Prepare yourself against natural disaster
Emergency preparedness experts recommend that you have a “go bag” and a “stay bin” for disasters: kits with supplies to help you survive a few days if you have to evacuate your home or shelter in place. Preparing your finances for natural disasters is also smart. Having cash on hand, access to credit and the right insurance coverage can help you get through perilous times.... READ MORE
Tips for choosing a retirement location
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I will both be retiring in a few years and are interested in relocating to a warmer climate, but could use some help. What resources can you recommend for locating and researching good places to retire in the U.S.? —Retiring at 65 Dear Retiring, If you’re interested in relocating when you retire, like millions of other Boomers, there are a wide ... READ MORE
Help that can keep you living at home
Home healthcare and private duty care can help you maintain your independence in a familiar space. We all want to hold on to our independence for as long as possible. But what if you need help caring for yourself and you’re not ready to move to an assisted living facility? The answer for many people is to have someone come to the home and provide that care. “We always make an... READ MORE
Remodeling trends to watch for in 2022
After spending most of their time at home for the last 21 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes fit their new realities. Open floor plans are out; dedicated spaces for remote work and learning are in. Yards are being transformed into entertainment spaces, and walls are being repainted. At the same time, increased demand and... READ MORE
When a loved one requires memory care
For Marylander Larry Barrett, the agonizing decision to find a memory care community for his wife, Martha, began more than 10 years ago. That’s when Larry first noticed that something was going on with Martha, then 60, a lawyer. She’d forget the name of a person she met the night before. On a trip to Louisville, Ky., where she grew up, she forgot the way to her childhood... READ MORE
How to choose a remodeling contractor
When planning a potential home remodeling project, the list of decisions to make may feel nearly endless. Ultimately, you may find the most important decision is choosing a trustworthy team of professionals to complete the job. For example, an organization like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) provides homeowners with helpful ways to find qualified,... READ MORE
Fund a dream retirement with your home
Selling a mortgage-free house can put money in your pocket and give you the opportunity to dream, explore or start a new life in a different area. Consider Suzanne and Paul, who had paid off their mortgage and were willing to take on some risk. First, they sold their suburban New York home and left for Israel, where they rented an apartment for 10 months. “By moving to a less... READ MORE
D.C. Housing News — October 2021
Game table entertains, engages This summer, residents of The Virginian, a senior living community in Fairfax, Virginia, noticed an unusual new table in their common room. Called Obie for Seniors, the table-like device projects colorful games onto its surface. One to four players can participate, slapping the table and dragging their fingers across the illuminated screen. “The... READ MORE
Wise remodeling increases home value
Some remodeling choices may add value to homes, and others can actually subtract value — and some choices, such as a built-in aquarium, may make a property challenging to sell. Most remodeling projects cost more than the amount your home’s value will increase, so you shouldn’t assume that you’ll recoup every cent you spend on a home-improvement project. However, some types of... READ MORE
Two ways to utilize a reverse mortgage
Reverse mortgages have gone through many transformations and improvements in recent years. No longer considered “loans of last resort,” they are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners age 60 and up who have equity in their homes and want to bolster their nest egg. In short, reverse mortgages can pay off and replace a traditional mortgage loan, reducing the burden of a... READ MORE
