Have We Reached the Peak? What Goes Up Must….

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Have We Reached the Peak? What Goes Up Must….

Anyone owning a home today is thrilled to see the incredible appreciation over the last 5 years. Just this year we have seen a 19% increase in home values! That can put a smile on your face but as we all know too well, what goes up must come down. That old saying holds true in every sector of our economy, including housing. Not too long ago, interest rates were at all-time lows at 2.8% for a 30-year fixed rate. We are now approaching 6% for that same 30-year mortgage. Imagine you are trying to buy your first home and not only rates have gone up, but home prices have skyrocketed. There is a breaking point where young buyers will back away from submitting an offer and wait for homes to become more affordable for their budget.

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Inflation and the Real Estate Market…What to Expect!

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Inflation and the Real Estate Market…What to Expect!

With our 24/7 news cycle, we are inundated with stories that just keep repeating causing nightmares and constant worry. How many times have you heard the word “inflation” in the last 6 months? Inflation is a loaded word with many implications. This article is focusing on the relationship between inflation and the home you own.

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Time to Reflect

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Time to Reflect

Holidays can bring cheer, generosity, and fellowship, but it can also stir up emotions that have lingered beneath the surface. My articles are bent toward real estate and how we can make better decisions when the situation calls for action. The same is true for what feelings lie beneath the surface as we begin to ponder our lives and well-being.

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I Want to Move…What Choices Do I Have?

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I Want to Move…What Choices Do I Have?

Well, now you have reached that age…you know, that number that says it can’t be you, must be your parents! It is you and now you have some very important decisions to make. Like all of us, with longevity comes issues which are financial, physical changes and financial challenges. We all want our money to last. None of us want to rely on others for our well-being. Staying independent for as long as possible is the goal.

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Moving Checklist For A New City: Packing And Moving For Senior Citizens - Written By Shannon Quantock

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Moving Checklist For A New City: Packing And Moving For Senior Citizens - Written By Shannon Quantock

In life, you’ll face a variety of challenges depending on your age, location, background, and an effectively endless list of other variables. Few things remain constant as you grow older, however, and one of these things is moving house – from buying your first home to moving into your place of retirement, it’s a situation you’ll likely have at one point in your life.

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New Real Estate Market Requires New Strategies

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New Real Estate Market Requires New Strategies

Yes, the real estate market has finally peaked. Since 2016, we have seen 30% increases in property values on average in most areas. That is truly unprecedented in such a relatively short period of time. Record low interest rates (still hovering around 3% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage) as well as a mountain sized group of millennial purchasers have contributed to this real estate owner’s bonanza. Warning: all that goes up…you know the rest. Thankfully we have stability right now in our financial markets. However, buyers are beginning to move to the side lines for two main reasons: first they grew tired of competing with other rabid purchasers and losing out on a home purchase, and second the price points have increased to where the current sticker price is turning young families away from submitting an offer. They want to wait for prices and inventory to trend to their benefit.

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Twelve Questions to Consider When Thinking About a Retirement Community with Life Long Services - Written By Alan S. Wolkenstein, MSW, ACSW

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Twelve Questions to Consider When Thinking About a Retirement Community with Life Long Services - Written By Alan S. Wolkenstein, MSW, ACSW

When a family with an elder(s) or an elder him or her self begins to think about and have conversations with their family about moving to a retirement or independent living community with life long services, these conversations may become uncomfortable and anxiety provoking because they consist of making major changes in home, relationships, and even in family dynamics. We already know that everyone seems to have a slightly different opinion, for those involved directly the stakes are very high, and previous attempts to have such conversations may have not turned out very well. People can feel unsure of themselves and elders may experience that their own wishes may appear disregarded by their children who push for changes to insure a more safe and healthy environment.

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Your Parents Should Move But Are Fighting Change: What To Do?

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Your Parents Should Move But Are Fighting Change: What To Do?

There comes a time when your parents start needing more supervision. At that point, it would be a good idea to have your aging parents move, either to downsize or to be closer to family. But don't expect that this will be a welcome change, at least not right away. Older people struggle with the idea of change to the point of fearing it. Because of fear of change, the brain seeks predictability and avoids uncertainty. For older people, uprooting their lives can be a source of the unknown.

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Am I Going Crazy!

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Am I Going Crazy!

Thoughts are flowing in and out of our brains every few seconds. Some days we can manage them and others it feels like we are out on an island of crazy…all alone! Think how many times in your life you thought you were the only one with anxious moments and dread of the future. You and I both know you are not alone. Especially when it comes to our home and our future.

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