When to sell the family home

Should I go, or should I stay?
That is a question that many people who are looking at retirement are asking themselves. Many future retirees look around their homes that they have lived in for 20 or 30 years or more and look at all they have accumulated–the big yards with the swings for the kids and grandkids, maybe a pool or tennis court, too. While it was all fun at one time entertaining family and friends, you may think it is time to enjoy life a little more and have more “me” time for travel, hobbies, reading, or start a new career as an entrepreneur.
“Should I go or should I stay” may mean downsizing or rightsizing–moving to a smaller home, downsizing or rightsizing to that perfect community condo for 55-plus with activities and everything provided for you, even housekeeping. Although most of the future retirees are not ready for that type of living, those who are will find freedom of yardwork, home maintenance, decluttering, and more time for family and themselves.
Many of the baby boomers (born 1946 to 1964), with the youngest boomers turning 55 in 2019, will see inheritances to fuel big-ticket items, cars, homes, home improvement, travel, and more. Most may keep working because they want to continue to contribute to society and find meaning in their own lives – work does that for them.
As you consider should I go or should I stay, finances will also be something to be aware of.
For example, if you still owe on the mortgage and would like to retire soon, focus on paying off the mortgage, which will free up more income. Wait to take Social Security at full retirement age, save more, work a little longer to get where you want to be.
Make a list of why you want to move, pros and cons. For example, move to be near family–that would be a pro. Would it more expensive to move to another state or city or 55-plus community? That, of course, would be a con. Will you sell one of your cars? Will you need two cars and a truck? Make a list of all your expenses you have with your home: Mortgage, taxes/insurance, utilities, food, yard care, home maintenance, miscellaneous.
If you decide that you want to stay in your current home, consider what will be involved to age in place to keep your independence: Hand rails in showers, door handles instead of knobs, wider hallways, get rid of the rugs to avoid tripping. Safety is important, as well. Is the neighborhood safe, is the neighborhood looking good and bringing good values if you sell, or is it starting to look worn and uncared for? Making improvements for staying in your home will be costly. Make sure you look at all your options.
As the public and the government realize that the population 65 and older is expected to grow from 48 million to 79 million, housing is being built by developers for 55 and older. Some are independent, some communities have independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Full-time nutritionists, nursing staff, fitness coordinators, restaurants, bowling alleys, bars and many activities. These communities may not be affordable to the majority of hard-working individuals that have worked for 40 years at their jobs. As the demand for housing increases, so will the prices of 55-plus communities.

 

Debbie Ruvo, who wrote this article, has been a licensed Realtor since 1994 in Washington and is the managing broker/owner of 55+ Real Estate Services.

Low-impact exercise has long-term benefits, physically and emotionally

Water aerobics and swimming put zero stress on joints while strengthening shoulders and improving lung capacity.

Maintaining our physical health as we age is an important part of overall well-being. Making activity part of our daily routine becomes more vital as we age, but can also be more difficult.

For most, engaging in 30 minutes of moderate activity each day can have numerous long-term benefits. There are a variety of low-impact exercises and activities that can be beneficial for seniors. Low-impact exercise can elevate the heart rate, which in turn has physical health benefits.

While it is typically easier to participate in these less rigorous types of exercise, older adults should always talk to their doctor before starting a new program.

Types of low-impact exercise can include:

Walking.

One of the benefits of walking is that, unlike running, it’s easier on the joints. Plus, it doesn’t require any special equipment or a gym membership. With a comfortable pair of tennis shoes and a smooth pathway, someone can start this right away. For the most benefit, keeping a brisk pace for at least 15 to 20 minutes is important.

Swimming.

What’s better than minimal stress on the joints? No stress at all. Swimming provides a number of benefits, including strengthened shoulders and increased lung capacity. Seniors can also take part in water aerobics or walk on underwater treadmills.

Yoga.

From improving flexibility and coordination to strengthening your core, there’s very little that yoga doesn’t do. Additionally, yoga has been shown to improve mood, focus, and overall mental well-being.

Pilates.

This exercise allows for very slow and concise movements, designed to improve posture and flexibility. Like yoga, Pilates are known to improve mental well-being.

Cycling.

With the proper safety measure in place (including a helmet, shin pads, and appropriate configurations), cycling can do wonders for not only the cardiovascular system but also the joints and various muscle groups.

Weight training.

Weight training can be done at home, with small free weights or even moderately heavy objects that you can grip easily, or at a fitness center. Consistent repetition is key, as is advancing to heavier weights over time.

Leg raises.

These can be done at home with no equipment. Simply stand behind a chair, and while holding on to the back of the chair, move one leg to the side and then back. Repeating this, with different variations, can help strengthen lower back and thigh muscles.

Dancing.

In recent years, there has been a rise in dance class enrollment – and for good reason. The constant movement in dancing classes can help circulation and flexibility. Attending these classes can also provide great opportunities to socialize and connect with others.

 

Source: Comfort Keepers, a provider of in-home senior care.

Metro’s transit-to-trails rides catching on

Passengers with a passion for hiking boarded Trailhead Direct for more than 17,500 hikes in 2019 in the second season of the two-year pilot project co-led by King County Metro and King County Parks, a 75 percent increase from 2018.

The transit-to-trails service added a fourth route this season starting at the Tukwila International Boulevard Station. Ridership from Sound Transit’s Capitol Hill Link light rail station to Mount Si more than doubled, officials reported.

Trailhead Direct started with a single-route feasibility test in 2017 in response to dangerous overcrowding and illegal parking at popular trailheads. Metro and parks officials launched a two-year pilot project in 2018 with additional funding from the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Benefit District. REI Co-op and Cliff Bar and Company helped fund outreach and promotion.

Metro and the Parks Department are considering options for continuing the service next season, which will likely require a similar public-private partnership.

Hikers board one of Metro’s Trailhead Direct vehicles for a ride to Mount Si and other trail destinations in King County.

Pierce County has received permission from state authorities to move to Phase 2 of the statewide coronavirus reopening plan, meaning restaurants, retail stores and some other merchants can start returning to normal business.

Officials announced Friday that the state Department of Health had approved the county’s formal request earlier in the week to move to Phase 2, effective immediately.

Activities allowed under Phase 2, with restrictions, include restaurants at 50 percent capacity, in-store retail at 30 percent capacity and the re-opening of hair salons, barbers, and other personal-grooming services.

Businesses must meet all safety and health requirements that have been ordered by the state in response to the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, tables in restaurants and bars must be at least six feet apart to allow for social-distancing between customers. Businesses also are urged by health authorities to require customers to wear cloth masks.

The county is expected to remain in Phase 2 for at least three weeks and can apply to move to the next phase when certain levels of COVID-19 cases have been achieved.

County Executive Bruce Dammeier said “our residents’ hard work to social-distance and abide by best practices” has been rewarded with the advance to Phase 2. Previously, businesses were either closed or limited to takeout or curbside service.

The county formally applied to the state June 2 for Phase 2 status.

Also this week, the county supplied businesses, non-profit organizations, and churches with 2 million masks and 20,000 digital thermometers. The items were free. Their cost was covered by federal emergency funding.

Churches continue to be limilted to drive-in spiritual services. “Faith is so important at all times, but especially during times of crisis and difficulty. This unique drive-in service option will allow people to come together,” said Governor Jay Inslee said.