Rising Student Loan Debt Linked to Housing Crisis?

June 30th, 2012

As Alex reported 6/30/2012 on Property Source Radio.
Realtor.org – Daily Real Estate News | Tues June 26, 2012
News Sponsored by WNYopenhouse.com
———————————————————————————————–—–

The housing slump is one of the culprits behind rising student loan debt, suggests an analysis of government data by the National Association of Home Builders.

The study reveals a shift in borrowing for higher education costs due to the housing crisis and the drop in home prices. As home prices dropped across the nation, home owners found there was less availability of home equity loans, which traditionally were often used by parents to finance higher education costs of their children. As such, more students had to take out student loans on their own, the study notes.

“The rising student loan debt problem is another consequence of the housing downturn,” says Barry Rutenberg, NAHB chairman. “As more and more parents face tighter budget restraints as a result of lower home values, this is forcing an increasing number of students to take out loans for tuition, essentially shifting some of the burden of paying for college from parents to students.”

Outstanding student loan debt has risen 47.9 percent or by $293 million since the third quarter of 2008.

“The sharp rise in student loans is due to the end of accessible home equity loans, as a result of home price declines preceding, during and after the Great Recession,” the report notes.

The report continues that “this issue is once again a reminder of the importance of housing wealth for the middle class. When that wealth declines, or otherwise becomes inaccessible (as is the case with home equity loans), it causes significant changes for the economy as a whole.”

View the report at the NAHB web site.

Source: “The Connection Between Student Loans and Housing,” The National Association of Home Builders (June 2012)

Posted in Financing, Property Source Radio, Radio News | Comments Off

Vacation-Home Buyers are Back

June 23rd, 2012

As Alex reported 6/23/2012 on Property Source Radio.
Realtor.org – Daily Real Estate News | Tues June 19, 2012
News Sponsored by WNYopenhouse.com
———————————————————————————————–—–

Real estate practitioners in vacation spots across the country say the market for second homes is picking up steam as buyers grow more confident given signs of growth in small businesses.

The National Association of REALTORS® reports a 7 percent jump in vacation sales to 502,000 last year, accounting for 11 percent of all volume.  The median vacation home price was $121,000 last year, down from a peak of $204,100 in 2005, but agents in some locales say prices are beginning to creep up as the distressed inventory is moved out.

Vacation-home buyers are snapping up higher-priced properties, although Jennifer Calenda of Michael Saunders & Co. in Southwest Florida says prices are not necessarily on the rise.  With inventory hitting a seven-year low of 4.7 months in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties, she says buyers “are saying ‘we better hurry up.’”

Inventory is so scarce in some markets that some real estate professionals report multiple offers; and with prices probably at the bottom, Trulia economist Jed Kolko says people ready to make a cash purchase or who can qualify for low mortgage rates should strongly consider buying now.

Source: “Vacation Home Buyers Return, Pick Pricier Properties,” Investor’s Business Daily (06/15/12)

Check our local Waterfront Listings on Property Source!

Posted in Property Source Radio, Radio News, Real Estate | Comments Off

All Bets Are Off–In Six Months…Who Knows…But now!!!

June 13th, 2012

By Rich Levin

It’s an election year.  Have you noticed?  Rumor has it that if Obama wins one set of things will happen and if Romney wins a different set of things will happen.  Either way, it feels like things will change.  Let’s all hope for the better.  Although for home Buyers it won’t get any better than it is right now.  For home Sellers better means that they will get more for their homes.  This is good for Sellers.  Better means that interest rates will rise.  This is good for the mortgage lenders.  But for the Buyers soft prices and low rates, the signs of this struggling economy make this the best time to buy.

And Buyers know it.  They are out in the market.  Houses are selling faster although not necessarily for more money.  In some price ranges Buyers are competing for houses; bidding prices higher.  In the next price range, just $10,000 or $20,000 higher or lower houses are languishing on the market with little activity.

“This is the type of Real Estate market that two years from now everybody is going to say, “I wish I had bought then.”

Financing

Interest rates are remaining around or below 4% on residential mortgage loans. Mortgage money is available with five percent down or less.  The Buyers do need to have steady employment, and a reasonable credit rating. The days of Buyers needing to prove employment, have some cash on hand and credit worthiness have returned.

Requiring stability of employment, credit and some cash is not the banks being cautious.  It is the way lenders have made decisions since paper money was invented.  Bottom line, solid Buyers can get the best rates and buy at what I believe is at or near the bottom of the market.

Inventory, Foreclosures & Pricing

Foreclosure properties are being purchased at a much higher rate as first time home Buyers and investors in market after market are deciding that we are near enough to bottom.

This Buyer and investor activity will create its own momentum.  As more Buyers and investors choose to buy the demand they create will stabilize and lead to market appreciation.

As Real Estate Agents you need to decide if you are comfortable recommending that this is the time for Buyers to buy, that prices may be at or near the bottom.  I suggest that we are at or near the bottom and the Buyers you encourage to buy over the next few months will be forever grateful for your advice.

Some Considerations

The Real Estate market, specifically for residential homes is typically not a speculative market.  The vast majority of people buy a house to live in it as their home, not to resell it for a profit.  Over the last forty years Buyers have come to expect that their home will build equity and appreciate in value.  But, the decision to buy is usually based on factors other than anticipated appreciation.  Buyers want to own the space in which they live.  The fact that this is a fabulous time to make that decision just makes the decision easier.

There is a continuous demand in most markets.  People graduate from school, get better jobs, get married and divorced, have children, upgrade and downsize, among dozens of other reasons that new Buyers come on the market.  These life events keep occurring.  However over the past few years many Buyers have paused.  They still want to buy but they are waiting.  Historically when there is a time that Buyers are reluctant to buy for any reason this creates a pent up demand.

As Buyers realize that it is a good time to buy but not necessarily for Sellers to sell; demand will begin to absorb and exceed supply.  Over the next year or two the additional demand is likely to lead to a Seller’s market.  Because of the severity and magnitude of the current housing supply this turn to a Seller’s market will likely be gradual.

Inflation: The X Factor

I remember a rapidly inflationary period.  I remember it for a funny reason.  I used to drink a lot of Coca Cola.  One day when I put a quarter into the machine to vend my Coke I realized that it was going to cost me forty cents.  Soon after that it was fifty cents and within five years it was seventy five cents.  Now it is at least a dollar.  This is inflation.  Your money buys less and the cost of what you buy increases.

If you owned Real Estate during this same period you were very happy because the property you owned in 1981 also doubled in price or more by 1986.  That is true even if you didn’t live in a highly populated area.  This inflationary period did not discriminate by locale.

Are we on the verge of another inflationary surge?  I don’t know.  I have been reading what I can find on this and it seems to be a largely ignored topic.  The people in our government and financial institutions openly talk about having little control.  I think about the trillions of dollars worldwide being spent on bailouts.  The definition of inflation is when the amount of money in circulation increases and the available goods decreases.  It seems to me that is what is happening.

If inflation does devalue our money then house prices, along with the price of almost all other hard goods will increase and this year’s Buyers are going to get benefit tremendously.

First Time Buyers and Investors

FIRST TIME BUYERS THIS IS YOUR TIME!

Another group that I am encouraging to buy now is investors of residential rental property.  Investors still have to do their investment analysis.  They still have to carefully look at occupancy and vacancy rates.  In other words, investors have to make smart, calculated buying decisions.  This is always the case.

The reason it is a good time for these investors is because the market is soft.  Rents are increasing, often by large amounts.  As long as there has not been a population exodus in your community, that is, as long as people are choosing to live in your community and employment is stable, the rental property is going to sustain value.  At the same time market conditions right now, with more challenging underwriting standards and only those who really need to sell putting their property on the market creates the opportunity all investors are looking for, buy low, particularly those with cash.

Get in the Game

One of my sons just closed on a new home for his family.  My other son is getting his Real Estate license because he is seeing so many people around him buying.  My Clients are Real Estate Agents all over the country that I coach and teach.  Selling multi-million dollar homes in Long Island, Southern California, half-Million dollar homes in thousands of places or sixty thousand dollar homes in rural and urban areas Real Estate Agent are busier than they have been in years.  The market is changing.  It will not be this good for Buyers forever.  Take advantage now, in six months, all bets are off.

Rich Levin is a Real Estate Coach with Clients across North America.  For information contact Rich at 585-244-2700 or rich@richlevin.com.  Website: www.RichLevin.com

Posted in Real Estate, Rich Levin - Real Estate Coach | Comments Off

What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?

June 13th, 2012

Nearly everyone wishes to age in place as they grow older. But often, the spacious family house becomes too burdensome, financially and physically, to maintain for individuals over 50.

Trying to determine your next step? It can entail a complex set of decisions relating to finances, ideal over 50 housing locations and property types, as well as anticipating future needs as you or your loved ones age.

Enter the Seniors Real Estate Specialist®.

Seniors Real Estate Specialists® or SRES® designees are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+. The SRES® Council awards the SRES® Designation to those members who have successfully completed its education program.

By earning the SRES® Designation, your agent has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home. SRES® agents have received special training, get regular updates, and are prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life changing decisions.

Training for the SRES® designation covers a range of topics including:

• Distinguishing characteristics and trends of the 50+ market

• Evaluating your market area attractiveness to the 50+ market

• Learning the application of federal laws for Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA)

• Understanding the issues and priorities of the 50+ client when counseling buyers and sellers, showing properties, and managing transactions

• Learning how to assemble a team of experts to help serve 50+ clients

• Learning the uses, benefits, procedures, and issues involved in reverse mortgages

• Learning about uses of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions

• Understanding how Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security impact 50+ real estate decisions

• Recognizing mortgage finance and loan schemes and scams that victimize 50+ borrowers

• Recognizing how a home can be adapted for safety, comfort, and aging in place

• Learning how to help clients integrate disposition of real property into estate plans

SRES® Designees can consult with you to review your current housing situation and outline the topics to weigh as you consider your next move. They can provide pertinent information to help you with every step while you’re exploring your options and determine the very best place to call home.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Politicians Protect Fly-by-Night Contractors

June 13th, 2012

Carmen Santora, Executive Director of the Better Contractors Bureau (BCB) said “ this year more fly-by-night contractors than ever have come from out of town to work in the Monroe County area. They come here to scam the consumers and take advantage of seniors, as they know there are no regulations to stop them. They have no insurance, no contracts, do shoddy work, give phony guarantees and take the money and run. They some times take large deposits and don’t do the work at all. There are also local contractors that do the same thing”. He said, “Now is the time to put a stop to it to protect our consumers”.

Representatives of the BCB a while ago met with the Majority leader of the Republican Party and the Minority leader of the Democrat Party of the Monroe County legislature to plead their case for the Registration of all contractors in Monroe County. Santora explained that over 40 states have formal licensing or registration and in those states complaints are much lower than here. He also wrote a draft of the proposed Registration law and the application in order to address any possible concerns that the County legislators might come up with. He also addressed a possible problem of the County representatives saying that they do not have the funds to administer the law. He proposed that the BCB a non-profit agency would set up an office, staff it and administer the law for the county for a small fee.

He said many of the legitimate contractors are in favor of the proposed law, as they feel that because all contractors would have to be insured, have legal contracts and require addresses and driver’s license numbers to be registered they would now be competing on equal terms and the low $100 annual fee would not be a hardship. It would also give the BCB the ability to track the out of town fly-by-night contractors.

Unfortunately after the meeting he was informed by the Majority leader of the Republican Party that he and some of his colleagues felt that the proposed law would just be another layer of government bureaucracy, only adding to the New York State’s crippling economy and government fees and be too cumbersome on small businesses.

It seems that the elected county officials (not all) are more concerned with protecting the dishonest contractors than the consumers who put them in office. The Registration of contractors would protect the consumer (especially seniors), not tax the consumers, not be costly to the local contractors, and bring much needed revenue to the County’s budget. (Over 10,000 contractors in Monroe County X $100 fee annually = one million dollars per year)

He asks that consumers call their area elected County representatives at either 753-1922 or 753-1940 and ask that the powers to be at least enable the entire County Legislature to vote on the proposal and not accept a decision by just a couple of individuals who are more concerned about protecting scam artist contractors than their constituents who they represent.

Posted in BCB, Home Repair | Comments Off

Warm Weather Brings Out Home Improvement Scammers

June 13th, 2012

By Carm Santora

Warm weather is here and so are the scam artists who prey on homeowners, especially the senior citizens. These rip off scammers, more commonly known as “drifters” usually go door to door offering a variety of home improvements and repairs from roof and chimney repair, gutter cleaning, driveway sealing, tree trimming, etc.

They often say they can do the job at a really low price, as they have left over materials from another job. Many times, these scam artists are driving trucks with magnetic signs and out-of-state license plates, or operate out of store front offices that they can quickly move out of once they finish their scam or if they think local authorities have knowledge of them.

The Better Contractors Bureau recommends that you do the following to protect yourself against these fly-by-night operators:

Before you give permission to anyone to do work on your home that you have not actually called and especially before you allow them into your home you should check them out with the Better Contractors Bureau, as to whom the owner of the company is their address and reputation.

Ask for identification (Drivers license) and if they show you an out of state license then tell them that you are not interested. Be firm and do not allow them into your home, as most scam artists work in pairs and while one keeps you busy the other will search your house to steal valuables. Some even work with children and ask if their child can use your bathroom. NEVER FALL FOR THIS APPROACH!!

Don’t fall for the high-pressure stories like “this offer is only good if you take it now” or “once we leave your street we won’t be able to give you such a bargain again”.

If you have checked the contractor out and do feel confident that they are truly a legitimate, local contractor and want to have them do the job for you then be sure to get everything in writing on a bonafide NYS contract required by law. In the contract it must state along with all the specifications, that you have 72 hours to change your mind and any money given as a down payment or draw must go into an escrow account.

Never give a large down payment and never pay in cash no matter what they tell you or what discount they may offer you! Always pay by check, payable to the company name, not an individual!

If you have a large project or repair that you feel will be expensive you should get at least 3 estimates from similar size companies, all in writing.

Never allow a contractor that you have not called to go up on your roof to check the roof, chimney or gutters, as they sometimes have been known to actually damage those items so that they can show they are in need of replacing or repairing.

Make sure the contractor you finally decide on is properly insured with liability insurance and if he has employees on the job show proof of Workman’s Comp Insurance.

Always try to use a Better Contractor Bureau member, as they are registered and you will have recourse if they don’t do a good job.

Lastly, you should always go with the old saying, “you get what you pay for”.

For more information call the Better Contractors Bureau at 338-3600 or check the web site at www.the-bcb.net

Posted in BCB, Home Repair | Comments Off

Windows – To Replace or Not To Replace? That is the Question!

June 13th, 2012

Continuous radio, television and newspaper advertisements tout the advantages of replacing your old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows.  You can call a company to come to your house tomorrow to tell you the advantages of window replacement and provide you with a quotation.  What should you do?

Like any equipment replacement decision, the answer regarding window replacement is not black and white.  There are many factors that go into this decision:

• Do I want to replace my windows strictly for energy efficiency?

• How efficient are my windows now?

• Can I improve the efficiency of my existing windows in a cost effective manner?

• Do I want to replace windows for comfort more than energy efficiency?

• Are my windows difficult to maintain?

• Do my windows need a lot of deferred maintenance?

• Am I concerned about lead paint hazards of old windows?

• Do I need new storm windows if I do not replace my windows?

• Are my windows aesthetically pleasing?

• Do my existing windows add to or detract from the value of my home?

• Do I live in a preservation district that restricts types of replacement windows?

Older windows require varying amounts of maintenance and repair, but many can be difficult to replace in terms of their aesthetic appeal

All of the above (and more) can factor into the decision making process.  However, there is some hard data that gets lost in the sales pitch that you need to consider.

Existing windows can vary widely in their insulating qualities and energy efficiency.  Window qualities to consider from an energy efficiency standpoint include:

• The insulating efficiency, or U-factor

• The “tightness” of the window to stop drafts (infiltration).

• The shading qualities to reduce heat gain.

Since the number of run-hours for air conditioning systems in our region varies widely, and the typical annual cost of air conditioning a home is far less than the heating cost, the first two qualities (U-factor and “tightness”) are the most critical properties.  The comparison of existing windows to replacement windows, in terms of energy savings, should focus on the window qualities that affect the cost of heating your home.

For years, many publications, including those from ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers) stated that a well-sealed single pane window with a good storm window is just as energy efficient as a standard grade double-pane window.  The problem is, most old windows are not well-sealed or well-maintained, and this is also true of the storm window.

Older, existing windows have many parts, but they can be maintained for many years

The Efficient Windows Collaborative (www.efficientwindows.org) is an organization of window manufacturers.  This organization promotes new windows and the related benefits, along with maintaining industry standards.  On their web site, they have a case study for an existing home in Buffalo, NY.  Part of the case study is shown below.

The case study basically points out that by going from a “Case 1” lower performing double pane window (which a single pane window with a storm could be considered basically equivalent) to a high-performance “Case 6” window, the house will reduce heating costs by approximately $300 per year.  This is for a house that probably has 20 or more windows.  The cost to replace that many windows would probably be in the range of at least $8,000 to $15,000 (assuming $400 to $600 per window for 20 to 25 windows).  This translates to a simple economic payback of 26 to 50 years!

Proper windows replacement in many homes requires the labor of a skilled contractor

To be fair, there is almost always a cost to bringing the existing windows up to a level of efficiency equivalent to a “Case 1” window.  But the cost of that improvement results in immediate corresponding energy savings as well; especially in terms of reducing leakage (infiltration).  Caulking, weather stripping, and repair/replacement of storm windows are the costs that should first be evaluated and compared to the costs of window replacement.

Examples of “modern” windows that are good candidates for repair or replacement

Beyond the issue of energy savings, in some cases window replacement can significantly add to the resale value of a home.   According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, you can recoup more than 75% of the window replacement project cost in added home value.  The link to specific Rochester, NY data is: www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/division/middle-atlantic/city/rochester–ny.aspx

Of course, this is an organization that promotes remodeling and they are publishing financial estimates regarding the great value of such remodeling.  The value added is difficult to quantify and will vary widely based on the location of the house, market conditions, the condition of the existing windows, and other factors.

New windows can add significant value to a home, but at a significant cost

As with any home improvement, there are many factors to consider when thinking about replacing or restoring windows.  From a strict energy savings standpoint, most window replacements are not justified.  However, when energy savings is combined with added value to the home, elimination of lead paint, increased comfort, and other factors, replacement can often be justified.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can be of any assistance in this regard, or in regard to other issues related to home inspections.

Posted in Home Repair, Warren Engineering | Comments Off

Come To My Garden Party

June 13th, 2012

By Lana Torre

Last Sunday I finished planting my garden. Red geraniums, white geraniums and lots of blue lobelia add so much charisma to the garden. Some of the spring blooming perennials have opened their pretty little faces of color. The Spring garden is so fresh. The grass, creeping so close to the flower beds, is a bright, light green. The excitement of the garden makes me excited to plan a party for my friends- a garden party!

A few tips to plan your own party: First, set the stage. Pick the perfect spot in your garden and create the right setting. A shady spot is best, near a blooming bed. If your garden is in the afternoon sun, grab your table umbrella. Decorate the umbrella by hanging paper lanterns from the spokes, or if your theme is beachy, hang seashells with twine. An evening party is fun too, hang strings of fun lights. I have seen lobster lights, red chili lights and even champagne bottles. Fasten them to the umbrella using large clips or clothes pin.

Choose your dishes carefully. Clear glass plates always look fresh and inviting and work with any theme. Antique plates in lively floral patterns will give you a shabby chic  look. Create the canvas for your table using white table linens. If you don’t own any, make a trip to goodwill or a thrift shop. You will certainly find the perfect linens there. If you own silver flatware, use it. Most of us only use it for the holidays, if at all. Wine goblets can be used for homemade lemonade. Always add a slice of fresh citrus.

Third, make individual flower arrangements for each place setting. Use old canning or jelly jars as vases. I once used cleaned fruit cocktail cans – they were totally cute. Fill your vases with cut flowers, leaves and herbs. And if you hate to cut flowers from your early garden, take a drive and collect some from the roadside. Even wild weeds are acceptable. Remember “ a weed is a plant that grows where you don’t want it too”.

Lastly, consider your menu. Make small sandwiches and cut off the crusts. Use your cake stand to hold them. Serve lots of fresh fruits sliced very, very thinly. Dessert should be light too. Make macaroons or meringues, or serve frozen yogurt in pretty pastel colors. Always remember, presentation is more important than flavor.

The stage is set. The canvas of your party table is painted with colorful flowers and seasonal food. The only untouched detail is the music. Download Ricky Nelson’s “Garden Party” and enjoy an afternoon with your BFF’s.

Posted in Lana Torre, Property Source Radio | Comments Off

Flurries, It’s Raining Houses and Money

June 13th, 2012

By Rich Levin

Flurries

This time of year and this year (2012) in particular there will be a period of days or weeks when suddenly lots of houses will sell.  For no apparent reason, it may be good weather, a news story, mortgage interest rate change or the phases of the moon, we never know why suddenly a flurry of houses sell.  It may happen in just one price range, just one suburb or part of town.  The people who have their houses for sale benefit.  Often there are competitive offers driving the prices higher.  Sometimes a house that had no activity for weeks suddenly has an offer.

This year in particular with the election news, the European economy news, the stock market fluctuations, and all of this occurring with years of pent up demand from Buyers who have been on the sidelines make it an even more volatile year.  A year when you or someone selling their home does not want to be off the market when a flurry hits because it might be the best one of the year, or the last one.

Raining Money

Shockingly, interest rates continue to be at all time lows.  In March, as there were signs of health in the economy, mortgage interest rates bumped up over 4% with rumors of rising quickly to 5% or 6%.  Then news of the healthy economy ended and rates dropped back to below 4% in many areas.  This was a clear sign that as soon as there is health or just optimism in the economy mortgage rates would quickly, immediately rise.

Maybe that is the cause of the flurries, Buyers are realizing that this time of historically low rates will end and when it does those who didn’t buy at today’s low rates will wish they did for two big reasons.

Two BIG Reasons

Consider this, a 1% rise in interest rates, for example from 4% to 5%, lowers the amount that a Buyer can borrow by 12%.  That means that someone who could afford a $200,000 mortgage at 4% could only afford $177,000 at 5%.  That means they would have to buy less bedrooms, less baths, smaller square footage and/or a completely different neighborhood.  And, once rates start to rise there will be no window of opportunity to go back and get the lower rate.

And consider this, in the historically hot markets, California, Cambridge, Mass., parts of Florida, New York City and many others foreign investors are buying up residential Real Estate.  Why?  Because they anticipate that there is going to be an inflationary bump as there was in the mid 1980’s when the value of everything including Real Estate rose by 50% to 100% in just a few years.  When that occurred the owners of Real Estate benefited and the tenants simply suffered higher rents as housing affordability moved further from them.

Raining Houses AND Money

This is a unique moment in time.  It is usually a good time for Buyers, a Buyer’s market when inventory of homes for sale is high driving prices lower.  Or it is a Seller’s market when there are lots of Buyers and a lower inventory of homes for sale driving prices higher.  It is never a good time for both Buyers and Sellers. (I guess it’s not never but it is rare.)  That is what is happening right now.  For Sellers prices are stable, and in the flurry areas prices are rising.  For Buyers, this is a window of low rates, reasonable prices, and possibly a window of a pre-inflation bottom of the market.

Full Disclosure

Yes, I work with and for Real Estate Agents and Brokers all over the United States so I have some “skin in the game.”  And yes, I am guilty of seeing the glass half full.  I look for opportunity instead of problems.  But, I just helped my younger son buy his first house.  I’m working to help my other son buy his first house.  We are selling and buying.  So, full disclosure me and my Clients, who are successful Real Estate Agents benefit when people buy and sell.  At the same time I am walking the walk.  Talk that walk with me.  You will be glad you did, happier and wealthier for it.  Call a competent Agent right now to discuss your move or to help your son, daughter or loved one take advantage.  It’s raining houses and money.

Rich Levin is a coach whose Clients achieve extraordinary success.   You can experience Rich’s work for free weekday mornings by going to www.FreeCoachingWebinars.com and click on “Free Registration.”  You will gain access to Rich’s daily 15 minute coaching webinars (8:45 a.m. EST).  If you would like to discuss hiring Rich as your personal coach or having him speak at your next event, contact him at 585-244-2700 or Rich@RichLevin.com.

Posted in Real Estate, Rich Levin - Real Estate Coach | Comments Off

Understanding Senior Living Types

June 13th, 2012

With baby boomers heading beyond the 50-year benchmark, conventional wisdom is the old way regarding slowing down and aging gracefully. No longer waiting for the grandchildren to phone, today’s seniors are always on the go, filling their social calendars with activities such as tennis, golf, dancing and evenings at the theatre.

Of course, not all seniors are able, for health or economic reasons, to live an active lifestyle and are in need of special assistance. There are centers and organizations that specifically cater to the elderly. You may be impressed by the many options available to you in the Greater Rochester area.

Independent Living Communities

Independent Living refers to Senior Communities designed specifically for independent senior adults who want to enjoy a lifestyle filled with recreational, educational and social activities with other seniors. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own, but desire the security and conveniences of community living.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living provides a special combination of residential housing, personalized supportive services and heath care. These residential setting maximize independence, but do not provide skilled nursing care.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) are residential campuses that provide a variety of care from private units to assisted living and then skilled nursing care, all in one location. CCRCs are designed to offer active seniors an independent lifestyle from the privacy of their own home, but with the availability of assisted living or skilled nursing care if needed.

Nursing Home

Nursing Homes or Skilled Nursing Care provides 24-hour skilled care for the more acute patients. Patients generally rely on assistance for most or all daily living activities (such as bathing, dressing and toileting). Regular medical supervision and rehabilitation therapy are mandated to be available.

Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »