Getting older can be challenging for people. There are greater risks of injury for older people. The home that used to be secure and safe now feels like it is full of hazards. Seniors who want to remain at home often feel they are left with few choices as to how best to stay in place rather than move somewhere else. Giving up a home is difficult, including moving belongings and going somewhere new to start over again. Find out some of the tips to eliminate falling risk in the home and to maintain safety.

Balance

Many times older adults struggle with balance. As people age, their bones and muscles weaken. The best way to prevent this side effect of aging is to do yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics classes to improve balance. Many seniors have the option to take classes for free. Health insurance may also offer plans that cover benefits for seniors who want to age well. Check with local park district programs, fitness centers, and gyms to find out more information.

Check Flooring

One of the most high-risk situations for seniors is flooring. Hardwood, linoleum, or similar types of flooring are hazards for older people. Carpeting can also be tricky to navigate. Certain rooms have an increased risk of falls, including bathrooms and kitchens. Replace floors with non-slip flooring to make walking safer.

Enhance Bone Strength

Bone density wanes over time. The more a person can work to keep their bones healthy, the better. If bones are frail, they are more likely to move out of joint or break in a fall. Seniors who experience serious fractures or breaks are often susceptible to more diseases, surgeries, and shorter life expectancy. Prioritize taking care of bone health by getting screened by a doctor and speaking with them about supplements to support stronger bones.

Stairways and Handrails

Stairs are almost a no-brainer for aging adults. They are a huge fall hazard for seniors, especially those living alone. It may be time to think about how to move living quarters into another area of the house or live on one floor of the home. Handrails are also important. In rooms where seniors might not be able to navigate a home well, handrails can help seniors move around the bathroom, stairs, and hallways with less risk. 

Falls can be scary and even life-threatening. They may be a sign of other things going on like Alzheimer's. It is best to check in with older adults to see how they can best set up their homes to keep them there as long as possible. If necessary, an adult child or family member may have to move in with them to support their journey of healing into their older years in a healthy way.

Families who are looking for properties to purchase need look no further than Ohio. Choice properties help families make good decisions when it comes to their home purchase or sale. Call us if you are ready to make the choice to move forward with buying or selling your home. 

Buying a Home for Retirement

Buying a home after you have retired may feel like an overwhelming challenge. You may be asking: Should I stay in my current home? Should I downsize to a smaller house? Will moving into a new home fulfill my needs? Buying a home for retirement is a financial commitment, but comes with a return of investment and a list of benefits! Whether you are looking to downsize or simply desire a fresh start in a new home, here are some considerations to ask yourself along the way.

Location

The first step to buying a retirement home is choosing the area you wish to live. Real estate is all about location, meaning it is especially important to choose the correct spot to retire. Depending on the situation some of the factors that may influence your decision include proximity to friends and family, the yearly climate, and neighborhood preferences. Perhaps a community with sidewalks for evening strolls, or nearby parks for afternoon picnics will suit your needs.

Budget

Purchasing a home upon retirement depends on your budget, and how much you are willing to spend. Of course, choosing to apply for a mortgage is always an option although most include home buying into their retirement plan. If you are planning to purchase or build a retirement home, knowing how much you can realistically afford to spend will help set expectations.

Maintenance

It's well-known that the cost of owning a home is more than just the mortgage, taxes, and insurance. Factoring in the expense of maintenance and upkeep is also an important consideration when browsing for a retirement home, as most desire low-maintenance living. Whether you are seeking a home with ample yard space for a seasonal garden, or a neighborhood with homeowners association that tends snow removal and lawn care, the award winning agents at Choice Properties will help you meet your goals.

Choice Properties offers you a chance to find the home of your dreams. We work with your budget and ideas in mind to support your ultimate vision. Call us if you are ready to check out the available inventory or to speak with a reputable agent who can assist you with your home buying needs.

 You Should Buy Your Retirement Home Before You Retire

Planning to leave the workforce and retire in five to 10 years can seem a long ways away. Buying a retirement home now can actually pay off in the long term to capitalize on some benefits offered to homeowners. Learn five reasons to buy a home while still fully employed.

Easier Approval for Mortgage

Mortgage lenders evaluate loan applications based on debt-to-income ratio, the total monthly debt divided by gross monthly income. It is easier to qualify for a home loan while earning a steady paycheck. Waiting until retirement to apply for a mortgage can limit the size of loan which can be qualified for with lenders.

Cash Flow

Most people want to make some renovations and changes to a property once purchased. Setting a budget can help plan for the changes. A regular income is nice to have when updating or modifying a home. Working full-time can protect a person financially if major issues are uncovered. Retirement may not afford for life's inevitabilities when it comes to repair work including mold issues or water damage to a property that becomes an unexpected expense.

Get Ahead

To become debt-free in retirement, many retirees decide to rent rather than own. Becoming a homeowner has benefits if the home is bought early. Tackling mortgage debt can put a person in a position to accelerate payments while working.

Long Term Vision

One of the biggest challenges is knowing how to predict expenses in retirement. It is usually difficult to know how much money will be needed for housing. Purchasing a home provides the broader picture of what monthly expenses will look like in retirement and supports creation of a more accurate budget. The largest monthly expense in a person's budget is usually a mortgage. Knowing what payments can be will prove beneficial for long term planning.

Expand Portfolio

Financially if a person is able to carry two mortgages at the same time, it may make sense to buy the home and rent it for a few years until it is time to move. Owning a rental property can help a person retire sooner if the stream of income provides extra cash flow for the nest egg. Tax benefits can also be given for the rental property. It is best to contact the IRS to find out what benefits exist for people who rent out a property. In addition, more money in a retirement nest egg can be set aside for those changes that need to be made to the property or for emergencies.