How will my home sale will be taxed?
Q: I’m thinking about selling my house and then renting for a while. Will I have to pay higher capital gains taxes on my home sale because I’m not rolling over the money to a new house? A: No. You’re thinking of the old law, under which people could delay paying taxes on their home-sale profits if they rolled over their gains into the purchase of a new house. But that rule... READ MORE
Up and coming global retirement spots
Coronado in Panama once had pristine beaches and not much else. Today, the resort town is a haven for U.S. and Canadian retirees, with strip malls, fast-food joints and a lot of people speaking English. “For all the world, it’s like you’re in a U.S. beach town,” said Kathleen Peddicord, publisher of Live and Invest Overseas, a site and newsletter for people who want to work,... READ MORE
Competitive market spurs new housing
With the number of Americans over the age of 80 expected to double in the next two decades, the senior living housing market is becoming increasingly competitive. That’s good news for the many older adults who will be looking for new housing options, whether in an independent living, continuing care or assisted living community. Residential communities in the greater... READ MORE
Best ways to retire without a mortgage
The prospect of retiring without a mortgage is an attractive one. No more monthly mortgage payments to your home lender means extra money to spend on having fun in retirement. After years of punctual principal-and-interest mortgage payments, it’s the least you deserve, right? There are several smart ways to retire without a mortgage. We’ve come up with six that fit a variety of... READ MORE
Storage spaces take shape in creative ways
Storage pieces are not what they used to be. Changes in home design and technology mean that boxy, old-fashioned armoires, dressers and china hutches are being repurposed or are making room for cabinets, shelving and sideboards in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Today’s decor embraces an eclectic look, and rooms might serve more than one function. Walk-in closets and... READ MORE
Creative design for those with disabilities
From snazzy canes to tremor-proof spoons to a racing wheelchair, a new exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City highlights a surge in designs for and by those with a wide range of disabilities. “The show really celebrates this proliferation of designing today for people with physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. “More than that, it’s about... READ MORE
Free counseling for Mont. Co. homebound
Silvia (not her real name) had a busy life until she retired. But her life changed dramatically after that. Growing health concerns, a dent in finances, and lack of supportive family or friends led to isolation, anxiety and depression. Although she received medical care for her physical ailments, she never sought help for anxiety and depression. Silvia’s case is one example of the... READ MORE
How to find the last house you’ll ever buy
My husband and I bought what we thought was a starter home 20 years ago. Now we think of it as our “forever” home, where we plan to retire and live out the rest of our days. We got lucky, because most of the features that make our place good for “aging in place” — the single-story layout, open design, wide doorways — weren’t on our must-have list when we were... READ MORE
D.C. Housing Notes – April 2018
Assisted living home opens in Potomac Asheir Homes Assisted Living will open a second location in Potomac, Md. this month. Run by a nurse practitioner, the new eight-bed, two-level home has an elevator and all private rooms with private bathrooms. The home, situated on two acres of land, will specialize in residents with Parkinson’s disease and mobility and memory issues. A small... READ MORE
Hi-tech home devices present some risks
More people are getting voice-activated speakers and other smart devices for convenience and security. But doing so could also be giving hackers a key to their homes. Many devices from reputable manufacturers have safeguards built in, but those can’t guarantee against hacks. Gadgets from startups and no-name brands may offer little or no protection. Before buying one, here are some... READ MORE
