how it fits into your estate planning.
Will the property be part of an inheritance?
Make sure your plans for the home are aligned with your future financial and family goals.

Carefully weighing these factors and more outlined in this article a kiplinger.com to help make the appropriate decisions for adding a vacation home in retirement.

#retirementplanning #vacationhome #secondhome #SRES #seniorrealestatespecialist

Northwest life • October 24, 2024

Bathroom safety: What to update or look for

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Falls in the bathroom are among the most common for homeowners as they get older.

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 current space or buying a new home:

Grab bars

Install in the shower and near the toilet to prevent slips.

Walk-in showers

Easier and safer to enter than bathtubs.

Non-slip flooring

Choose textured tiles or add non-slip mats to avoid slippery surfaces.

Raised-height toilets

Make sitting and standing easier and safer.

Handheld shower heads

Provide more control, especially when seated.

Making these updates or ensuring your next home has these features can keep you safe and comfortable for years to come.

#aginginplace #bathroomsafety #seniorliving #seniorspecialist #SRES

Moving • Senior Housing • October 17, 2024

Decluttering? Start with linen closet

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Going through clothes and closets now can help when it comes to move.

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. Are they all still needed? Just because you have room now doesn’t mean there will be space in a new home.

Here are some tips to help decide what to keep and what to let go:

Keep only 2-3 sets of sheets per bed for easy rotation (one on the bed, one in the wash, and one as a backup or seasonal option)
Assess the bedding: Are these sheets or blankets still comfortable, in good condition, and used regularly?
Ask family members if they want any of the bedding or sheet sets.
Donate gently used bedding to local shelters, thrift stores, or charities to help someone in need.

Decluttering now will free up space and make future moves more manageable. Here are more decluttering and organizing tips from Senior Lifestyle Magazine.

#declutteringtips #seniorliving #organizedhome #SRES #seniorrealestate #seniorspecialist