There’s no doubt about it. Uncertainty is everywhere – in food prices, economic outlooks, and of course, the real estate scene.
If you’re like most people, uncertainty can make you feel uneasy about the future.
But, there’s good news. Uncertainty becomes a lot less worrisome when you have the right professionals by your side. That’s especially true when you have professionals who work in your best interests and are just a call or email away. When it comes to real estate, I hope you consider me that professional.
I’m someone you can rely on — for information, insights, advice, and, when needed, hands-on real estate services. And, I will always keep your best interests first and foremost. So, when you have questions or concerns about what’s happening in the real estate market, or need hands-on real estate services, feel free to give me a call.
Monitoring Devices for Seniors
The 2020s may become known as the decade in which we re-evaluated our homes, and found ways to make them better serve our needs. Part of that assessment has already begun, especially amongst seniors who desire greater independence and want to continue to enjoy comfortable, productive lives in their own homes. Enabling their wishes in as safe an environment as possible often requires support from other family members and/or caregivers. It’s a big responsibility that may be eased somewhat by increased confidence in the latest electronic monitoring devices.
Thanks to improved portability and tracking capabilities, the latest models of these devices are less restrictive and require less input from users. Some types monitor vital statistics such as heart rate or blood pressure. Others track movement from room to room, or doors unlocking, while some even monitor medication schedules or facilitate live one-on-one conversations. With so much technology available to help seniors live in ways they prefer, it’s important to consider all aspects of electronic supervision, and have frank conversations about the costs and benefits of the various options.
The Cure for Cabinet Clutter
When a buyer opens a cabinet door in your kitchen, it’s not an invasion of privacy. The buyer simply wants to get a sense of the available space. So, you can expect some buyers to explore cabinet space, especially in your kitchen and bathrooms.
That’s why making sure cabinet space looks clean, organized and spacious is so important. Consider these tips:
- If you store a lot of items inside a cabinet, make liberal use of storage bins, baskets, and small plastic containers. Clutter doesn’t look like clutter when it’s organized!
- Go through each cabinet and get rid of as many items as possible. Pay particular attention to expired products. If you haven’t used an item for a while, question whether you need to keep it anymore.
- Consider storing some items somewhere else in your home. For example, pack up less used items and store them in a larger closet or other storage space.
- Thoroughly clean cabinets that are prone to odors, such as the ones under the kitchen sink or used for storing food.
Buyers will only give a cabinet space a quick glance, yet they’ll form a lasting impression. Make sure it’s a good one!
Buying the Faraway Home
Shopping for a new home in a distant town, city or neighborhood can be a challenge. It’s especially difficult if getting there requires a very long drive or flight. So, if you’re thinking of moving out-of-town, here are some home shopping tips to consider:
Spend extra time in the neighborhood and surrounding area. Drive the streets. Go for a walk. If possible, chat with neighbors you run into.
Get all the facts you can about the home and surrounding area. You’ll want to take a close look at crime statistics, property turnover, demographics, etc.
Don’t rush your travel plans when going to see a listed home. Try to arrive for the viewing relaxed and energized (rather than stressed and fatigued), so you can see the property in an unhurried manner.
- Schedule a longer than normal viewing appointment. Make sure the seller is aware that you’ll need more time to see and evaluate the home, so they don’t book another appointment too soon after yours.
- Spend extra time in the neighborhood and surrounding area. Drive the streets. Go for a walk. If possible, chat with neighbors you run into.
- Get all the facts you can about the home and surrounding area. You’ll want to take a close look at crime statistics, property turnover, demographics, etc.
- Don’t rush your travel plans when going to see a listed home. Try to arrive for the viewing relaxed and energized (rather than stressed and fatigued), so you can see the property in an unhurried manner.
Following these simple tips can bring you a lot closer to finding your faraway dream home.
