I’ve tackled the subject of moving before, in a general sense, but the fact still remains that moving is one of the most stressful times for families.  Now, if you are moving for a reason that involves another stressful hurdle such as divorce or losing a loved one, my heart goes out to you.  As someone who has likewise been involved in a move due to divorce, I understand how difficult it is.  Unfortunately for me, I didn’t do any research to anticipate all the hurdles that would accompany such a move.  Thinking back, I would do many things differently to help prepare us all.  Providing what I’ve learned through research and my own experience, I hope to help you and your little ones (and big ones!) transition more smoothly.

Here is some basic advice to keep everything running smoothly as and your children move!

The first step is to tell them.  Often, kids will pick up on the change in your focus and stress that comes with selling or leaving your current residence.  Yes, it feels like they never pay attention to you when you are asking them to pick up their room, do their laundry, or shut off the computer, but they quickly pick up on the slight change of your focus.  They will figure out that your recent interest in painting some rooms, fixing the leaking faucet (that has been leaking for two years), and cleaning things that have never been cleaned before means something is going on.

For babies, it’s true they may not understand what is going on, but they will feel the effects of stress that their parents are displaying.  For this reason, you must take good care of yourself and have a positive attitude.  Even if you have your own worries, find time away from the kids to express it and receive support from friends and other adults in your family.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Moving With Younger Children   

                                           
Younger children may have a lot of questions and you should encourage them to ask.  Be truthful but don’t overload them or burden them with details that they may not comprehend and will feel inclined to share with your neighbors.  Their home is all they have known.  It represents security. 

If everyone in your household is moving reassure them that you are doing this together.   Take a trip and check out playgrounds, the library, and any fun places in the town. Have them go with you to look at new houses, even though they may not have the same priorities you do (as a huge Thomas the Train set may be the reason they like one house over the other).  

Offer to give them their own special boxes that they can decorate to personalize the packing experience.  This may not be the time to have them “weed through” and donate some things.  In their new uncertain world, they may have a melt down after you donated the items that they chose to get rid of.  Take everything: you will find a better time to purge discarded toys.  

If the children are school-age, there are additional things to keep in mind. 

• Be prepared to answer questions about the new town and school. If possible, tour the new school beforehand. 
• Talk to them about the move and see if there are things you can do to alleviate their fears.   
• Give them some control in the areas that will be their space in the new house. Can they choose to paint their space a different color? Decorate it the way they like?
• Help them make a friend collage and collect the contact information from all their friends.  Reassure them that they can continue to communicate with their friends and family after they move.
• Share with them the benefits of moving (new friends to make, new sights and activities, maybe they will have their own space in the new house).

Predictability will be your friend.  This may not be a good time to buy them a new bed and bedding, or forgo any routines that you have established.  Changes can wait until the transition has been completed.  Try to have patience: emotional transitions like this can take months.  If you have preschoolers, you may find that they are clingy and regress.  Older children may be more inclined to display anger and sadness.   Be careful not to add your uncertainty to the mix.  Children can pick up on it and may use it to their advantage, to negotiate the pet you never wanted.  Stay focused on why you decided to move and don’t waver.  In the end the children will be better-off with the consistency and confidence you show.  

Moving With Teenagers 

Discuss the move with your teenager as soon as you have made the decision.  Include them in the conversation about why you have come to this decision, where you are planning to go and what the time frame looks like.  It might help if you have already scouted out the area and found places that might be of interest to them.  Or, better yet, take a drive, if possible and show them. 

• Ask what type of space they would like in the new house.  If they are asking for their own room and it’s not possible, what other considerations could you agree to? One option may be a finished basement where they could hang out with friends.
• Make plans to have their friends come for a weekend or for them to go visit for a weekend.  It’s much easier for kids to keep in touch now with all the social media platforms available to them, so encourage them to do so. 
• Be sensitive to their transition. This is a tough age to have to figure out where they will fit in all over again. “You may even get accused of “ruining their life” as they grapple with the thought of losing friends and starting over.  If your teenagers struggle with the thought of relocating, give them time to process those emotions and to talk through what would feel comforting to them”

Encourage your teenager to pursue their current interests in their new school.  However don’t push or succumb to your own guilt and make promises that you can’t possibly keep as a result.  Give them the support they need.  Just because they’re older doesn’t mean it’s any easier for them.

Kids pick up on our stress and can reflect it back at us in different ways.  Be sensitive to the fact that their views and thoughts about the move may not align with yours and give them space to express that.  Your move, for whatever reason, will help everyone develop resilience when dealing with changes. This is a great skill.  We are teaching our kids to eventually thrive on their own and major changes like this -whether painful or not- can help build their confidence.  Remember to take care of yourself, get enough sleep, eat right and remain positive.  Together, you and your family can make the transition smoothly!

Additional Resources: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/teen-angst/201306/the-moving-day-blues 

https://patch.com/massachusetts/sudbury/were-moving-how-to-tell-the-kids 

http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/family-life/moving-help-child-adjust

http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/buy-a-house/make-moving-easier-on-you-and-your-kids/

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/move.html#

The combination of increased housing prices and low inventory are making it extremely hard to buy your own home. Some buyers are priced out of the market and forced to remain renting despite rental prices increasing with demand.  According to the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, “New Hampshire’s housing inventory is at its lowest level in decades.  Such low inventory has contributed to the highest median sale prices and rents on record”.  Recent legislation is being introduced to offer incentives to build more affordable homes, but while the government debates on how best to resolve this issue, what are some of the options we have now?  Here in New Hampshire we have updated our laws pertaining to accessory dwelling units or ADU’s and it may provide some alternatives for the growing housing need.

Under New Hampshire law an “accessory dwelling unit” is defined as a residential living unit that is within or attached to a single-family dwelling, which provides independent living facilities for one or more persons including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel of land as the principal dwelling unit it accompanies.  This law requires municipalities to allow options for internal or attached accessory dwelling units in all zoning districts where single-family dwellings are permitted.  This could provide one solution to some affordable housing issues.  In Denver Colorado lower income homeowners are being given the opportunity to add these dwellings to their properties to create another source of income.  This plan will help relieve some housing shortages and improve the overall standard of living for both the homeowner and renter as these rentals are required to be below the average rental prices. 

What does that mean for New Hampshire residents?  With the new guidelines, towns are required to allow the construction of these units in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwellings without requiring the “renter” to be family.  A homeowner would need to make sure there is sufficient parking available, and adequate provisions for water supply and sewage disposal.  That said, the opportunity to provide an income-producing property could help with housing shortages within the stage and help raise the standard of living for homeowners.  All towns have their own requirements that should work within the state’s guidelines; to get started, check with the planning and zoning departments in your own town.

If you decide to add an ADU to your home, hire a contractor that is familiar with building them.  Experienced contractors can help you make sense of the restrictions, application and permit process.  Need the name of a contractor? Check with your local Realtor.  We can even help you rent the unit when it’s complete!

https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2018/10/05/denver-wants-to-turn-low-income-owners-into-landlords?tp=i-H43-Bb-2wg-5FAnm-1p-AgXu-1c-5FKaz-1tB8fP&om_rid=77498126&Om_ntype=RMOdaily&om_mid=11326 

Today’s buyer tips are the next step in the buying process. Hi, I’m Deb Federico Realtor with the Bean Group. In my last video I addressed researching the area you would like to move to. Today I would like to provide tips in the next part of the buying process, which is choosing a lender and getting prequalified.

1. If you are moving to a new state, check out the lenders in that state. Some local lenders have access to state loan incentive programs to help their buyers. In New Hampshire you can check out gonewhampshirehousing.com. 

2. Be aware there are lenders other than your big Banks or credit unions. There are many mortgage companies who deal exclusively in mortgage loans. For this reason, they can sometimes provide a more streamlined process and personal touch that is worth considering. 

3. Before you start looking at homes online or in person, you need to know how much you can afford. This is super important. The amount you qualify for will be affected by the type of property and location. Make sure you share this information with your lender. The location gives the lender an idea of the property taxes they need to build into the loan estimate and things like condo fees may have a significant impact on the loan amount you are eligible for.

If you have any questions regarding this information or if you need assistance with real estate in the Southern New Hampshire area please give me a call thank you for listening.

Hi Deb Federico, Realtor with the Bean Group here and I wanted to reach out to you today and give you some tips before and after you start your home search.  Recently I’ve been asked to list a home in my hometown of Hudson, NH and in my research found an old letter to the previous owner identifying this property as one with buried asbestos. My sellers were not aware of the asbestos or the letter when they purchased the property and now they are in the middle of figuring out how best to deal with it. So here are some tips to mitigate the risk:

1. Do your due diligence. If you are relocating to a new town, head over to their planning or zoning department.  Ask them about the towns history.  Let them know that you are thinking of moving there. Ask if there is anything you should be aware of?

2. Check out the website of the states environmental department.  For New Hampshire it is des.nh.gov 

3. Hire a local Realtor.  Someone who knows the area well.  Make certain to have the property fully inspected by a licensed home inspector.

4. Use the time built into the purchase and sales agreement to research the property.  You can look at information from the deed, plot or plat maps, documents from the homeowners association (if there is one) and files at the town.

I hope this has been helpful. If you need a local Realtor in the Southern New Hampshire area give me a call. Thank you.

The image of a real estate agent is glamorous.  We are entrepreneurs, choosing our own hours, making obscene amounts of money, driving fancy cars and eating in high-end restaurants.  Isn’t it what some television shows portray?    For a very small minority it might be true but according to an article in Forbes (sourced salary.com) the average real estate agent’s salary as of January 2019 was $41,289.  The average can vary widely based on location and the health of the real estate market in the area that the agent works in.

Speaking to clients, I have discovered there are many misconceptions regarding real estate agents.  Today’s blog is dedicated to sorting out some of the confusion.

• Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR, but most are. REALTORS have pledged to a higher code of ethics, pay dues to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and our local Association of REALTORS for the advocacy of homeownership and the protection consumers across the country.  These are a couple examples of the many things that our dues support.
• The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) estimates there are about 2 million real estate licensees in the U.S. (Approximately 1.3 million members of NAR)
• 87% of REALTORS are independent contractors not employees.
• A real estate agent must work under the umbrella of a Broker (aka Bean Group, Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Coldwell Banker….etc.)
• Commission is paid out to the Broker or Brokers involved in a home sale. Real estate agents that worked on the sale are paid a percentage from their broker. Commission can never be paid directly to an agent.
• The median gross income of REALTORS in 2018 was $41,800.
• As an independent contractor we pay our own health insurance and taxes.
• We are small business owners and pay to market ourselves and our client’s listings.
• Apps like Zillow and Trulia charge agents to be featured on their website.
• Generally, real estate agents receive no compensation unless the home successfully closes.

Real estate agents come from all walks of life and may have very diverse personalities, but we collectively believe home ownership provides stability and wealth.  We use our experience and knowledge to help you navigate the sometimes very stressful and unpredictable transition of home ownership.  For most people this is the biggest financial investment you will own.  We understand this. We have chosen to become real estate agents to serve you and our communities.

Thanks for reading.

Deb

https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewdepietro/2019/01/28/real-estate-agents-salary-state/#5c5475603e58

All REALTOR statistics from NAR publication 2019

Hey are you looking to take your kids somewhere that’s free?  Benson Park in my hometown of Hudson, NH is a beautiful park with walking trails, playground, 9/11 Memorial, ponds, bridges, beautiful landscaping and more.  Yes, it’s handicap accessible and there are public bathrooms.  The small gift shop is the first of two sections undergoing renovations.  The second half will be a museum in dedication to Benson Wild Animal Farm that resided on this property from 1926 to 1987.  

Friends of Benson Park

​Welcome to Stage Crossing!  Picturesque, 55+ condo development in the beautiful, serene town of Litchfield.  This well maintained home is a great opportunity to transition into carefree living.  This is a well maintained, one level, ranch style, attached condo for $270,000.  Contact me for details.

Does your home have a private well? The New Hampshire Senate just passed the new arsenic limit, reducing it by half. When the governor signs it, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services will have 2 years to make the change.

The combination of increased housing prices and interest rates are making it extremely hard to afford to buy your own home. Some buyers are priced out of the market and forced to remain renting with rental prices increasing with demand.  According to New Hampshire Association of Realtors "New Hampshire’s housing inventory is at its lowest level in decades.  Such low inventory has contributed to the highest median sale prices and rents on record".  Recent legislation is being introduced to offer incentives for builders to build more affordable homes, but while the government debates on how best to resolve this issue, what are some of the options we have now?  Here in New Hampshire we have updated our laws pertaining to accessory dwelling units or ADU’s and it may provide some alternatives for the growing housing need.

Under New Hampshire law an "accessory dwelling unit" is defined as a residential living unit that is within or attached to a single-family dwelling, and that provides independent living facilities for one or more persons including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel of land as the principal dwelling unit it accompanies.  This law requires municipalities to allow options for internal or attached accessory dwelling units in all zoning districts where single-family dwellings are permitted.

This could provide one solution to some affordable housing issues.  In Denver Colorado lower income homeowners are being given the opportunity to add these dwellings to their properties to create another source of income.  An idea that will help to relieve some housing shortages and improve the overall standard of living for both the homeowner and renter as these rentals are required to be below the average rental prices.  A great opportunity for both.

What does that mean for New Hampshire residents?  With the new guidelines, towns are required to allow the construction of these units in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwellings without requiring the "renter" to be family.  A homeowner would need to make sure there is sufficient parking available, and adequate provisions for water supply and sewage disposal, but the opportunity to provide an income producing property could help with housing shortages and help raise the standard of living for homeowners.  All towns have their own requirements that should work within the states guidelines.  You would need to check with the planning and zoning departments in your own town.

If you decide to add an ADU to your home, hire a contractor that is familiar with building them.  Experienced contractors can help you make sense of the restrictions, application and permit process.  Need the name of a contractor? Check with your local Realtor.  We can even help you rent the unit when it’s complete.

https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2018/10/05/denver-wants-to-turn-low-income-owners-into-landlords?tp=i-H43-Bb-2wg-5FAnm-1p-AgXu-1c-5FKaz-1tB8fP&om_rid=77498126&Om_ntype=RMOdaily&om_mid=11326

https://www.nhhfa.org/assets/pdf/NHMA_ADU_Law_Lecture_2016.pdf 

https://www.nhhfa.org/assets/pdf/ADU_HO_Guide_2018.pdf

Update: Under Contract 12/28/18 Come take a look at this beautiful detached condo for sale in Hudson, NH!  15 Cricketfield Lane is a 2 bedroom home with a third room that could be used as a bedroom or office/den.  Spacious kitchen with granite countertops, tile backsplash stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors.  The hardwood continues into the dining and living room areas with a warm fireplace for the cold winter nights. The master bedroom suite has a bath w/laundry and a walk-in closet.  All on one floor in one of Hudson’s great 55+ developments!  MLS 4731130  Call for details.

​​

Cute, updated 2 bedroom rental in Derry, NH available immediately!  This home is located on Stonegate Lane in Derry and is in a great commuter location just minutes from 93 and local shopping.  $1,700 a month.  Call for details.  MLS 4724953.

Rare listing coming to market next week!  Stunning home available to own in Hudson’s premier 55+ development! Oak Ridge development is unique with rolling landscape and beautiful gated entrance! This home will provide the lifestyle you are looking for. Two floors offer the homeowners privacy even with a house full of guests. The incredible kitchen has many upgrades including marble countertops, quartz double bowl sink, wine rack, glass cabinet doors, under cabinet lighting and much more! There is hardwood throughout the first floor and tile flooring in the bathrooms. Glass doors have been added to the master bathroom shower and the vanity has been upgraded with marble countertop. A beautiful four season sunroom, flanked with french doors, is a wonderful bonus that adds additional light to this warm home. Windows have been added to the original design to enjoy the natural light in any season. Plus this development has public water and sewer services and it’s conveniently located close to shopping, Hudson’s Benson Park and Rte 3. You need to see this one!  Only one owner needs to be 55 years old.  Contact me for details.

​​Are you ready to downsize and enjoy more free time?  Southridge at Manchester might be the neighborhood for you!  This home is meticulously maintained with a great layout and beautiful hardwood floors!  Use the front bedroom for guests or office space.  Kitchen has extra cabinetry and peninsula for eating and prep work.  Covered, front porch is wide enough to accommodate furniture to enjoy some peaceful time outdoors and the back deck is overlooking wooded, common land.  Come see for yourself! MLS 4711850 117 Apple Brook Way, Manchester, NH $345,000.

If you are interested in more information on this property, the MLS listing sheet is available to download.  

​​Here in South Hudson you will find a home on a quiet cul-de-sac with landscaping that creates a sense of serenity. This home gives you a warm feeling as soon as you enter despite its size. Natural light pours in through the many windows and sliding glass doors throughout the home. The first level living spaces have an easy flow that’s great for entertaining! The kitchen, updated within the last few years, has stainless steel appliances, beautiful cabinets, granite countertops and backsplash. The sunroom overlooks a beautifully landscaped yard and raised garden beds. There are two decks that flank the sunroom to take your entertaining outdoors. The bedrooms are spacious and the master bedroom has a walk-in closet and an en-suite with a jetted tub. There are two additional rooms that can be used as playrooms, office space or for an overnight guest. The basement has a nice bar and space to hang out. This home is conveniently located within a few minutes ride to route 3.  $480,000 MLS 46884499.  Contact me for details.

Like many you are ready to retire and you are wondering if you should stay in your current home or sell.  While it may feel daunting, you are not alone.  I have worked with many people on the cusp of retirement who are thinking of downsizing, moving to a warmer state relocating closer to family.  Everyone’s thoughts for the future are different but at this stage in life it’s more important than ever to have a plan.

There is usually one major question when making the decision to retire: how much money will we need?   This question may seem intimidating, but there are resouces to support you as you create a budget for your retirement years. First and foremost, speaking to a financial advisor will help you make decisions for your future.  Another way to determine your budget is to make a plan for your home. Where you live will impact your retirement funds, so it is vital to start thinking about your options now.  Here, you have a few choices: 

• Stay in your current home
• Downsize  
• Rent 

       Let’s take a closer look at these options together.

Staying In Your Current Home

If you have always owned your own home, continuing to own may be a more comfortable option for you.  Some reasons to keep your current home might be:

• You own it outright and major systems and repairs have been updated fairly recently.
• The layout and size will accommodate you as you age. (ie. One level or small home and manageable yard)
• You are planning to pass the home down to the next generation.
• You have family members that are moving back in.

If you own your home outright, there are many expenses to consider, such as property taxes, insurance and maintenance.  Some property taxes can be as financially crippling as a mortgage, and you will need to budget for maintenance costs.   

To get a good ball park figure, use at least 1% of you home value each year to estimate how much you might spend for maintenance.  Additionally, make sure you have updated any major systems fairly recently.  Have your home inspected to catch any red flags such as septic failure or roof damage. It’s better to pay for major repairs while you are still working rather than waiting until you are on a fixed income.  Moreover, if you choose to sell, you may still need to pay for:

• An updated roof, if it’s damaged or beyond its life expectancy
• Septic system or leach field if it fails 
• Heating system, if your current one is not working properly 

These repairs may be necessary to make your home more marketable.

If your home is not currently updated to suit your needs, or if the space is not built to accommodate you as you age, there is another option for owning a home in which you can comforably retire!

Downsizing 

Having a smaller home saves on utility costs.   It’s easier to maintain and if it’s one level you can age in place.  There are also many age restricted developments to accommodate retirees if you are looking for quiet communities with no yard maintenance.  Some even have great amenities-everything from planned social gatherings to pools and golf.  

One thing to bear in mind with this option is that downsizing shouldn’t be a stretch on your finances.  If you are planning to downsize and you can pay cash for your new home you will need enough income to maintain your home and your lifestyle.  With this in mind, taking out a small mortgage isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  Using any extra equity from your home sale to invest and produce more income could provide more freedom.   At this stage of your life your income may not increase, but your expenses will.  This could include everything from property tax and home maintenance to health care.

As with any investment, homes do not continually go up in value, and long-term planning is essential.  If you need to sell sooner than anticipated, you may not recoup your upfront costs from buying.  Selling will add additional costs and if the housing market has taken a downturn you could be selling for less than cost.  However if you are not planning to move for at least 10 years and you don’t need to increase your cash flow, owning may be the better option.    

If you are considering downsizing, have you tackled these questions?  What if you need all the equity from your house to supplement your income?  If so, will you be eligible for a reverse mortgage?  Will you have an option to move in with family?  Maybe they have extra rooms or you could financially help them add on to their existing home.  If you are not sure how to answer these questions, we are here to help you navigate that process!  Still, you do have another question to ask yourself: what about renting?  

Renting In Retirement

If you have been a long time homeowner the thought of renting could seem unappealing and perhaps scary.  Speaking personally, though, I have owned and rented.  I can tell you from experience that renting has some excellent advantages. 

Not your problem.  Things like maintenance, landscaping, and property taxes are handled by property owners, leaving you to relax and enjoy your retirement.

• The freedom to move anywhere, at any time, without worrying about selling a house.
• It’s potentially cheaper if your current home needs updates, major repairs or has high utility costs and/or you still have a mortgage.
• It allows you to move to a new area, which can give you the chance to investigate a new town or city without long-term commitment.

If you are selling your home, renting may give you an opportunity to invest any equity from your home into other investments–such as stocks and bonds–creating more monthly income to live on. 

Renting also provides a consistent monthly housing expense without the shocking increase in property taxes or maintenance.  It’s true that rents can increase or the landlord can sell the property, but landlords are looking for responsible tenants and, when found, are more willing to work and negotiate with them. Additionally, if you don’t like the first place you choose, you have flexibility and freedom to leave.  As you don’t have any money invested into the property, you can move to a better rental, a bigger or smaller unit, or even a new location, whenever your lease is up.

Rental properties do come with some restrictions, though, and for previous homeowners, those restrictions can be the biggest hurdle to overcome.   You may need to get permission to hang things from walls, change the wall color, or plant a garden.  Some landlords are more open to changes on their property, so I would advise asking about any rental restrictions before you sign a lease.  Then ask to get the permission in writing.  

Renting can give you the opportunity to "try out" new locations without the large financial commitment of buying.  If mobility becomes an issue, there are age restricted rental units which will provide support as you age.

It’s helpful to know the landlord and tenant laws in each state.  If you search online for "tenant rights" in the state you are planning to move to, you can familiarize yourself with that state’s laws.  This protects you as a renter and can help make you aware of your rights in any situation.  Any of the state government links should give you accurate information.

Ultimately, retirement is a time to celebrate.  Choose the option that will provide the most financial security and peace of mind for you and if you have any questions, please know that I am here to help!  Feel free to reach me at deb.federico@beangroup.com or 603-321-4777.                               

 Other resources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2017/07/30/should-you-sell-your-home-when-you-retire/#6eb95e456af4

https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T037-C000-S004-retirees-should-you-buy-or-rent-when-downsizing.html

https://www.aarp.org/work/retirement-planning/info-2014/rent-or-buy-house-in-retirement.html

https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/rent-vs-buy

https://www.aarp.org/money/investing/info-2014/mortgage-pay-off-plan.html?intcmp=AE-WOR-IL

http://www.seniorhousingnet.com/independent-living/new-hampshire

https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/retirees-guide-to-downsizing/

It’s that time of year again…winter (well almost).  Whether you are a big fan or not there’s no need to hibernate.  Besides the obvious skiing, snowshoeing, ski mobiling and ice skating or ice fishing (if you are really brave).  There is everything from farmer’s markets to concerts.  Here are some links to get you started.

NH links:

New Hampshire Magazines guide to winter.

Hockey and Concerts (SNHU Arena)

Ice Castles (Lincoln)

Live Theatre:

Palace Theatre, Manchester 

Capitol Center For The Arts, Concord

These are just a few links.  Many cities have local theatre performances.  In Nashua you can find live theatre at the Peacock Players, Nashua Theatre Guild, Actor Singers and live music venues like River Walk Cafe and Music Bar.  Don’t forget to check out events at your local library.  My local library in Hudson has a concert series sponsored by DCU but there are great activities at most libraries, for all ages!  So take the family out and enjoy this winter season!

Multigenerational living is not new.  In many cultures, families have been living together generation after generation and even in this country’s history it was far more common than it is today.  The trend is changing again, and builders who have been watching this trend have now started building single family homes with special apartments designed for multifamily living.  To allow this type of housing many towns will need to loosen their zoning restrictions but that flexibility is vital, as these new homes fill an increasing need.  With parents living longer and housing costs on the rise, this option does solve some challenges but it can create new ones.

Living with parents whether you are age 25 or 55 is not easy.  As adults we strive for our own independence and we like to live with certain freedoms.  When you have children of your own freedom quickly dissipates.  If you add additional adults to the mix without setting boundaries and expectations the transition may be more troublesome than you imagine.  Your parents need their independence too,  years of taking care of themselves and you is ingrained in them.  As your parents age, their mobility and health may slowly deteriorate, leaving you with new care-giving expectations however, preparing your home for these future challenges can help alleviate future stress.

The good news is living with your parents can come with many benefits.  Parents may be able to offset some childcare costs, perhaps agree to some of the dinner preparation and housework, and financially help with the bills.  Practical consideration aside, this is also an opportunity to give aging parents the gift of you and your families company.  Living with a grandparent has benefits for the children as well.  Sometimes grandparents can bridge the gap between stress filled parents and their children creating a calm amongst the chaos.                                                                                  

Aside from the obvious benefits there are things that you would need to be mindful of when deciding to live together.  Privacy is one such consideration.  When choosing to live with other adults, you have to create a space for privacy, a retreat from the ongoing hustle and bustle.  If your parents are moving from their own home to joint living arrangements with you they will need their own space as well.  This can be accomplished in a few ways.

Adding A Home Addition

Adding an addition to your existing home or your parents’ home might be a viable option.  Wondering where to start?  

1. Check with the local zoning or planning department in your city or town.  Ask what the process is for adding an addition and see if they will approve the changes you are proposing. 
2. Once you have verified that it’s an option, you should speak with a builder or designer that is certified in "aging in place."  This will ensure that any changes you make in the construction phase will accommodate future needs such as mobility issues.  Walk-in showers, larger door openings for wheelchair or walker access, hard surface flooring instead of carpet, grab bars and lever handle faucets to help with arthritis, are just some of the enhancements that will help them to live comfortably and safely in the home as they age.
3. Need financing?  When you have the quote from your builder, start shopping around for a loan.  You might have many options to choose from so it is vital that you weigh all of them carefully.  If you need financial advice speak with an adviser or accountant.  If your parents will be gifting money for the addition, or you will be adding to their existing home, call an Estate Attorney that deals with elder law (see comments in Buying A New Home).  In any case, if you need a loan, build in a 10% buffer for any unexpected costs.

Adding A Bedroom

Adding an addition to your home is not always an option but creating a bedroom might be.  If you are adding walls to create a new bedroom and your home is on a septic system, check with your city or town to see if your system is big enough for the extra bedroom.  In New Hampshire for example, we compare capacity of the system to the number of bedrooms in the home. Once you have checked, inquire about any permits that might be needed. 

When you are considering the design, it’s important to make sure that your parents will have easy access to the main areas of the home, the kitchen, living room and bathroom.  Changes in your parents health may affect their balance.  To reduce the risk of falling you might want to consider removing any carpet and installing a hard flooring surface in all the main areas of the home, including their bedroom. It may also benefit them to replace your tub with a walk-in shower.

Finding storage space may be a challenge.  To prepare your home, it’s best to consolidate your items first and declutter.  When your parents come they may have a houseful of items that they are reluctant to give up.   Be patient, find out what their most important items are and explain the storage options they may have.  This might include renting storage space if there are big pieces of furniture or antiques they want to keep.  

Buying A New Home

Builders around the country are noticing the trend of multigenerational living and some are building homes with apartments for additional family members.  Some older homes may even advertise an "in-law apartment" or "accessory unit."  Towns may require new owners to reapply for a "special use" permit that was issued to the previous homeowners.  When you see a home advertised as such call the zoning department in the city or town where the property is located and ask:

1.  Do they allow these apartments?
2. What are the restrictions on these apartments?
3. Would you need to be reapproved once the home is purchased?

If you are buying a home with your parents, investigate the options you have with regards to the title and mortgage.  Check with an Estate Attorney who specializes in elder law.  If one parent ever needs Medicaid assistance you want to understand how the state will view the property.

Living with your parents can be beneficial for everyone.  It’s imperative to establish boundaries and expectations up front.  Who will pay for what?  How will the home responsibilities be divided?  Can they help with the kids?   If you have siblings talk to them about what you are planning and keep them in the loop, as they may be able to provide support as your parents age.

Growing up in a multigenerational home myself provided me, my siblings and my parents many benefits and great memories.  Most of all, we remember our nana’s unconditional love.  So what are the keys to successfully living in a multigenerational household?  Good planning, great communication and lots of love.

My Nana,  Constance Cossette (Affannato)

Other Resources:                                                                                                           

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2015/07/moving-aging-parents-into-your-home/index.htm

https://ageinplace.com/caregiving/preparing-your-home-for-elderly-parents/

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-04-2013/three-generations-household-american-family.html

https://www.aarp.org/relationships/grandparenting/info-03-2009/goyer_grandparents_moving_in.html

https://pro.com/blog/tips-building-mother-in-law-suite/

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/buying-a-home-with-family.aspx

https://www.seniorliving.com/article/steps-converting-house-senior-friendly-home

https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinseatonjefferson/2017/04/30/new-survey-finds-adult-children-want-their-parents-to-age-at-home/2/#3a61ede64e65

I’ve tackled the subject of moving before, in a general sense, but the fact still remains moving is one of the most stressful times for families.  Now, if you are moving for a reason that involves another stressful hurdle such as divorce or losing a loved one, my heart goes out to you because I’ve been involved in a move due to divorce and I understand how difficult it is.  Unfortunately for me, I didn’t do any research to anticipate all the hurdles that would accompany such a move, my own emotional roller coaster as well as my kids.  So thinking back I would do many things differently to help prepare us all.  Providing what I’ve learned through research and my own experience I hope you can help your little ones and big ones transition more smoothly.

Deciding to move whether it is changing jobs, needing a bigger house, better school system, or other life events there is some basic advice to keep everything gently moving forward.

The first step is to tell them.  Unless you have a partner that is staying in the house kids will pick up on your change in focus and stress that comes with selling or leaving your current residence.  Yes, they seem to never pay attention to you when you are asking them to pick up their room, do their laundry or shut off the computer but they quickly figure out that your recent interest in painting some rooms, fixing the leaking faucet that has been leaking for two years and cleaning things that have never been cleaned before means something is going on.

For babies, it’s true they may not understand what is going on but they will feel the effects of stress that their parents are displaying.  For this reason you have to take good care of yourself and have a positive attitude.  Even if you have your own worries and sense of loss find time away from the kids to express it and receive support from friends and other adults in your family.                                                  

Moving With Younger Children      

Younger children may have a lot of questions and you should encourage them to ask, be truthful but don’t overload them or burden them with details that they may not comprehend and will feel inclined to share with your neighbors.  Their home is all they have known.  It represents security. 

If you are all moving (not from divorce) reassure them that you are doing this together.   Take a trip and check out playgrounds, the library and any fun places in the town. Have them go with you to look at new houses but realize they do not have the same priorities you do and a huge Thomas the Train set may be the reason they like one house over the other.  

Offer to give them their own special boxes that they can decorate to pack their stuff in.  This may not be the time to have them "weed through" and donate some things.  In their new uncertain world they may have a melt down after you donated the items that they chose to get rid of.  Take everything, you will find a better time to purge discarded toys. 

If the children are school age there are additional things to keep in mind. 

• Be prepared to answer questions about the new town and school. If possible tour the new school that they will be enrolled in beforehand. 
• Talk to them about the move and see if there are things you can do to alleviate their fears.   
• Give them some control in the areas that will be their space in the new house. Can they choose to paint their space a different color? Decorate it the way they like?
• Help them make a friend collage and collect the contact information from all their friends.  Reassure them that they can continue to communicate with their friends and family after they move.
• Share with them the benefits of moving (new friends to make, new sights and activities, maybe they will have their own space in the new house).

Predictability will be your friend.  This may not be a good time to buy them a new bed and bedding, or forgo any routines that you have established.  Changes can wait until the transition has been completed.  Try to have patience, emotional transitions like this can take months.  If you have preschoolers you may find that they are clingy and regress.  Older children may be more inclined to display anger and sadness.   Be careful not to add your uncertainty to the mix.  Children can pick up on it and use it to their advantage, at your weakest moment,  to negotiate the pet you never wanted.  Stay focused on why you decided to move and don’t waver.  In the end the children will be better off with the consistency and confidence you show. 

Moving With Teenagers

Discuss the move with your teenager as soon as you have made the decision.  Include them in the conversation about why you have come to this decision, where you are planning to go and what the time frame is.  It might help if you have already scouted out the area and found places that might be of interest to them or better yet take a drive, if possible, and show them. 

• Ask what type of space they would like in the new house.  If they are asking for their own room and it’s not possible, what other considerations could you agree to (maybe a finished basement where they could hang out with friends). 
• Make plans to have their friends come for a weekend once in a while or they go visit for a weekend.  It’s much easier for kids to keep in touch now with all the social media platforms so encourage them to do so. 
• Be sensitive to their transition, this is a tough age to have to figure out where they will fit in all over again.  You may even get accused of "ruining their life" as they grapple with the thought of losing friends and starting over. 

Use your child’s current interests to plug them into the new school programs or encourage them to research it themselves, however don’t push.  Give them the support they need.  Just because they’re older doesn’t mean it’s any easier for them.

Don’t succumb to your own guilt, and make promises that you can’t possibly keep as a result.  Your move for whatever reason will help everyone develop resilience when dealing with changes, this is a great skill.  We are teaching our kids to eventually thrive on their own and major changes like this whether painful or not can help build their confidence.  Remember to take care of yourself, get enough sleep, eat right and stay positive.  Kids pick up on our stress and can reflect it back to us and at us in different ways.  Be sensitive to the fact that their views and thoughts about the move may not align with yours and give them space to express that.

Additional Resources: 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/teen-angst/201306/the-moving-day-blues 

https://patch.com/massachusetts/sudbury/were-moving-how-to-tell-the-kids 

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Helping-Children-Adjust-to-a-Move.aspx

http://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/family-life/moving-help-child-adjust

http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/buy-a-house/make-moving-easier-on-you-and-your-kids/

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/move.html#

Selling your home is an exciting and challenging time.  All the work that goes into preparing your home for the market, researching, painting, decluttering, then having to leave your home for the endless showing appointments.  Finally you have an offer and a signed contract with buyers and you start to breathe normally, but wait, there’s still the inspection.   The licensed inspector will come in to educate the buyers on your home systems and look to see what’s wrong with your house.  Yikes!  Will the hurdles ever end?  Then the questions start to mount.  

• What will they find? 
• What will I have to fix? 
• How much is it going to cost? 

In my experience, most inspection items are really not a big deal and very easily remedied, but there are some potential deal breakers.  When it comes to inspection items these are the more common reasons that home contracts fall apart and how to avoid it.

Water Leaks                                                                                

Water is beautiful isn’t it?  Oceans, lakes, even a backyard water feature can be a serene backdrop after a hard day’s work.  However, when it starts penetrating your foundation or dripping from your ceiling it’s anything but serene. 

Even small amounts of water, over time, can produce mold and rot which can be unhealthy for you and your family as well as ruin your home.  In this area of the country, ice dams can be a major problem.   When it comes to preventing ice dams, I do recommend you hire a contractor to inspect your attic and roof and fix any problem that could contribute to their development.      

Water is an enemy of your home and anything you can do to prevent it from sneaking in would be beneficial.  For your basement watch the grade of land from your foundation.  Any pooling of water near your foundation can spell trouble. 

If you have or had water problems everything needs to be disclosed and taken care of.

Protect Your Home From Mold

Mold can go hand in hand with water,  but you don’t need to see water damage to have a mold problem.  Mold can develop on surfaces anywhere there is moisture, even behind walls.   Molds have the potential to cause health problems which is why buyers will generally steer clear if mold is found on an inspection.  

The solution is to take care of it as soon as you are aware of it.  Have a mold remediation company come in and analyze what type of mold it is and clean it up, but determine the source of the moisture and fix the problem, or the mold will return.  Whether you are going to remain in your home for an extended period of time before you sell or you are listing tomorrow, mold can be harmful to you and your family and send buyer’s running.  Here’s an interactive tour of how to protect your home. 

 Septic System Failure

If you have ever been in a home when the septic system fails you know this can be one of the most costly systems to fix.  Many homeowners don’t think about the septic system until there seems to be a problem. There are no set rules for how often you should have your tank pumped.  It has to do with usage and tank size.  My advise is to have this system inspected before you put your home up for sale.  Provide the buyer with information on how big the tank is and where it’s located, which should be on the inspection report.  A buyer may still have it inspected but for your own peace of mind this inspection is worth every penny. 

When a buyer is informed of a problem with the system they have two or three options.  The first is to walk away and find a home without a septic problem.  The other is to allow you to fix it before the sale closes which could delay the sale (If there is a lender financing the sale, most likely you will need to complete the work before you close) or if they are paying cash they may ask to reduce the price of the home to make up the cost of the septic issue.  

If you currently can’t afford to pay for this type of expense, call your local health department or environmental agency.  They may be able to refer you to lenders that allow for low cost loans for these repairs.  Check out this great resource on septic systems.

Check For Radon

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is produced by minerals like uranium and radium in the soil and poses an increased risk of cancer, primarily lung and stomach cancer when found in concentrated levels in homes.  New Hampshire has state information regarding radon. 

Testing for radon in the air of your home and in the water (usually if you have a well) is something that inspectors do regularly for buyers.  This is another instance where you could test it ahead of time to be prepared.  Test kits can usually be found in your local home improvement store, just follow the directions carefully.  The radon mitigation systems are not inexpensive but buyers are not interested in purchasing a home with dangerous levels of radon.

Well Water Problems

On home inspections both the quality and quantity of your well water could be tested.  If you don’t currently have a filtration system for your well water and the levels of certain contaminates are higher than the state or federal health standards, you may be in a position where a filtration system is needed to sell your home.

Even if you do have a water filtration system all systems require some maintenance and any testing you can complete prior to listing your home will assure buyers that it is fully operational and successfully doing its job. 

Pests And Rodent Infestations             

There is a wide range of bugs and animals that could move into your home.  Maybe you think one little field mouse is not a big deal but just one can disrupt insulation, chew on wires and steal your food and if you let them stay, they could have a litter or two or three becoming a major nuisance very quickly.  Just an FYI even if you hear one but can’t find it, trust me the inspector will find the evidence and it’s just wiser to take care of the problem while it’s small and manageable. 

When it comes to pests termites and carpenter ants can threaten the structural integrity of your home.  For this reason alone it is important to stay on top of preventing these buggers from entering.  Keep water away from your foundation and take care of any exterior damage of your homes siding including window sills.  Any untreated wood including chopped wood should not be stored near your home. 

Saving The Sale

Everything mentioned in this article can have a positive resolution if handled promptly.  Disclosing the problems you had to a buyer is necessary, but then showing them that you hired a professional to repair it goes a long way in reassuring them that you are on top of the maintenance of your home.  You could even pay for a full inspection prior to listing your home for sale.  Buyers will still be encouraged to hire their own inspector but at least if there are any major problems you will be aware of them and have the opportunity to fix them beforehand which will keep the sale of your home running smoothly.

Additional Resources:

https://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/articles/preventing-ice-dams/ 

http://www.colonialpest.com/swarming-termites-massachusetts-new-hampshire-part-one/

http://wellowner.org/basics/

This is a difficult blog to write.  Not from the standpoint that I’m at a loss for information, on the contrary being a divorcee and renting for a couple of years then finally buying a townhouse on my own, I actually have a lot of experience.  The subject of divorce is hard, heart wrenching and life altering.  Divorce takes the second spot right under death of a loved one as the most devastating life event.   

Navigating through a divorce is a lot like navigating a row boat through rapids.  Yeah… looks fun doesn’t it?   However when it’s over there is usually a tremendous calm, maybe some sadness and a big holy cow now what??!  In this blog we are going to tackle the, now what? 

The Decision To Move

Deciding to get a divorce is a life altering decision and when your going through it every decision you make can seem overwhelming.   Finding a new place to live is one more challenge you might not want to deal with. Would it be easier to stay in the family home, perhaps, but does it make financial sense?  Take all your current expenses including the money you will owe your ex-spouse if you are buying them out, and anticipate financial changes such as home maintenance and repairs, car expenses, childcare (if you change your work status), on one income.  Even if you are the spouse receiving child support you may want to rethink staying put if you will be struggling to make ends meet.  If you want to remain on the mortgage to help your ex-spouse out please understand that you risk leaving the responsibility of your credit in someone else’s hands or if you decide to pay the mortgage for them, the extra debt may leave you ineligible (debt to income ratio) for your own rent or mortgage should you want to buy a home.  

Taking Control Of Your Credit After Divorce

By the time you receive your divorce decree you should have:

• Separated your finances.
• Opened your own accounts (checking, savings…ect.)
• Removed your spouse off of any credit cards

 If your spouse is buying the home make sure they have refinanced and your name has been removed from the mortgage and deed.  You can accomplish this by getting a copy of the new deed from your attorney and a copy of the mortgage discharge from your lender.   If you haven’t received a copy, both of these documents can be obtained through the Registry Of Deeds in your county.  The staff can help you find and print these documents for a nominal fee.  This will confirm that everything has been filed and you won’t have any surprises on your credit report when you go to purchase or rent a new home.  I would suggest you pull a copy of all three credit reports Transunion, Equifax, Experian.  You want to have a complete picture of your credit and make sure that your ex-spouse is not on some lingering credit card you forgot about.   If you were renting, and your ex-spouse is staying there make sure a new lease is signed.  If both of you are moving make sure you have given proper notice and paid any penalties if you are breaking the lease early.  It will never benefit you to be spiteful and not pay the rent or mortgage because you will damage your own credit.  Whether you rent or apply for a new mortgage your credit will be a reflection of you.  When you are ready to move on you don’t want anything standing in your way, and if your credit is horrible you may have a hard time finding a place to live.  Being protective of your credit will make life a little easier moving forward.

Deciding to Buy

After you have taken control of your credit, it’s time to find a new home.   Where you settle will be determined by your job, schools (if you have kids), and your support network.  I highly recommend you stay near whomever provides you the most support whether that be the ex-spouse or family and friends.   There are countless times that I relied on a relative or friend to pick up or drop off one of my kids from an after school event or from work.

Next is to consider your home needs.  Ideally if you could camp at a relatives or friends house for a couple of months that would give you time to recoup from the mental stress of it all, however if that is not an option you might want to consider renting for a little while to regroup.   If you are looking forward to owning your own property determining what you can afford will be your next step.    If you have started receiving child support and will continue for at least the next three years that will be included in your income if you are paying child support that will be a debt (not a reduction in income) when a lender calculates your debt to income ratio. Only a lender will be able to tell you if you qualify for a mortgage, so you might want to hold off looking at homes before you know what you can afford.  Think about where you will access the large amount of cash for purchasing.  Although there are some great loan options out there with a minimal amount of money down (or none at all for a VA or USDA loan) you would still need closing costs, earnest deposit, inspection fees, moving costs, storage options while you are looking, and a place to stay. If you are not eligible for the VA or USDA loan you would also need a down payment. 

One word of caution, if you can afford to buy a property before the divorce is final, please don’t.  Any money you use to purchase the home may be subject to the same split as all the other assets.  

Deciding To Rent

If you are not qualified for a mortgage now is a great time to figure out how much you can comfortably afford for rent.  Renting might be a good first option even if you have enough money to purchase a home.  If you have never rented before typically you need enough money for the security deposit, first and sometimes last month’s rent.  The security deposit is usually equal to one month’s rent.  I would advise that you rent only the size home that you need.  As you will see, coming up with all the money for bills as the sole bread winner, plus possibly owing money on credit cards for lawyer’s fees, etc. and still being able to furnish your home if your previous furniture went to your ex-spouse….it adds up quickly.  Plus you may want to purchase a home at some point which will require a decent amount of cash.   Being able to pay your bills and save for a down payment and closing costs may be your next goal.

If you’re stepping back into the work force and need assistance with rent, check with your states local housing department this one is New Hampshire Housing. Please be aware that if you have pets your search may take longer.  Many rental properties do not allow pets. 

Looking Ahead

You may not see it now but life will resume its new rhythm.   There will be much more on your plate than ever before, but from experience, I can tell you that in time you will learn to adjust and be stronger for it.   Think of this time not as an ending but a beginning of a new chapter.   Looking ahead will give you hope and focus to create a solid plan for your future just as long as you remember to take one step at a time.

For more resources check these websites:

Total Mortgage

US News

To look for homes check out my search page.

Disasters can bring out the best and worst of people.  If you know anyone who is in the Houston or Florida area and they are looking to repair or rebuild their home share this information with them.  It would be devastating all over again to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous "contractors".

Bubble Ball Tournament for Anne Marie House

Assemble a team and join the fun to support the Anne Marie House in Hudson, NH.  All teams need to register online by September 12th at 5:00 pm.  The cost for a 5 person team is $250.  Tournament being held September 16th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Presentation of Mary, athletic field in Hudson, NH.

This wonderful transitional house takes families that would be homeless and "transitions" them to renters or home owners through providing temporary housing, support system and education.  Check out their website for more details and opportunities.

Reflection. Praying for Houston.

I’m sure you heard the good news!  It’s a seller’s market!  

Actually that has been the sentiment for a while now.  In my area of Southern New Hampshire (Hillsborough and Rockingham County) the average days on the market for 2 and 3 bedroom single family homes was *47 days and for 4 bedrooms *69 days respectfully.  So what exactly is a seller’s market?  A seller’s market is when the demand for homes outweighs the inventory on the market or supply.   So if we are in a seller’s market why would some homes remain on the market far longer than their competition?  

PRICING

You want how much???! This truly is the biggest reason a home stays on the market longer than its competition.  You may think that it’s priced in line with similar homes but you need to dig deeper.  

1. What kind of market is your town in?
2. What time of year are you listing?
3. What is the condition of your home in comparison to other homes?
4. Are you in an established neighborhood or on a main street?
5. Is there an airport near your home or a park?

Choosing to price your home based on emotions or the opinions of, well meaning, friends and family will not get it sold.   Realtors consider many factors when creating a pricing strategy for your home and let me be clear, the value of the home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it, so any pricing strategy has to have some flexibilty in it.  

The other main consideration is the appraisal. If a buyer is looking to take a loan out to purchase your home, than the appraiser, who represents the buyer’s lender, has the final say.  Appraisers do not price homes arbitrarily.  The most common method is to look at recent sales of similar properties.  If your home doesn’t appraise for the purchase price than your deal could fall through or you will need to prepare yourself for an additional round of negotiations.  Good REALTORS know this and will not encourage you to overprice your home.

MAINTENANCE

If your confident the price of your home is in line with the competition and your still not getting anyone to place an offer it’s time to take another look at your home.  If your furnace has passed its life expectancy 10 years ago, your roof is growing moss, you never did investigate that stain in the bathroom ceiling and you wouldn’t dream of leaning on your deck railing for fear you will fall into the yard, you can bet the buyer will take that into account when comparing your home to the condition and price of other homes they have seen.  

Very often sellers have a hard time looking at their home objectively. Homeowner become blind to maintenance problems that they have lived with for years.  All the mounting problems need to be resolved for your health as well as the value and appeal of your property.  Buyers usually estimate these fixes at a much higher cost than the reality which could leave your home out of the running. 

UPGRADES 

Upgrading your home can help your home stand out especially if it is a well thought out kitchen or bathroom renovation but not all renovations are equal.   A two bedroom house with the basement renovated to make an additional two bedrooms is not going to compete with a four bedroom (all bedrooms above ground) colonial, and in the case of say…renovating the garage into your brother in-laws bachelor pad, it can actually decrease the value of your home and be less appealing to buyers.  So it may be time for him to move out and add the garage door back on.

 PERSPECTIVE

I have been blessed to have met some incredible people while working in this field.  Some of my clients have become my friends.  Through all the transactions I have been a part of there is an element of stress.  Some stress is expected, moving yourself or a family out of one location and into another is a life disrupter for sure but sometimes stress can cause irrationality keeping otherwise sane human beings digging in their heels at a difference of $1000.  The longer the home stays on the market the more buyers will devalue the property, the more bills you will have to pay living there and the more showings you will have to contend with.  Keeping a spotless house and finding something to do with the kids and/or pets for an hour or more each showing will only serve to increase your stress.

Putting an effort in to declutter, complete repairs before you place the home on the market and being flexible with showings and offers will help minimize your stress and get your house sold sooner.

 Keep in mind that buyers are making a transition too and are most likely under the same pressure you are.  We are all on this journey together.

*Statistical information from the New England Real Estate Network for the period of January 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017.

So you want to sell your house but the thought of moving is overwhelming?  The stress of moving has been compared to the stress of other life altering events such as divorce, job loss, major illness or losing a loved one.  Although I’m not quite sure that moving, by itself, holds a candle to these other situations, it can certainly create such a stressful time as to entice you to contemplate living in the woods in a tent.  Whether you are needing more space or downsizing, packing five, ten or twenty years of "stuff" into bags and boxes isn’t a walk in the park.    

If you are fortunate enough to be able to hire a crew to take care of it all, then you may be in a better frame of mind than most.  However, not many people are willing to spend money on a moving company that would include all the packing.  So here are five tips to help you organize your move. 

Start Early

What do I mean by early?  Before you put the home on the market, or if your renting, start packing and getting ready a few months in advance.  You might think it’s unnecessary, but begin early anyway.  Just the indecisiveness of what to get rid of and what to keep will take you longer than expected.  I have been through five moves myself, and one of the criteria I’ve learned to use is determining if my loved ones would be quick to throw the item out after I’m gone.  If that’s the case, than it has no value to anyone, so why am I keeping it? (Except my books, they stay!)

Seek Out Moving Options

Chances are unless you have a football team of friends with trucks you are going to need professional help moving.  Plan a couple of months in advance to start searching for options and pricing.  There are many helpful websites like the Better Business Bureau or other consumer rated sites.  You can also check the US Department of Transportation for filed complaints if you are hiring interstate movers.

Organize

 Yes, buy yourself a cheap notebook and rolls of different colored duct tape (one for each room).  Notebooks are great to take the "to do list" from in your head (where it runs non-stop through your mind like it’s on its own hamster wheel), to paper, leaving you free to worry about all the other balls in the air. Whether you have friends moving you or professional movers both will appreciate the color coded boxes, just remember to label the door or entrance of each room with the corresponding color before they start unloading. 

Plan For The Unexpected

Delayed closings can happen.  It’s part of the unpredictability of life.  How would you handle a delayed closing on your own home?   How about if your own home closed but the closing on your new home is delayed.

1. Create a what if plan and start by having a suitcase or backpack for everyone.  Pack it with items you would need if you stayed in a hotel for a couple of days, toiletries, clothing, medicines and personal electronic devices with chargers.  This will also come in handy if you are in your new home and don’t feel like weeding through all the boxes in the first night. 
2. If you are having movers, ask what their policy is if you need to cancel and reschedule or to store your belongings overnight or over a weekend and put that money aside. 
3. If you have friends helping you find out their flexibility and have a plan to store items if there are delays.

Remove The Drama From Moving Day                  

We all love our children and pets but little feet underfoot on moving day adds a lot of stress for you and them.  It also puts them in potentially dangerous situations, such as falling boxes, people tripping over them or getting outside with nobody watching.  You may want to forgo breakfast and lunch because you’re busy but they will not share your sacrificial attitude.  So finding a relative or friend to be a caretaker for the day is a great idea. 

Then there’s the crazy "this sofa, table, bed, armoire doesn’t fit in this space!"  If you have furniture that you are moving to the new home take the time to measure it.  Ask if you can take measurements in the house you are buying or ask the listing or buyer’s agent if they could find out the length a particular wall is or how wide a doorway or staircase is.  If your furniture isn’t going to fit, there is no need to waste time and money moving it.  Sell it or give it away. 

Pack clean bedding for every bed in separate see through bins or bags and label them with the colored tape to the corresponding room.  The last thing you will want to do at the end of an exhausting day of moving is hunt for bedding. 

 Have cash.   Movers like tips.  It also comes in handy to hand cash to your buddy who’s going to grab some beer and pizza for everyone that helped.

These tips can make moving day less stressful.  Although the next time I move I may hire a crew and go to St Thomas for the weekend                                

​​​Under Contract as of 5/24/17, this beautiful 55+ condo on 41 Arbor Circle in Litchfield, NH.  All the benefits of condo living without giving up space!  This home has over 2200 finished sq ft and well maintained with 2 bedrooms 2 1/2 baths finished storage space in the loft and a full basement. Please contact me for details.

Downsizing can seem like a challenge at first glance, but it doesn’t have to be. Take a look at our best downsizing strategies to make the process easier!

  Retirement can be an exciting time. Without having to work any longer, you’re free to spend your time as you wish. You can volunteer, travel, pursue new hobbies, and visit with friends and family.   Retirement can also be a stressful time because it’s a time of change. As we reach retirement age, it’s important to think about where we want to live. There are a number of options:

• Living with a child or other family or friend
• Living in an assisted-care facility or retirement home
• Aging in place

For many, the last option holds the most appeal because it allows them to retain their independence. However, if you plan to age in place–that is, in your own home–you might need to downsize. 67% of homeowners age 65+who plan to move will downsize. There’s a key word in that statement: plan. Having a plan, or downsizing strategies, can help you make the most out of your new home without enduring undue stress. We have five downsizing strategies that will not only keep you sane during the process but also help you maximize your retirement living arrangements:

1. Health: Buy a home that will be easy to get around.
2. Financials: Should you rent or buy? If you buy, how much should you spend?
3. Stress: Take enough time.
4. Priorities: Make a list of what features you need vs. want in your new home.
5. Maintenance: What can you do vs. what can you hire someone to do?

Let’s take these one by one and examine them. Keep reading to learn how to downsize.

Health is One of the Most Important Considerations When Downsizing

If you have your health, you have everything. Well, okay, maybe not everything. You still need a roof over your head, food on your table. But health is important because it not only defines your independence but can also impact your happiness. Making the decision to downsize while healthy means you have to think about what it will be like if your health or mobility situation changes. For example, stairs within the house or leading to the front door might not be a problem now, but what if they become a problem later? Downsizing to a one-level home, or a home that has a bedroom, full bathroom, and laundry room accessible on the main level can allow you to enjoy aging in place.

Money Matters

You don’t want to find yourself land rich and cash poor. Balancing your assets is as important in retirement as it is before then. If you own an expensive house that requires a lot of money either to keep up with the mortgage or other costs of living, then you might find yourself in a bind. Traveling might be difficult. If you have to pay for medical expenses, you might find yourself strapped for cash. The fact is that money does matter. So how do you downsize and keep yours?

Renting vs. Buying

Renting can be a good way to keep costs down. While rent might match a monthly mortgage, you could end up with fewer household expenses. You shouldn’t have to mow the lawn or shovel snow. That’s why downsizers between the ages of 55 and 64 are renting more and buying less. Renting, like all things, also has some drawbacks. For example, you might have less control over what changes you can make to suit your style. There’s always the chance rent might increase. If you decide to rent, make sure to account for some increases that may occur to your bills. However, renting can leave you with more available cash, which can make retirement feel more comfortable. If you decide to buy a new home, consider setting your new home budget at half of what you sell your current home for.   This may give you some financial freedom that you were not anticipating. Know that you will need to set aside money for repairs down the road or minor renovations, such as a ramp or grab bars. This would be a great time for you to speak to a financial advisor if you don’t have one.

Give Yourself Time

How long does it take to implement downsizing strategies? It can be different for everyone, but if you give yourself the time you need, it can significantly reduce your stress. It may take time to get used to the idea of living in a smaller space. You may need time to say goodbye to the memories of your current home, especially if you’ve lived there a long time. You may need a few months to organize and prepare if you are downsizing from a larger home.

List Your Priorities

Even though you’re downsizing, your home still has to meet the needs of your lifestyle. Make a list of those features you need in a new home, and which you want. This will make it easier to assess which new homes are right for you.

Maintenance

Will you have to maintain your lawn? What about the outside of your home? Or keeping the inside clean? What can you handle yourself, and what will you hire others to do? Keep in mind that if your health changes, you may need to hire people to help you with maintenance you used to do yourself. Of all these downsizing strategies, you don’t want to forget this one. Knowing how much it will cost to maintain your new home can help you age in place. You deserve to enjoy retirement. The decision to move to a smaller home can be a big one, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you still have questions about downsizing, I invite you to contact me.  I would love to help you enjoy health and happiness in your retirement years.

Delicate beauty and strength.  That’s a mom!

Have a great Mother’s Day!

Anyone could tell you that buying a home can, at times, be frustrating but recently, finding a home can be the most frustrating part of the process.  What can be attributed to this scarcity?  CNBC attributes these factors to the ongoing lack of supply.   

• Current homeowners remaining in their homes longer.  For many reasons homeowners are reluctant to move.  They may not have enough equity to sell (leftover from the crisis), or they have a lower interest rate than what’s available now, or lack of inventory in the market they are looking in.
• Homeowners and investors have rental properties that provide them income and with the current appreciation in home values there is even more reason to keep these properties.  Last year the share of single family homes and condos that were owned by investors reached 35%.
• New home construction is at about 65% of the historic rate.  Builder’s state there is a lack of ready to build land as well as regulation costs and shortage of skilled labor which is hampering their comeback.

As a result some buyers have postponed their searching efforts but interest rates are still at historic lows and you may be in a better position with more purchasing power now.  Discouraged by the lack of supply and competitive nature of the market? Here’s some steps to help you prepare your strategy.

• First, and I can’t stress this enough, speak with a lender and get a preapproval letter PRIOR to visiting homes.  Many buyers want to see homes before they speak with a lender and then are in a position where they love a home and want to put in an offer.  However, you could be competing with many buyers and timing is important.  While you wait for a bank or mortgage company to open the next morning another offer may be accepted.  
• Unfortunately in a seller’s market you will have very little time to evaluate a property.  Sometimes just hours before you need to make a decision.  Preparation is the key.  Have a list of what you are looking for and check it off as you go.  Also, know your limits, what work are you willing to do to the property if any.
• Be prepared to offer top dollar if you are in a competitive market.  If you are not willing to compete to get your house you will lose to other buyers. Period. You will also be setting yourself up for disappointment over and over.
• Finally, if this type of market is just not your thing and you don’t want to compete against so many other buyers, you can wait until later in the year.  Late summer, early fall, even winter offer some great opportunities but keep an eye on the interest rates and get a new preapproval if your current one expires.

For more tips on buying a home check out my buyers information page and check out CNBC’s findings.

When you think about purchasing a home you consider what your needs are and try to balance it with what you want… open concept, with large updated kitchen, two car garage, outdoor living space with a pool… you get the idea.  Before you lose yourself in daydreaming consider what it will take to get there.  When you purchase a home it can be a joyful experience or like the 20^th hour of labor, something you don’t want to experience ever again and the difference is usually the players. 

My personal experience buying real estate highlights this.  When I purchased my townhouse through a short sale the real estate agent I hired was great but even she could not prepare me for the horrific way my bank handled the transaction.  In the end the closing was delayed three times.  Before the 4^th closing date I was informed by the lender that I had to come up with an additional $10,000 for my down payment (this was in 2011 when the banks were still reeling from the financial crisis) all this to say, it did finally go through but the whole transaction took about 7 months with a lot of stress and tears.  This large bank was not local so other than the loan originator there was no one else to contact to figure out what was going on.  Now, I’m well aware that the banking industry at the time was still in turmoil, however, since I have been a licensed real estate agent the majority of transactions involving a lender from outside the state have resulted in delays.

Just this past year a loan was denied by an outside lender unless we found a way to remove an underground storage tank that housed heating oil for the house (something we allow in New Hampshire) but the delay added a unbelievable amount of stress to everyone involved and delayed the closing by over a month.  

Not that I have never heard of a smooth transaction from an outside lender, I have, but the percentage of  transactions that proceed smoothly in my opinion isn’t worth the risk.

My suggestion is to do your homework.                                               

•      There is more accountability when the lender is local.
•      They’re more sensitive to their local reputation.
•      They are familiar with the programs available in the state. (Which towns are eligible for a USDA Rural Development Loan or how the Home Start Homebuyer        Tax Credit works)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Most lenders large and small have competitive loan options so don’t base your decision solely on an advertised interest rate. 

1.      Ask them how many loans they process and service in the state?
2.      Are they familiar with the different programs available within the state?
3.      How will the lender communicate with you and how often?
4.      Who will be your point of contact throughout the transaction?

Assembling the right team up front (real estate agent, loan officer, closing company and/or lawyer) could have a great impact on your whole experience.  So before you hit the send button to farm out your loan request to any lending institution that will respond, drive through the towns you are looking in and check out some local lenders or contact your local REALTOR for some recommendations. 

Here’s a great article that highlights staying local when buying in their state.

When is the best time to sell my home?  That question comes up many times from customers and sometimes even strangers (when they find out I’m a real estate agent).  You would think the answer is straightforward.  Spring.  Although it’s true that you have more buyers in the market in spring, so is there more competition.  According to Realtor Magazine spring just squeaks out winter as the best time to sell your home.  A study by real estate brokerage Redfin reveals that in the Winter months there are fewer homes on the market and buyers often need to move so they are ready to close quickly and less likely to make a lowball offer.  Although, in New Hampshire the severity of our weather can dictate how the market does during the winter months, if you are adventurous and looking to stay busy in the cold, dark winter days, prepare your home to sell and get it on the market before your competition.  Check out my Sellers page to prepare your home and Selling Process page to prepare you for the steps to selling your home.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends!

Is your home meeting your needs?  Do you or will you have children, pets, aging parents, or extended family living with you?  Do you love to entertain, have the family for the holidays or do you belong to a community group that meets at your home? Do you work from home?  Is there a nook where you can temporarily escape the chaos?  Whatever your lifestyle is, is your home meeting your needs and providing the right amount of space with the proper flow and comfortable access to your most popular areas?  Think of your home not only as a long term investment but also as part of your lifestyle.  As you get older and your needs and lifestyle change will your home accommodate those changes?  With my guidance and a plan for your current and future needs we can find the right home for you.

Flooded basements wreak havoc not only when they happen but years later when you sell your home and disclose (yes, you must disclose it) that information to potential buyers. Making sure your basement doesn’t flood should remain high on your home maintenance list.  Here are some tips to help prevent it.  FYI…These tips would not work here even if they did have basements.

5 Tips to Prevent a Flooded Basement

Come join us to celebrate 2016 Hudson NH Old Home Days, August 11th through August 14th. Vendors, live music, carnival rides and more. The location is at the Hills House across from Alvirne High School.

Before the last days of summer have gone, join with friends/family and come visit Benson Park in Hudson, NH.  Formerly this piece of land was home to Benson’s Wild Animal Farm from 1924 – 1987.   The town of Hudson has restored the property and now it’s a beautiful park for all to enjoy.