First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

Planning your retirement days on time is a great way to explore your options and ensure you’ve got the best option there is. One of the concepts that stand out these days is aging in place. Seniors often opt for this retirement scenario, as they feel most comfortable in their own homes, and it can be challenging to switch the familiar environment for something else. Familiarity is probably the strongest factor that makes aging in place so attractive for many older adults, and in this article, we’ll find out everything about it. Here are the main pros and cons of aging in place that you should know before making the best decision for your retirement days.

Aging in place as a concept

The idea of aging at home or commonly known as aging in place, is embraced by more than 70 percent of older adults. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), aging in place is defined as the ability to line in your own home and community and feel safe, independent, and comfortable. This decision isn’t affected by your income, age, or ability – you just want to be at your own home. Indeed, there are advantages and disadvantages to this concept, and you should be aware of all of them before making this important decision.

Spending your senior days at home may be the right thing to do.

Advantages of aging in place

Let’s begin this article on a positive note. There are numerous advantages of aging at your home, and we’ll remind you of only the important ones.

The feeling of being at home

Probably the most important advantage is undoubtedly the feeling of being at home. You’ve spent years in this house or apartment and know everything about it. The sense of belonging is difficult to leave behind and move to another place. Aging at home gives you the feeling of familiarity, stability, and safety, which is the biggest reward for your mental health. Aging in place also means begin familiar with your neighborhood, the people around you, and the local amenities you’ve been using for years. This makes people feel a lot more peaceful and secure compared to moving and adapting to a new location.

Belonging to the community

Unfortunately, moving to an institution for seniors can feel pretty isolating. Moving away from your neighbors, friends, or family can make seniors feel deserted and lonely, even with all the people around. That’s why aging in place looks like a better solution. If you’re surrounded by the people you love, why not stay there as long as you can? Aging in place reduces the sense of isolation and ensures you or your beloved senior stays in a good mood for as long as possible. However, it can happen that a senior lives in their home with not so many people around – their friends may have passed away, and a favorite neighbor moved. This is when a senior living community seems like a better idea – being surrounded by people of similar ages and interests can be pretty refreshing.

Making necessary home adjustments is a lot easier

Living at your home gives you the flexibility to make all the necessary adjustments that aging requires. These include installing additional handrails, remodeling the bathroom for increased safety, installing additional lights, and more. You can personalize your home according to your needs and, of course – your budget. Such adjustments and overall maintenance can be costly, so if your financial situation allows it, staying at your home can be a lot easier. However, some seniors find it hard to deal with the upkeep of their homes, as it requires both energy and money. If that becomes an issue, then maybe a smaller home or a senior community is a better option.

Disadvantages of aging in place

Surely, all the options have their pros and cons. There are some cons of aging in place you should be aware of before making the decision.

Loneliness

If a senior lives alone in their home, they might often spend days lonely. Isolation is a common problem for seniors who decide to age at home, especially if their family members don’t live nearby. Living in a senior community can be a great way to make new friends and have a lot of fun with people who are the same age.

Loneliness is a common issue for seniors – choose the best place to age to avoid it.

It becomes more difficult to maintain a home

Homeownership comes with several responsibilities, and maintenance requires energy, time, and money. Many seniors find it difficult to clean their homes efficiently but also do necessary repairs and pay bills. Also, if a senior requires some kind of special care, providing necessary conditions at home can be quite costly.

No supervision

Supervision is essential for seniors who may show signs of illness such as dementia, sight decline, etc. Living alone makes it impossible to notice the signs and provide the necessary treatment. This makes a living on their own quite dangerous, so living with proper medical specialists is advised rather than aging at home.

Moving tips for seniors

After reviewing all the pros and cons of aging in place, you may decide that it’s safer and easier to downsize or move somewhere where you’ll have all the help and care you need. In that case, ensure the relocation process is as smooth and secure as possible. If you are hiring moving services in Florida, they can help you with everything, so you do not need to lift a finger. From packing your belongings safely to getting assistance from the pros, make sure you explore all the options and ensure the safest relocation for yourself or your beloved senior. Frauds are, unfortunately, the reality of the moving business, so it’s important to know that the team you trust is reliable and professional.

Research all the secure moving options to choose the team that will make the relocation as easy as possible.

Is aging in place the best option for you?

You can see that aging in place has both advantages and disadvantages. For some, staying at home is the best possible solution, whereas others will find that selling their home is the right thing to do.

That’s why the final decision will depend on your needs, plans, as well as your budget. Consider all the factors before you decide to create the safest and most comfortable conditions for the life of a senior.

When it's time to consider you options schedule your discreet call here: https://calendly.com/paulfed/30min

We look forward to assisting you!

Real estate investment has always been one of the most profitable financial ventures. Investing in a property can bring many benefits, such as regular cash flow, building equity, tax relief, and more. At the same time, the state of Florida has been one of the most common options for people who want to move for work, retire or travel. Florida’s real estate market is one of the hottest in the country. Therefore, it’s time to connect the dots. Investing in a property in Florida is one of the best things you can do now. But what is the best location to start hunting for a perfect property? That is the guide you need – here are the top ten places to invest in real estate in Florida at the moment, with no regrets.

What makes Florida so unique?

When you’re ready to invest, picking the right location can determine the amount of success. Florida seems the safest option, and there are several reasons for it. The Sunshine State has been a popular choice among investors because:

●        Its booming job market brings many new people to the state each year, increasing the demand for rentals and property sales. The population growth is the factor you shouldn’t overlook – a couple of hundreds of people move to Florida every day.

●        It’s tax heaven – Florida is one of the best tax-friendly states in the country, which can make your investment a lot more profitable.

●        It’s a perfect place to call home – more people work from home these days, so they make sure the place they live can give them a comfortable lifestyle. Florida’s climate and quality of living standards indeed make it a top choice.

●        Affordability – Florida’s real estate enjoys low property prices compared to other locations in the country. Also, you can expect lower mortgage rates than the national average.

The Sunshine State undoubtedly has a lot to offer, and you shouldn’t think twice about whether or not you should pick this state for your investment. However, the thing you need to think about is the location of your property. Here are the top choices regarding the best real estate locations you can find here.

Where to invest? Top 10 places to invest in real estate in Florida

1.      Tampa

With so many people moving here for work, it’s no wonder Tampa belongs to this list. It has a fast-growing population and home prices below the national average. What’s more to look for?

Tampa is undoubtedly one of the best places to invest in real estate in Florida – explore its options. 

2.      Royal Palm Beach

The whole Palm Beach country seems like a great place to look for an investment property. Royal Palm Beach is one of the best locations to consider, as it still has a lot of growth room, and it’s not as expensive as other, more popular locations in this county.

3.      Orlando

Orlando is a big city, yet people look for more rental properties daily. Its population is increasing by about 2%, which tells you that investing in an Orlando property will not be a mistake. You can choose some of the city's hottest areas, such as College Park, Thornton Park, Lake Nona, and Metrowest, and pick the one that can offer you property within your budget.

4.      Sarasota

Located just south of Tampa, Sarasota has all the right to belong on the list of the best places to invest in real estate in Florida. Rising prices and higher demand, along with its growing population, indicate that we’re talking about one of the healthiest markets in the state.

5.      Miami

When we talk about the most remarkable places in Florida in any context, we can’t forget to mention Miami. People come to Miami to be at the center of all events related to technology, finances, and the retail industry. This results in a hot real estate market you shouldn’t be afraid to jump in!

6.      Jacksonville

Another gem in the real estate world – Jacksonville is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. People move here for work and its affordability and high standard of living. Both rent and purchase prices are increasing, making it a great investment place.

7.      St. Augustine

If you’re looking for a place to invest in a short-term rental, St. Augustine is the place to look for it. It is a popular travel destination, and this city always lacks great short-term rentals for visitors.

8.      Coconut Creek

Located in Broward County, the home of some of the best investment properties in Miami, Coconut Creek presents one of the best places to live in Florida. Most residents own their homes, so if you’re investing in upgrading and reselling, this is a place to go. However, be sure to investigate all the investment opportunities in the area, making sure you pick the one that fits your needs and possibilities.

9.      Fort Myers

The most decisive advantage of investing in Fort Myers is its affordability. However, its booming economy makes Fort Myers more and more popular these days, making it easy to rent or sell a home. Many students are looking for a home, and young professionals are moving here to build a career.

10. Ocala

Another Florida tourist destination and a perfect place to invest in a rental – Ocala is undoubtedly one of the best places to look for an investment property. Its market thrives daily, with prices increasing and demand growing as well.

Know why you’re investing and what’s your goal – it will be easier to find the right property. 

It may seem like a hard decision, but choosing the best place to invest in real estate in Florida is actually not difficult. The reason is that there are plenty of great locations in the Sunshine State, which makes it hard to fail. Choose the most suitable market, do all the necessary research and make a financial plan before investing your money into a property. Even though Florida is undoubtedly a favorable real estate destination, don’t forget to consider all the necessary factors before taking this step.

For many of us, buying a home is a dream come true. After years of living with your parents or moving from one place to another and paying rent, it’s great to have your own space finally. However, this might just be the most significant financial investment you’ll ever make. So, you should be financially and mentally prepared for this. As you probably know by now, buying real estate is very expensive. And you shouldn’t expect home prices to drop any time soon. Therefore, you should start saving well in advance and prepare for all additional costs. Use this guide on setting a budget for buying your first home. It will help you avoid major mistakes and unpleasant surprises.

The first step in setting a budget for buying your first home is determining what you want

It’s never too early to start preparing to buy your first home. It’s highly recommended to start a few years before buying. This will enable you to save more money and find your dream home. And determining what you want is the first step toward achieving this goal. Here’s what you should look into:

●      The location is probably the most crucial aspect to consider when buying your first home. Choose a city and then start researching the neighborhoods. Look for places with low crime rates in the area, close access to public transport and shops, and good school districts. All these things make for a friendly and safe neighborhood to live in and also increase property value.

●      The amenities are also extremely important. You have to be specific about what you want because the amenities significantly impact home prices. Therefore, you should decide how many bedrooms you want and what home features you’re looking for.

One of the first steps in setting a budget for buying your first home is getting specific about what you want; for example, a house with a patio and a backyard.

Once you have an idea regarding the location and the type of home you’re looking for, you should do some research on market prices for homes that match your description. This way, you’ll have a realistic perspective on how much money your first home will cost. Of course, market prices fluctuate in time, but it’s still helpful to know what you’re getting yourself into. Plus, if the prices are much higher than expected, you can reconsider some of the amenities.

Determine how much it will cost

Another essential step in setting a budget for buying your first home is determining how much it will cost. Yes, you’ve researched market prices, but that’s only part of the equation. You have to take into account many additional costs to make sure you can afford to become a homeowner.

Before becoming a homeowner

Buying a home entails many costs, and you must be prepared. Otherwise, you might end up overspending and unable to afford to live in your new home after you buy it. Here are some of the costs you should factor in:

●      The down payment is one of the most expensive parts when buying a home. Of course, this varies depending on your credit history and mortgage type. But you can expect to pay somewhere between 3% and 20% of the home price. However, even if you are required to pay less than 20%, paying more is better. By spending at least 20%, you’ll avoid the costs of Private Mortgage Insurance.

●      The closing costs are something many first-time home buyers fail to take into account. These can include appraisal fees, surveys, title searches, etc. You should expect to pay around 2% to 5% of the home price in closing costs.

Once you become a homeowner

Many people make the mistake of thinking they are done spending once they sign all the paperwork to become owners. But this is not the case. Firstly, you need to carefully inspect your new home to determine what repairs and updates you must make. Then, assess the costs of remodeling and decide what you can afford. After all, you can take care of non-essential renovations once you’ve had some time to save up.

Factor in the costs of home repairs and updates.

Once your home is ready, it’s time to move in. And here comes another set of additional costs. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving locally or long-distance. It will still cost you money. And no, doing it by yourself is not an option. You’ll have to make a lot of trips to transport everything and gas is expensive. You might hurt your back from all the heavy lifting, resulting in medical expenses. And you can damage some of your belongings during transport, which entails replacement costs. So, save money with expert help when moving and hiring moving services.

So, you finally settle into your new home, and the only thing left to worry about is the monthly living costs and mortgage payments. Well, not so fast! You’ll also have to pay property taxes and homeowner’s insurance as a homeowner. Moreover, if you’re upsizing, then the utility bills will also cost more. Plus, you should consider setting up an emergency fund. Because things always break when you least expect them to.

Start saving

So, now that you know how much money you’ll need to buy your first home, it’s time to start saving. Firstly, you should decide on a fixed monthly amount that will go into your savings account. Secondly, you should think about cutting down some of your expenses. Every small amount counts. So, stop ordering in and start cooking more often. Limit your outings to one day per week. And if you need to socialize more, just invite your friends over for movie night.

Once you set a budget for your first home, you must start saving.
 

Final thoughts

As you can see, buying a home is a big investment. Therefore, you should plan for it well in advance. Start with this guide on setting a budget for buying your first home and go from there. And don’t get discouraged by all the costs you failed to consider. Now that you have all the information, you can start saving for your dream home.

Featured image.
Alt-tag: An elderly woman washing vegetables in the sink.

Life expectancy in the United States is rising. From 2018 through 2060, the population of Americans 65 and older will grow from 52 million to 95 million, the Population Reference Bureau estimates. We need more ways to help the elderly stay healthy and independent as the population ages. The notion of universal design, which attempts to make items and buildings accessible to individuals of various ages, abilities, and other qualities, is here. To promote "aging in place," universal design has many components that support the idea that is allowing elderly people to remain at home for as long as possible benefits their quality of life. Aging-in-place, on the other hand, necessitates homes that can accommodate our evolving needs. Here are the home features seniors should look for in Florida.

Good lighting

Low illumination and small windows that don't allow enough light may be acceptable to certain people. However, elderly downsizers should prioritize finding a home with various light sources. A dark home might become dangerous for its occupants as they grow older. It's vital to detect obstacles of all sizes, even if they're as small as a pair of shoes. A well-lit interior and large windows that allow natural light to penetrate are two of the most essential home features seniors should look for.

Lower countertops and kitchen cabinets

The kitchen is integral to each home, regardless of age or income level. Elderly and others with limited mobility can fully participate in food preparation if the counters are a few inches lower than the standard height. Additionally, the sharp corners pose a threat to the elderly, especially after moving to a new place. Many moving services advise considering lower countertops when relocating to a new home. So, before a reliable team can handle it, round out all the corners and edges of the kitchen counters. In the event of a fall, lessening the number of 90-degree angles could protect you from bruising and other injuries. Additionally, older folks and others who rely on a wheelchair or mobility scooter may appreciate the convenience of lower cabinets with pull-out shelves, "lazy Susan" corner cabinets, and easy-pull handles.

Better baths

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the house, especially for the elderly. That's why the most crucial home features seniors should look for are right here. Look for grab bars near the toilet or in other places of the room where assistance is needed. For those who can't have a step-in shower due to mobility issues, installing grab bars will help them get in and out of the shower. Remember to check for stability of the grab bars, though! Many homeowners will put their best foot forward during an open house, but some will just make the bathroom look accessible without actually attaching the grab bars to the wall.

 Additionally, if you're concerned about scorching yourself in the shower, a pressure-balanced control can help your out. And, it will do the same thing for you at the sink! Also, consider the shower head- with limited mobility, it's easier to use a handheld shower head than a fixed shower head.

High-volume sound systems

Hearing loss is typical as we age. That's why one of the home features seniors should look for is the sound system. The doorbell must be audible in every room; therefore, an intercom that is also a doorbell is necessary. A phone with adjustable volume control and a large numerical keypad can help people with visual, hearing, or dexterity challenges.

Home automation

As we age and get a little bit forgetful, we may leave the lights on or the faucets running. An appliance monitoring system may be used by anybody, even from a distance, to shut off the appliances. The system also notifies the user if any unexpected activity is seen. A smartphone app may be used to manage smart lighting, allowing older people to avoid having to turn the lights on and off themselves manually. It is also possible to control smart blinds with smartphones for seniors who have difficulties reaching or standing up on their own.

It is also possible to cut energy use and utility costs by using smart thermostats and lighting. To save money and protect your loved ones, you may set timers for your lights so that they turn on and off only when you wish. Auto-opening doors and cupboards may make life easier for those who use walkers or crutches.

Tabletop height plug points

Older people with back pain may find that plug points located at tabletop height instead of one foot from the floor make it easier to connect or disconnect electrical devices. Installing these, especially if you're retiring up, can become quite a hassle pretty quickly. So tabletop height plug points are definitely one of the home features seniors should look for.

Easy entry

In a senior's home, the main entry should not have any steps if at all possible. The doorway and the hallway should be at least 3.5 feet wide. This is to make it easier for wheelchair users to get around. Placing a bench near the entryway can make it more welcoming. While unlocking the main door, you can use this to put whatever you have in your hands down. Sitting while tying or untying your shoelaces is also an option with a bench.

Non-slippery floors

Despite the apparent dangers of slippery floors, other parts of the home pose a simial threat. For example, rugs! You can place non-skid mats under area rugs to make the floor more slip-resistant. Trip points like thresholds should be eliminated or reduced in height if possible. Another thing to consider is the type of carpeting. Low-pile carpeting is best for folks who use walkers because the walker won't get caught in the deep pile and risk a fall.

Final words

As more and more people opt to age in place, these residences must satisfy their specific requirements. We hope our article has helped you learn about the home features seniors should look for.

Think Home Prices Are Going To Fall? Think Again

Selling your home is a big deal. Getting it ready to show off to potential buyers is an important step in the process. You don't necessarily need to hire an expensive staging company — with some care and elbow grease, you can make your home attractive for real estate photos and appealing to potential buyers at that all-important open house.

Declutter 

If there was ever a time for a garage sale, it's right before you put your home on the market. Get rid of all the clutter that piles up from years of living in a home — the broken bicycles you keep planning to fix, the chair Aunt Mary gave you that you secretly hate, or the closet full of clothes that no longer fit. Get a yard sale organized and make a bit of money or donate the extra items.

Depersonalize

Helping potential buyers picture themselves in your home can go a long way to selling it. Create a blank slate so that your way of doing things doesn't get in the way of how they want to live. That means getting personal family items out of the way. If you don't want to put your precious photos and artifacts in storage, there's a simple solution: Consider attractive wicker or cardboard storage bins with eye-catching labels so storage looks like a design decision rather than an after-thought. As a bonus, doing this will keep your items organized while you get ready for your move. You can make decorative labels using an online label maker that lets you choose a template and then customize it to your taste and decor.

Keep It Neutral

When it comes to paint, experts suggest neutral colors, such as light grays, beige, and whites, on walls and pale furnishings for showing off your home in the best light to open house guests. Perhaps your family really does love that bright purple feature wall that expresses your love of bold colors — paint it so it doesn't provide a talking point for buyers (as in "how many coats to cover that up?"). Lighter neutrals are naturally sophisticated and project a sense of calm. They can even make rooms feel and photograph with more expanse and brightness.

Add Curb Appeal

According to America's favorite domestic scientist, time is well spent on refreshing your front entranceway (with a bold color on the front door, for example), tidying the yard and planting flowers, and redesigning your exterior house number. It's more about taking care of details than spending money. Try to imagine a buyer pulling up to tour your house, and see the front yard and garage area through their eyes. Or consider the photographer tasked with shooting images of your home's front elevation for a real estate brochure or web page.

Open House Ready

To get the best price and have the best experience selling your home, make an effort to spruce up the interior and exterior of your property with an eye on prospective buyers. It will be well worth it.

For more information about open house prep in the Winter Garden, FL area, check out The VIP Home Team blog for valuable tips for making your home for sale inviting and desirable.

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