Donate to declutter: Where, when and how
While isolated at home this past 18 months, some of us opened closets that had not seen the light of day for years. Faced with time at home and a tsunami of clutter, we cleaned our way through the pandemic. Now, what to do with all the suits no longer suitable, forgotten housewares or books stacked up to the ceiling? Give them away, of course! Starting in the summer of 2020,... READ MORE
Baltimore Housing News — October 2021
Highly rated rehab St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Southwest Baltimore received high praise this year from the 2020 Maryland Home Family Experience of Care Survey. In fact, 93% of residents’ families said that they would recommend St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, operated by Catholic Charities of Baltimore. Ratings for satisfaction with staff and... READ MORE
Considering an RV? Mistakes to avoid
Recreational vehicle sales are soaring, and the RV industry expects 2021 to be a record-breaking year. Dealerships say much of the demand is coming from first-time buyers and others anxious to find a safer way to vacation during the pandemic. As any RV owner will tell you, though, buying a motorhome, camper or trailer is a complex process that requires a ton of decisions. The more... READ MORE
D.C. Housing News — July 2021
Modena Reserve to open in fall 2021 This fall, Solera Senior Living will open its newest senior living community, Modena Reserve at Kensington in Maryland. The facility blends contemporary design with historic architecture, transforming the former Mizell Gas Station and Mizell Hardware and Lumber Store into unique community spaces. Located next to the Kensington train depot and several... READ MORE
Should you rent or buy your next home?
The housing market is hot, and it’s a great time to sell your home. But if you’re thinking about renting your next one, consider the tradeoffs. Renting temporarily is fine if you want to try a new location or if you anticipate moving frequently early in retirement. However, the longer you rent in retirement, the riskier it becomes. Buying a home usually makes more sense if you... READ MORE
Good ways to pare down your possessions
Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you offer for downsizing? I would like to relocate but need to get rid of a lot of personal possessions before we can move. — Overwhelmed Willa Dear Willa, The process of weeding through a house full of stuff and parting with old possessions is difficult and overwhelming for most people. A good place to start is to see if your kids, grandkids or... READ MORE
Listing your home in 2021? What to know
It’s a good time to be a home seller — homes are selling fast and for a premium — but that doesn’t mean you can jump into the market ill-prepared. Knowing what to expect can position you to make the most of this seller’s market. Roughly 1 in 6 (17%) homeowners plan on selling their home in the next 18 months, according to a new NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris ... READ MORE
Homebuyers willing to pay above asking price
The red-hot U.S. housing market is widening the gap between what a home is objectively worth and what eager buyers are willing to pay for it. Fierce competition amid an ultra-low inventory of homes on the market is fueling bidding wars, prompting a growing share of would-be buyers to sweeten offers well above what sellers are asking. Home prices have rocketed to new highs and many homes... READ MORE
Plan ahead to pay for long-term care
Nancy Wright Beasley, a Virginia retiree, is years away from living in a retirement community or needing long-term care, but every year she funds a long-term care insurance policy. It’s not only a sound investment; it gives Beasley peace of mind. “My policy ensures I won’t become a financial burden on my children,” Beasley said. “As I age, the coverage gives assurance I’ll... READ MORE
Baltimore Housing News – July 2021
ElderPlus provides free, all-inclusive help As Baltimore resident Tiffani Williams’ grandmother grew older, she had to help her pay bills, drive her to doctors’ appointments and much more. Then Williams heard about Hopkins ElderPlus, established almost 25 years ago. Providing all the services older adults need to stay healthy, ElderPlus is Maryland’s branch of the federal Program of... READ MORE
