Searching for the ideal retirement venue can feel daunting, given that there are so many variables to consider. One starting point is new research from AARP's Public Policy Institute. It recently announced the 100 top-scoring livable communities across the U.S., a part of the AARP Livability Index™ Top 100.

Has the pandemic has made you reevaluate your living arrangements? Are you considering establishing a multigenerational household or continuing to maintain an existing one in your post-pandemic life? You’re not alone. The lifestyle option is gaining ground. For one, it can benefit every generation by minimizing seniors’ sense of isolation ( https://on.wsj.com/3dvcnAZ ), helping millennials who are struggling with student loan debt, allowing grandkids to bond with grandparents, and giving baby boomers a hand either financially or with childcare or both. The National Association of REATORS®

Affordable housing is a challenge facing people of all ages but is acutely painful to seniors on limited incomes in high-cost markets. Even in cases where seniors can afford a home of their own, they may prefer aging in place in smaller quarters closer to family members. A space that includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and living area may be more than enough to meet many seniors’ needs. And if the unit is located on a son or daughter’s property, family members can work together to support each other’s needs. For example, grandma can babysit the grandkids while her daughter grabs

Stay-at-home orders during the pandemic have given people a chance to take a close look at their homes. Some are seeing flaws. Lots of them. For clients who have decided that they want to make their homes more functional and aesthetically pleasing, give them some insight on remodeling trends by sharing Fixr’s “ 2020 Single-Family Home Construction and Remodeling Trends” https://bit.ly/2LIyeq6 . Fixr surveyed construction industry professionals, including architects, builders, and sustainability professionals, to get their take on the top single-family home trends. Here are some highlights

Specialists in senior moves can provide valuable services during challenging transitions. It’s imperative, however, that you like, trust, and “click” with this individual. They will be helping you work through some pretty tough tasks, so make sure you are comfortable with them from the beginning. Ideally, interview more than one candidate, in person, and discuss these topics: Credentials Have they received special training or passed a qualifying exam? Senior move specialists may hold a several certifications, including (but not limited to) these organizations: NASMM – National Association of

So, you’ve decided to move into a new community. You’ve packed the essentials and said hello to your new sanctuary. Once all the hustle and bustle of moving is over, what’s next? An adventure is what’s next. Now is the time to explore your new habitat and find the cool opportunities that your living space has to offer. This is the next and best chapter of your life. Types of Communities and Amenities There are numerous communities that are geared towards people of the same age and interests. Active retirement communities ( https://www.55places.com ) offer various activities and amenities to

When interviewing potential assisted living facilities, it’s a good idea to have a standard list of questions to ask each one so you can make relevant comparisons. This may include: What levels of care does this facility offer? What abilities and degrees of self-sufficiency are required of residents? What happens when these abilities change? Do you conduct an initial patient health assessment before admission? How often are assessments repeated? Are they written and available for the family’s review? What is your staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night? Is a nurse on-site around-the

Few cities are prepared to accommodate the needs of an aging population, says Age-Forward Cities for 2030, a report by the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging, a Santa Monica, Calif., think tank. Many cities lack the housing, design, service, economic opportunity, transit and amenities to address seniors’ needs. That’s despite the fact that by 2030 those over the age of 60 will outnumber those under the age of 10, Creative senior programs So when you’re looking at a prospective retirement city, look closely at its long-term plan for an aging population and how well it addresses

If you’re interested in selling your home—or your parents’ home—you probably already know that it’s essential to do everything you can to make the house appealing to buyers. Decluttering, cleaning, and staging are all excellent ways to help a house shine and receive top dollar. If, however, you’re planning to sell a home that has been occupied by smokers, you face a unique set of challenges. A Canadian study of real estate professionals found that cigarette smoke odors can reduce a home’s resale value by up to 29 percent. Further, more than a quarter of buyers won’t even consider buying a home

Has it been a decade or two since you moved into your current home? Are you now planning to sell it? If yes, it’s a good idea to learn about today’s buyers, what they want, and the steps you can take to help sell your home for the best possible price. For example, if your interior walls showcase paint colors that were trendy decades ago, a substantial number of buyers no longer share your taste. “Let them repaint the walls,” you say. “That’s what I did!” Yes, paint is indeed a relatively easy cosmetic update. However, you’re also assuming that buyers will take time to use their imagination