A SHIFTING FAMILY DYNAMIC Couples who divorce in their 20s, 30s, and 40s have very different issues to grapple with from those couples who divorce close to or during retirement age (commonly referred to as “gray divorce”). After age 50, needs and priorities shift and change from what they once were. It is important to distinguish these new needs and priorities and ensure the proper resources are identified and utilized throughout this transition so that separating couples move forward in...
Making a move from one home to another can be an overwhelming task at any age. It can get especially complicated when declining health or safety issues are factors, or when simply attempting to plan for the long-term. When a new chapter in our lives begins, or quality of life issues become a concern, there may be a need to have some frank discussions about the possibility of adjusting the current living situation. Home Renovations Practical home renovations may resolve...
Most people don’t buy a home every day -- it’s a once-or-twice-a-decade activity for many of us as opposed to a day-in-day-out activity. So when you start getting serious about buying, whether it’s your first home or your fourth, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed pretty quickly. Some parts of the process (like searching for a home) have recently become more accessible through technology, but when every buyer has access to the same technology and resources, it’s tough to stand out...
There comes a time in every home owner's life when he or she realizes: “I am not the same person I was when I bought this place.” Maybe your lifestyle or your family configuration has changed, or maybe the house just isn’t as appealing as it was when you signed that ream of paperwork on closing day. If you’re thinking about moving on, then there are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you take the plunge and...
Daydreaming about owning your own home is one of the most intoxicating practices known to modern man, especially now that HGTV and all the house flipping shows make it look like a cake walk. But when the time comes to actually put your money where your daydream is, it can be challenging for first-time buyers especially to understand how a home that doesn’t currently come anywhere close to “dream” status could be whipped into shape -- and how a home...
Buying a home can be an anxiety-ridden process, and that potential anxiety gets amplified for anyone who’s embarking on homeownership for the very first time. There’s so much to do and so much you don’t know that “being overwhelmed” hardly seems like an appropriate description of how it feels. And even though you don’t want to scare yourself away from the entire process, you still need to be wary of falling into a few common traps that first-time buyers generally...
When it comes to buying or selling a home there are many factors you should consider. Where you want to live, why you want to buy or sell, and who will help you along your journey are just some of those factors. When it comes to today’s real estate market, though, the top two factors to consider are what’s happening with interest rates & inventory. Interest Rates Mortgage interest rates have been on the rise and are now over three-quarters of...
It's important to have a good grasp of your home's value at any given time. For most people, their home is the biggest investment they make and may serve as a large percentage of their retirement plan. If you ever use an internet tool to check the value of your home, I recommend using this Home Valuation Tool to stay in-the-know and up-to-date. Based on my research, this tool has a better accuracy rate than others including Zillow, Redfin, and Homebot. Obtaining...
