Senior Real Estate Specialist • June 21, 2024

Future-Proof Designs: Home Upgrades for Longevity, Aging in Place

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Many Baby Boomers are contemplating the next step in their housing needs. (SRES image)

More than 50 percent of Baby Boomers have no plans to move, says a Leaf Home and Morning Consult report, 2024 Generational Divides in Homeownership Report.

The top reasons for boomers staying put include:

No need to move (79%)
Close to family (34%)
Too expensive to move (33%)
Low crime (25%)
Weather or climate (18%)
Interest rates (12%)

Living in a museum

But 68 percent of boomers live in homes more than 30 years old or more, and many have done no renovations—nor do they intend to—according to the report. For example, among those who have lived in their home for more than 25 years, 85 percent have no plans to add safety or accessibility features, 83 percent say they aren’t planning to replace the furnace or air conditioner, 80 percent won’t replace roofing or siding, and 67 percent aren’t upgrading large appliances.

They’re essentially living in time capsules, and that’s a problem for them and future generations. “The housing market is caught in a generational tug-of-war,” says Jon Bostock, Leaf Home’s CEO.

For the residents, the homes are missing critical safety and accessibility features, and future buyers will be burdened with renovating these dated properties. “With an aging and ignored inventory of homes available in the next decade, we may see a crisis that will overwhelm the home improvement industry and strain the budgets of inheriting millennials, impacting the housing market,” he adds.

Design for future needs

The 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study emphasizes the importance of designing with longevity in mind and accommodating aging household members’ future and current needs. It found respondents attuned to aging-in-place renovations in the kitchen, and more than half of homeowners (52 percent) anticipate special needs arising within the next five years.

Among renovating homeowners, 27 percent said special needs in the kitchen were the reason to renovate, and 36 percent did so to address future needs. Twenty-eight percent said they expect a future need to arise in the next 12 months, and 51 percent anticipate a need to emerge in the next five-plus years.

Those renovating for aging purposes looked to universal design elements to introduce safety and functionality with features like pullout cabinets (58 percent), extra lighting (54 percent), and wide drawer pulls (48 percent).

Making living easier

Other changes to accommodate aging in place were:

Nonslip floors (37%)
Rounded countertops (34%)
Wheelchair-accessible doorways/pathways (22%)
Lower fixtures (14%)
Lower countertop height (5%)

Houzz also found that more homeowners (54 percent) prefer to replace all appliances during a renovation. Though not explicitly chosen for aging-in-place reasons, renovating homeowners are increasingly picking appliances with high-tech capabilities. For example, 30 percent chose appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, and 29 percent opted for models that can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet.

Quality of life

Such models can enhance seniors’ quality of life. For instance, they allow remote control and monitoring so homeowners can manage appliances remotely or from another room. Moreover, certain refrigerators include features such as food expiration monitoring and automatic grocery list creation that streamline to-do lists. Additionally, newer appliances are more energy efficient, which benefits the environment and reduces utility bills.

(Content courtesy of Senior Real Estate Specialist/National Association of Realtors, March 1, 2024)

Home maintenance • Landscaping • March 23, 2024

Is your landscape ‘mature’ or just shaggy?

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Overgrown side yard at a suburban house.

You may have become comfortable in your yard, but such a lush landscape may look like work to a potential buyer.

First Impressions Matter

Whether you are planning to continue living in your longtime family home or beginning to see the time when selling will make more sense, curb appeal is real and sprucing up yours can bring smiles all around.

Potential buyers form an opinion about your house within seconds of arrival. A well-maintained landscape creates a positive first impression and can increase your asking price. Here’s a guide to updating your suburban garden and landscaping to attract buyers.

Clean Up and Maintain

Tidy Up: Start with a clean slate. Remove weeds, dead leaves, and debris from your lawn, garden beds, and walkways.
Lawn Care: Ensure your lawn is healthy and weed-free. Consider reseeding patchy areas or fertilizing for a lush green look.
Prune and Trim: Prune overgrown shrubs and trees to improve their shape and allow light to penetrate. Trim hedges for a clean and defined look.

Enhance Your Garden Beds

Mulch Magic: Fresh mulch adds a pop of color, suppresses weeds, and retains moisture. Opt for a natural wood mulch or shredded bark for a classic touch.
Seasonal Color: Plant colorful flowers or flowering shrubs that will be in bloom during the selling season. This adds vibrancy and visual interest.
Low-Maintenance Plants: Choose low-maintenance perennials or native plants that require minimal watering and care. This appeals to buyers who don’t want a high-maintenance yard.

Upgrade Your Hardscaping

Walkway Refresh: Clean, repair, or replace cracked or uneven walkways and patios. A fresh coat of powerwashing can revive tired concrete surfaces.
Lighting for Ambiance: Strategically placed outdoor lighting can add drama and enhance the usability of your outdoor space in the evenings.

Create Broad Appeal

Simple and Clean Lines: Avoid overly-personalized landscaping features. Opt for clean lines, symmetrical arrangements, and neutral colors to create a broad appeal.
Functionality Matters: Consider adding a fire pit or patio space for entertaining. This showcases the potential for outdoor living and adds value for buyers.

Keep it Local

Native Plants: Opt for native plants that are well-suited to your climate. They require less maintenance and are more likely to thrive in your area.
Local Expertise: Consult with a local nursery or landscaper for recommendations on plants, hardscaping materials, and design ideas suited to your region and buyer preferences.

Remember

Balance Cost and Impact: Focus on high-impact projects that offer a good return on investment (ROI).
DIY vs. Professional: Some tasks, like mulching or planting flowers, might be DIY projects. Consider hiring professionals for more complex landscaping jobs.
Stage it Right: Once your landscaping is updated, add a few strategically placed potted plants or outdoor furniture to create an inviting atmosphere.

These suggestions can help you update your garden and landscaping to create a welcoming and attractive space that can help make your home more pleasant to live in now and potentially more attractive to buyers when you decide to make your next dream a reality.

Northwest life • May 12, 2023

Housing market trends are local

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Edmonds market report email 051223

Home maintenance • Selling Your Home • April 7, 2023

Finding the finances to fund that renovation

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Whether you are renovating to stay in your home or getting it ready to sell, finding the financing for the work is the first job.

It could be an out dated kitchen, an overrun backyard or unusable basement space. Whatever the project or projects you have in mind, the first thing you have to consider is how you are going to finance it. Here are the most common options to make your dreams become a reality:

Cash

Paying in cash is the most straightforward financing option, just save until you have enough money to cover the expenses. This will help eliminate spending outside your budget; however, it can also extend your timeline.

Mortgage refinance

If you’ve been making payments on your home for a few years and your interest rate is higher than current market rates, you may be eligible for a mortgage refinance, reducing your payments and freeing up some money.

Cash-out refinance

You can tap into your home equity and borrow up to 80 percent of your home’s value to pay off your current mortgage plus take out more cash to cover the renovations. This option is encouraged only when you’re making improvements that will increase the value of your home, as it can add a lot of interest and fees.

Home equity

Getting a home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. You receive usually up to 80 percent of your home’s value, minus the amount of your loan.

Retirement funds

Homeowners can consider pulling money from a 401K or IRA account, even though they aren’t specifically meant to cover a home renovation. This option might incur additional penalties or tax payments, but may be worth it when making improvements that will benefit them financially in the long run.

Buying a home • Moving • April 7, 2023

Prioritize tasks once you are moving in

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Moving into a new home is an exciting time and there is so much to do beyond just unpacking all those boxes.

While you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture, there are some basics you should cover first before you get into the fun stuff.

Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

If you are keeping the existing carpets, at least for the time being, it’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Of course, you were diligent and had an inspection done as part of your purchase. However, prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home. You’ll feel better.

Selling Your Home • April 7, 2023

Consider staging to help your home perform

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Staging your home is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers.

To do that, staging a home can mean a few different approaches. It might be selecting just a few of your best items and moving much of the other furniture and furnishings out during the sales period. It definitely means taking all those inspirational magnets and children’s art pieces off of the refrigerator.

Another option can be to move all your possessions out and using a professional staging service. The pros will use their own furniture and give your home an inviting updated vibe that is likely to appeal to buyers.

Either way, by highlighting its most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next open house or viewing!

Vision

Help buyers visualize the home as their own. Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal memorabilia, knick-knacks, and photos. Instead replace them with simple decors, such as paintings, nature images, and plants.

Feel

Think sleek instead of comfy. Modern-day buyers are leaning toward modern, crisp, clean interiors over comfy, homey looks. When staging your home, keep a minimalist mindset, and incorporate bright colors and metal accents.

Cleanse

Deep clean the small spaces. It’s obvious to say you should clean your home before viewing, but don’t forget to cover your bases by deep cleaning the small spots. Take time to scrub porous areas like grout that may hold on to stains and baseboards where small pet hairs and dust love to cling.

Yardwork

Spruce up your landscaping. The first impression your home gives to potential buyers is its exterior. Ensure you have a freshly mowed lawn, neat hedges and shrubbery, bright flowers, and a clean driveway.

Senses

Set the mood. A home is so much more than just the way it looks, so you need to appeal to the other senses. Prior to having potential buyers over, set the mood by burning delicious smelling candles and selecting an upbeat, happy soundtrack to play in the background.

Buying a home • April 7, 2023

When buying, you can negotiate more than price

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, the negotiation part of the transaction can be a little daunting and stressful.

Most buyers focus on price when considering negotiating a purchase. However, it is necessary to ensure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. So, what else could you negotiate when buying a home?

Closing costs

Your closing costs are determined by a variety of factors, but you can expect it to be between 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Ask the seller to cover some or all of the closing costs upfront or request a closing credit that can be used to make specific updates and fixes to the home.

Furnishings

Love how the seller has furnished and decorated the home? Buyers often negotiate keeping couches, fixtures, landscaping items, patio furniture, appliances, and more. And many sellers agree, wanting to make the home more appealing.

Inspection and closing date

Buyer offers that include a quick inspection and close timeline are often more attractive to sellers who have been going through the process for far too long. Just ensure you allow yourself ample time to get your financing in place and complete proper, thorough inspections.

Home warranty

Sellers will often agree to pay the premium on the home warranty at closing and then hand it off to the new homeowner, who is responsible for the deductible on any future claims.

Repairs

Your inspection may uncover small or large repairs needed to bring the home up to standard. You can negotiate to have these items fixed before closing or ask for a price reduction to cover the costs.

Buying a home • Moving • April 7, 2023

Townhouse or condo? Which is right for you?

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Whether a first-time buyer or you just want to purchase something smaller, townhouses and condos can both be great options.

Check out the differences between the two to help aid you in your search!

Condominium

Condominiums are similar to apartments in that you purchase an individual unit inside of a larger building, but not the property it sits on.

This generally includes access to the building’s amenities, such as the clubhouse, pool, and gym. However, condo owners are not responsible for the upkeep and repair of these common areas. Because of the number of shared spaces, living in a condo often allows for meeting new people and building a strong sense of community.

There is a fairly similar vetting process for loan approval as for a full-sized home; however, the lender will also look at the health of the condo association.

Townhouses

Those who purchase a townhome are often purchasing the complete unit, both inside and out, including the land it sits on. This might also include the driveway, yard, or roof.

Traditionally, these units are two- or three-stories tall and may also include common areas like pools and parks. Townhome owners pay a fee to a homeowners association every month and the loan process is the same as buying a full-sized home.

Best choice?

Both townhomes and condos offer less maintenance than a traditional home and generally offer great shared areas. Your decision ultimately comes down to you and your family’s needs and wants. Things you’ll want to take into consideration include location, lifestyle, family growth, and price.

Home maintenance • Interiors • April 7, 2023

Going from a sleep place to retreat space

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

For many people, the bedroom is little more than a place to sleep.

However, just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that we have to settle for cluttered and boring.

One trend that’s gaining steam these days is converting your current bedroom into a luxury suite (or something comparable). If you want to live like you’re renting a room at the Ritz, then you want to follow these tips.

Compartmentalize activities

Making your bedroom more functional is going to make it more luxurious. Add a gorgeous desk for working and a TV area for entertainment, and you’ll be living it up in no time.

Make it chic

Choose a color palette that is both luxurious and classy. Silver and gold can seem tacky, so choose muted shades that compliment each other.

Also, a brilliant and commanding headboard can instantly upgrade the look of your room without any other changes.

Light it properly

Finally, make sure that you have the right light to show off your designs. If it’s too washed out or yellow, then it will look drab and run down. Switch to brilliant LEDs and see the difference.

Choose accents wisely

We already mentioned a headboard, but some elegant drapes can also make your room feel more royal. Being strategic with your furniture accessories is going to both keep you under budget and avoid doing too much with the space.

Are you ready to lux your bedroom? You’ll be impressed by the results, and the feeling of decadence will make you more confident in your surroundings.

Home maintenance • Interiors • April 7, 2023

Make an asset of that unfinished basement

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

That unfinished basement may be dimly lit and a little rough on the eyes, but that just means it has a lot of potential.

With a little love and the help of the following ideas, you can spice it up in no time, get some great use out of the space and turn it into an asset when it comes time to sell your home.

Add a pop of color

Give your basement a whole different look without a big renovation by adding some color to space. Consider painting and sealing the floors, opening up the room by painting the rafters white or a light color, or creating a bold accent wall.

Divide the space

Want to make your basement a multi-use room? Partition out the area by installing an inexpensive curtain system. This can be done either with a curtain track or a simple wire, some hooks, and curtains will suffice.

Add foam mats

Whether you’d like to use the basement as a home gym to get a quick workout in or a place for the kids to play and rough house, adding some foam mats into the mix is a great and easy solution. They come in various colors and can quickly be picked up and tucked away if need be.

Use a large rug

As an alternative to adding mats, find a large, eye-catching rug to be used as a focal point, and furnish the area around it.

Add lighting

Basements often offer very little built-in lighting and few outlets around the room. Consider stringing café lighting across space from the rafters to give a nice ambiance and glow without any difficult electrical work.