SRES® Blog

1. Start with the easy stuff. Eliminate anything that’s broken, damaged, or no longer wanted. Then, go to the out-of-the-way spaces like attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Progress in these "easier" parts of your home will help you build momentum and tackle the harder-to-decide areas. 2. Ask yourself, "If this disappeared tomorrow, would I run out and replace it?" If you wouldn't miss it or need to replace it, it's probably not worth keeping. 3. Don't be a storage unit for others. If friends or relatives have left things for you to store, it's time to ask them to pick up their possessions—or

When the Coronavirus news started spreading, normal people took steps to protect themselves and their families. Scammers spotted an opportunity. They’ve already capitalized on people’s fears with fake ads, phishing emails, and promises of miracle cures. So in addition to guarding your health, you also have to protect your computer and your wallet. Beware of links Don’t click on links from information sources you don’t know. Even if someone says they’re sending important health updates, be suspicious. Someone may be trying to install malware on your computer to steal your personal information

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

Moving senior parents or loved ones across the country can be fraught with overwhelming logistical challenges, to-do lists, and unanticipated glitches. In such circumstances, it’s easy to overlook the emotional well-being of the family member who’s moving. But to make the transition smoother, it’s important to consider the person’s anxiety and misgivings, whether it’s a fear of the unknown, a sense of loss, or coming to terms with losing some independence. When sisters Rachel Wineberg-Kaufman of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, and Johanna Kellman of Naples, FL, started planning a move from Chicago to

For scam artists, separating victims from their money is a full-time job. Unfortunately, they're very committed to and good at it. People reported losing $1.48 billion to fraud in 2018 – a 38% rise over 2017 – says Protecting Older Consumers 2017-2018: A Report of the Federal Trade Commission. No demographic group is immune, and scammers target everyone, from 20-somethings to seniors. But people aged 50-plus, particularly seniors, are uniquely appealing targets. Why? Seniors have nest eggs, own their homes, and have good credit, according to the FBI. It's also a group that tends to be more

As a family, you have decided that it makes sense to all live under one roof. The benefits of cohabitation are endless. Time to bond and create great memories that all family members will cherish forever could be the motivation. Also, everyday activities with your rambunctious grandchildren at your side make life much more enjoyable. This is an example of multigenerational housing and is a great option that allows various generations of family members to live under one roof. Not only will this type of housing help families financially, but it is also comforting for people to have their aging

It’s no secret that the reverse mortgage has been on the rise lately. For those aged 62 and older, it can mean the difference between buying a home they think they can afford, and buying a home they love.

When you read the news today, it’s hard not to come across an article mentioning the growing Artificial Intelligence market, and other technological improvements. While a robotic future can be interesting to think about, have you ever thought that robots may just be the future of aging not only in the U.S., but across the world as well?