The top reasons for baby boomers staying put include:
No need to move (79%)
Close to family (34%)
Too expensive to move (33%)
Low crime (25%)
Weather or climate (18%)
Interest rates (12%)
But 68% of boomers live in homes over 30 years old or more, and many have done no renovations—nor do they intend to—according to the report. For example, among those who have lived in their home for more than 25 years, 85% have no plans to add safety or accessibility features, 83% say they aren’t planning to replace the furnace or air conditioner, 80% won’t replace roofing or siding, and 67% aren’t upgrading large appliances. They’re essentially living in time capsules, and that’s a problem for them and future generations. “The housing market is caught in a generational tug-of-war,” says Jon Bostock, Leaf Home’s CEO.
For the residents, the homes are missing critical safety and accessibility features, and future buyers will be burdened with renovating these dated properties. “With an aging and ignored inventory of homes available in the next decade, we may see a crisis that will overwhelm the home improvement industry and strain the budgets of inheriting millennials, impacting the housing market,” he adds.
Design for future needs
The 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study emphasizes the importance of designing with longevity in mind and accommodating aging household members’ future and current needs. It found respondents attuned to aging-in-place renovations in the kitchen, and more than half of homeowners (52%) anticipate special needs arising within the next five years.
Among renovating homeowners, 27% said special needs in the kitchen were the reason to renovate, and 36% did so to address future needs. Twenty-eight percent said they expect a future need to arise in the next 12 months, and 51% anticipate a need to emerge in the next five-plus years.
Those renovating for aging purposes looked to universal design elements to introduce safety and functionality with features like pullout cabinets (58%), extra lighting (54%), and wide drawer pulls (48%).
Other changes to accommodate aging in place were:
Nonslip floors (37%)
Rounded countertops (34%)
Wheelchair-accessible doorways/pathways (22%)
Lower fixtures (14%)
Lower countertop height (5%)
Houzz also found that more homeowners (54%) prefer to replace all appliances during a renovation. Though not explicitly chosen for aging-in-place reasons, renovating homeowners are increasingly picking appliances with high-tech capabilities. For example, 30% chose appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, and 29% opted for models that can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet.
Such models can enhance seniors’ quality of life. For instance, they allow remote control and monitoring so homeowners can manage appliances remotely or from another room. Moreover, certain refrigerators include features such as food expiration monitoring and automatic grocery list creation that streamline to-do lists. Additionally, newer appliances are more energy efficient, which benefits the environment and reduces utility bills.
Community safety is something that we should take seriously. Even within our own neighborhoods, there is much that we can do to ensure the safety of our friends, family, and children. Today’s tips can help you have an impact on all, presented by the Living in Charlottesville Blog.
Stay Engaged
Getting involved in community events and happenings is a great way to know what’s going on so that you can make better decisions when it’s time to plan for safety. Look for community engagement opportunities so you can voice your opinions, questions, and concerns
Report Issues to Your HOA
If you live in an organized community, such as a named neighborhood or mixed-use development, chances are you have a homeowner association. This is an entity that is responsible for common ground maintenance, security, and amenities repair. Make sure that everyone in your neighborhood has the HOA contact information so that you can all report issues as needed.
Work with Community Leaders to Improve Street Safety
The average speed limit in Virginia is 25 mph, according to Virginia Roads. This is not always the ideal speed for a community, however. In neighborhoods where children or pets are likely to run out into the street at any given moment, slower speeds might be more appropriate. Work with your community leaders to reduce speed limits and take other safety measures, such as adding speed bumps, stop signs, and adequate lighting.
Know Your Neighbors
Community safety is the number one reason that the American Advisors Group says you should get to know your neighbors. Further, those who live in your area can help make your neighborhood more environmentally friendly.
Invite a Police Presence
According to Rutgers University, a single positive police interaction can have a significant and long-lasting effect on members of a community. Invite local police officers to your neighborhood to engage with families and children. You might, for example, host a barbecue or a neighborhood sports competition where policemen serve as judges.
Encourage Lighting and Landscaping
While there are many factors that influence community safety, adequate landscaping is one that is up to each individual. Host awareness days or ask your HOA to crack down on uncapped yards. News station WBRC explains that an overgrown lawn invites pests, such as snakes and rats, into the neighborhood.
Plan Community Cleanup Days
A dirty neighborhood may not necessarily be unsafe, but neat and tidy streets lend to the feeling of safety in all areas. Hosting a community cleanup day not only gets unwanted rubbish off the road, it can also give the members of your neighborhood a sense of ownership in the place they call home outside of the confines of their yard. Community cleanup days further give you a valuable opportunity to meet the neighbors and put more eyes on the condition of the lighting and landscaping.
We all want to feel safe where we live. It’s up to us as individuals and communities as a whole to ensure that our spaces are safe, happy, and healthy. From maintaining an open line of communication with your homeowner association to hosting community cleanup days, the above are just a few valuable tips that can help you create a better place to call home.
Living in Charlottesville Blog has all the tips and information you need about the greatest city out there. If you have any questions, please email sabrina@sabrinathompson.com.
I received this wonderful article written by Alice Robertson of Tidyhome info
Updating your workspace at home to make it a clean, comfortable place to spend time is a great way to boost your productivity and your mood, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Not only are there several budget-friendly decorating ideas you can choose from, you can also utilize simple tricks and additions to make the area feel bigger or to enhance its health benefits. Think about what your biggest stressors are while working from home and what you can do to reduce them, then set some goals and do some research on different tools and equipment that will make the process easier.
Consider a standing desk
Although working from home is typically more comfortable than being stuck in an office all day, you might still be tethered to a desk. Sitting for several hours at a time can be detrimental to your health, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other things. Not only that, it can leave you with back pain that makes it nearly impossible to get comfortable. Investing in a standing desk is a great way to stay healthy while you work, and it can also help you stay more productive. If you don’t have much room in your workspace, look for a standing desk that folds so you can put it away at the end of the day.
Add some greenery
While working at a standing desk can be better for your physical health, it’s important not to overlook your mental health. Working from home can be better for your schedule, but many people struggle with the pressures of getting work done while also taking care of family responsibilities. Taking breaks throughout the day while sticking to a regimented schedule can help, as can adding some plants to your space. Studies have shown that having plants around lowers stress and anxiety and boosts concentration, making them the perfect accessory for your home office. Just make sure the ones you choose are pet-friendly if you have animals in the house.
Add light and color
Another important component for an office that contributes to your mental health is the addition of light and color. If you don’t have a window in the space, add some task lighting that’s easy on the eyes and pop a couple of mirrors on the wall to enhance the effect. If you do have a window, open the curtains and let in as much natural light as possible. Not only is vitamin D good for your health, it will help you cut utility costs too. Looking for the perfect wall color? Utilize an online paint tool that will help you pick the right one for your walls. If the room is on the smaller side, stick with lighter colors to help things feel bigger.
Get organized
No workspace would be complete without some organization, so once you have the lighting taken care of, look for simple ways you can make the workday less stressful. Digitize as much as possible to cut down on paperwork, and utilize some online resources and apps to stay on track with projects or to maintain your productivity. Get rid of clutter around the room by using smart storage pieces that work within the space, such as floating shelves or dual-purpose furniture.
Giving your home office space an update can be beneficial on several levels, so come up with a realistic budget and think about what kinds of changes will do the most good. With a few low-cost steps, you can turn your home workspace into a bright, comfortable area that boosts your mental and physical health.
I read this great article about what is hot and what is not.
Great ideas for energy efficient upgrades that buyers are looking for.
Top Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Buyers Are Looking for in 2018
By Kaitlin Krull
RISMEDIA, Wednesday, February 07, 2018— Editor’s Note: This was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall. See what else is cookin’ now at blog.rismedia.com:
As a real estate professional, it’s imperative that you keep up with the latest housing trends. After all, the features that buyers are looking for are constantly changing. If you want to stay relevant in a competitive real estate market, you’ll need to keep your ear to the ground and understand how your buyer works. In 2018, buyers are looking for homes that have been designed with the environment in mind, specifically with an increased capacity for energy efficiency and sustainability. Here are the energy-efficient upgrades that buyers are looking for this year:
Smart Tech Upgrades
Home automation has finally reached mass distribution for residential consumers. Many homes are now equipped with smart technology, such as home hubs, smart lighting systems, energy meters and thermostats, security systems, and other appliances. Because these devices learn your individual preferences and can be linked together for peak performance, they can actually help homeowners save money on energy bills. In 2018, buyers want homes equipped with the latest smart tech devices.
New and Updated Solar Panels
It’s no surprise that homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without, but the latest developments in renewable technology mean that just having rooftop panels isn’t good enough anymore for eco-conscious buyers. However, by upgrading existing units to incorporate a more streamlined look and efficient performance, homeowners can make their already eco-friendly properties more enticing for potential buyers. This can be done by investing in integrated solar roof tiles or battery storage systems (both of which were introduced by motoring company Tesla in the past few years) in order to prepare a solar-clad home for the future and attract buyers.
Natural Materials and Furnishings
As far as interior design is concerned, the simplicity of Scandinavian design is still trending. Here are some of the hallmarks of this minimalist style:
Natural elements such as untreated wood, bamboo, wicker and other natural textiles
Chemical-free paints and fabrics
Sustainably-sourced materials like FSC certified wood
The most eco-friendly homes are better for the environment in nearly every way. Buyers with a vested interest in design trends and a serious passion for the environment will go to great lengths for a home with these kinds of features.
Ultra Efficient Windows and Doors
Although windows and doors aren’t exactly the most exciting part of a property, they make a difference in the minds of environmentally-conscious buyers. New energy-efficient windows equipped with two or three panes of glass offer added insulation, security and soundproofing for a home. They can also substantially lower energy bills. These multiple layers of glass—when coupled with low-emissivity coatings and insulating gases—can prevent heat from entering the home in summer and escaping in winter. This is a particularly useful upgrade for older buildings, and you can bet that buyers will notice when a period home has had its windows tastefully upgraded.
Sustainable Design
This applies more to new builds, but it’s worth noting that the design of a home can affect its energy efficiency rating in a significant way. Homes that have natural shade, for example, will generally stay cooler in the summer than homes that have no surrounding trees or shrubbery. A home’s exterior can also affect privacy and noise pollution levels. Although eco-conscious buyers have embraced the idea of passive design for new buildings, they will still be interested in existing properties that take steps toward increased sustainability in other ways (i.e., by improving landscaping to add shade and privacy or installing shutters and awnings to minimize solar heat gain).
Current trends certainly suggest that eco-friendly living is here to stay, so buyers will only become more attracted by energy-efficient homes as time goes on. Therefore, it is crucial that real estate professionals understand the best ways to make a home more energy-efficient and the ways in which these upgrades can positively affect buyers. Just remember to keep an eye on developments across the industry, since technology changes at lightning speeds.
I had my crawl space encapsulated this past spring. There should be no frozen pipes for me. Here are 3 tips to think about for the coming colder weather.
by Elyse Umlauf Adapted from a previous edition of The REsource newsletter
Here are three steps the American Red Cross suggests taking before winter starts to prevent frozen pipes.
1. Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines. Also drain and store outdoor hoses.
2. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs and open the outside hose bibs to let water drain. Keep the outside valve open to let any remaining water expand without breaking the pipe.
3. Look for water supply lines in unheated areas – the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets – and insulate those pipes.
Eighty million households in America own at least one pet—that’s a lot of animals! Some housing markets are more pet-friendly than others, with more pet care businesses and providers available than in other areas.
Based on those criteria, WalletHub.com compiled the top 10 “Most Pet-Friendly Cities” in the country:
1. Orlando, Fla.
2. Birmingham, Ala.
3. Tampa, Fla.
4. Lexington, Ky.
5. Scottsdale, Ariz.
6. Reno, Nev.
7. Colorado Springs, Colo.
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Las Vegas, Nev.
10. St. Louis, Mo.
Orlando comes in at No. 1 for its high density of veterinarians—65.6 per every 100,000 residents. Orlando also boasts the highest density of pet-related businesses, at 172.25 per 100,000 residents.
Scottsdale, Ariz., No. 5 on the list, has the highest number animal shelters per 100,000 residents: 6.26.
Many markets not in the top 10 are pet-friendly, as well—the least expensive pet care costs can be found in Stockton, Calif., where a veterinary visit averages just $32.92, and the least expensive dog insurance premiums ($21.63 per month) can be found in St. Paul, Minn., also not in the top 10.
To find out how pet-friendly your city is, visit WalletHub.com/edu/most-pet-friendly-cities/5562/.
Source: WalletHub
For more real estate information, including a FREE Home Market Analysis and Market Area Statistics, please contact me at Sabrina@SabrinaThompson.com or on my mobile phone at 434 981-2407.
I can’t believe Charlottesville is NOT on this list.
The Top Markets for Pet Owners
Eighty million households in America own at least one pet—that’s a lot of animals! Some housing markets are more pet-friendly than others, with more pet care businesses and providers available than in other areas.
Based on those criteria, WalletHub.com compiled the top 10 “Most Pet-Friendly Cities” in the country:
1. Orlando, Fla.
2. Birmingham, Ala.
3. Tampa, Fla.
4. Lexington, Ky.
5. Scottsdale, Ariz.
6. Reno, Nev.
7. Colorado Springs, Colo.
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
9. Las Vegas, Nev.
10. St. Louis, Mo.
Orlando comes in at No. 1 for its high density of veterinarians—65.6 per every 100,000 residents. Orlando also boasts the highest density of pet-related businesses, at 172.25 per 100,000 residents.
Scottsdale, Ariz., No. 5 on the list, has the highest number animal shelters per 100,000 residents: 6.26.
Many markets not in the top 10 are pet-friendly, as well—the least expensive pet care costs can be found in Stockton, Calif., where a veterinary visit averages just $32.92, and the least expensive dog insurance premiums ($21.63 per month) can be found in St. Paul, Minn., also not in the top 10.
To find out how pet-friendly your city is, visit WalletHub.com/edu/most-pet-friendly-cities/5562/.
Source: WalletHub
Sabrina M. Thompson
Associate Broker
Long & Foster Realtors -Old Ivy
"Licensed to sell Real Estate in Virginia"
350 Old Ivy Way, Charlottesville, Va 22903
434 981-2407 (Cell) 434 260-5355 (Office)
Eighty million households in America own at least one pet—that’s a lot of animals! Some housing markets are more pet-friendly than others, with more pet care businesses and providers available than in other areas.
"Living in Charlottesville" Blog ....................... by Sabrina M. Thompson 