When you’re searching for a house, each person looks for different qualities in their future home – for some, it may be space for new children, and for others, it may be downsizing to a smaller house after children leave.. For a single woman, safety can be a big concern. Finding a home that provides a safe environment brings a sense of comfort to anyone on their own.
Location
Finding the right house isn’t limited to the quality of the structure. Location is important. When considering safety, a good neighborhood that is family friendly is an option. A gated community is another possible choice.
Also check out the neighboring structures. Mixed housing, such as houses near apartments or motels, are usually higher in crime. Vandalism and theft can be more common because residents can’t always control who comes and goes in the neighborhood. Finding a house in a single styled neighborhood is going to be your safest bet.
Research the area. Don’t just take a look around and see what you see. Listen to what others have to say as well. Ask friends or others that know the area. The police can also provide you with crime reports.
Qualities in a home
If you will be living alone, you want to be sure your home is safe. A home with a garage could be an advantage. Exterior parking is not usually a safe situation for anyone. A garage keeps you and your vehicle safe when you come and go, and can also protect you from inclement weather.
Security systems are always advantageous. They can keep you and your house safe from thieves. Here is where you may want to be careful, though. Security systems come in all different types, so be sure to ask about how the system works, the levels of protection (doors, windows, motion detection, etc.), and how it alerts safety personnel.
Safety first
When you inspect your home, be sure to double check all entrances, including windows. You want to make sure that entryway doors are sturdy and thick with as little glass as possible. Though glass can be pretty, it does present an entrance for someone who wants to get in. Inspect the locks for toughness, and inquire about their quality.
Room location should also be on your checklist. Although second story bedrooms may appear safer, they can actually present their own hazards, making it difficult to hear an intruder or escape in case of fire. Consider looking for a home with a bedroom without large windows that face an alleyway or a dark, easily accessible area.
Finding the right home isn’t just about locating a cozy little place to stay. Make sure that you and your home are going to be safe, so that you can enjoy your new house while you’re out on your own.
The Permian Basin has become a seller’s market, drawing many outsiders into the area. But this does not mean that the only people looking for homes are newcomers. As people get a little older, children leave home, people retire, and all that extra space isn’t really needed anymore. Some shoppers are looking to downsize their hom. This makes smaller homes a target for those getting along in their years, so why not make your home the home for them?
The house
Lighting is one of the best and easiest improvements you can make to a home to prepare for the elderly. Sight can diminish with age. Consider changing your light-bulbs to the newer, brighter, and more power efficient bulbs. Ceiling lighting will be a primary target, since your lamps themselves will likely not be sold with the home. Important areas will be the bathroom, the kitchen, and bedroom, where lighting will be the most important.
Because rugs, especially throw or shaggy rugs, can trip an unsuspecting foot (trust me, I’ve found myself stumbling), consider eliminating them from the home before you begin to show it. Vacuum thoroughly as well.
If you have stairs, this can definitely be a turn-off for the elderly. What you can do is make sure that the stairs are as safe as possible. Safety railings should be solid and easily graspable. Try to stay away from massive, thick banisters that a hand cannot grip safely.
Throughout the home, consider installing the newer large switches and eliminate the flip switch. The larger switches are easier to use, and some even come with a light indicator to make it easier to find in the dark.
The bathroom
Preparing your bathroom may take a little more time, but it can definitely make a difference to the elderly. Consider your faucets first. If you have a model with knobs rather than a single lever, you may want to change to the latter. Arthritis can make operating knobs difficult.
Your bathtub is another hazard area for the elderly, as slipping and falling in the tub is a notorious problem for folks later in their years. A grip bar can easily be installed with a screwdriver and some time. And why not go a little further and set down some traction on the tub floor? The hardware store will usually offer you a variety of choices for tub traction mats or adhesives.
The kitchen
Here is a place we visit every day. Check the faucets in here as well, and consider converting to a single lever rather than knobs. Bending over can be difficult for the elderly, so consider making things readily available to them. Handles on cabinets can be helpful, and you may want to install knobs on the top ends of the doors and drawers for easy use.
As appliances become more elderly-friendly, we will likely begin to see raised dishwashers, dryers and washing machines that are taller to prevent bending over, and even doorways that are wider to allow for wheelchair use. In the meantime, we can still take the time to consider the elderly with a few minor additions, because one day, we will be there, too.
Forgetting where you are is never good, especially when you’re lost in a new place. And forgetting even more can be downright scary. Alzheimer’s disease can make life difficult for the patient and their loved ones. Forgetfulness doesn’t just make the world seem strange, it also makes it dangerous. If you find yourself caring for a relative or friend who suffers from Alzheimer’s, making your present or future home safe is going to be one of your primary goals.
Keeping everything well lit
Alzheimer’s can make it difficult for a person to find their way around, especially if everything is very unfamiliar already. Making sure that your home is well lit can help out greatly. If you’re searching for a home, consider one without narrow, dark hallways or under-lit rooms. Consider skylights as these help illuminate a home naturally during the day.
Some things you can do to upgrade your present home would consist of brighter bulbs or new overhead lighting fixtures. Try to avoid adding lamps, as cords can present tripping hazards, and they can also be picked up, carried around, or thrown.
Watch your step
The floor is big area to cover. For many Alzheimer’s patients, navigating isn’t the only problem. Often, those who are older with Alzheimer’s can have spells of dizziness and lose their balance. Polished floors are going to prove a hazard, leading to slipping and hard spills. Consider carpeting hard floors, and do your best to avoid adding rugs to compensate as they too can be a trip hazard.
You will also want to examine railings and counter tops in your safety inspection. Keep loose items and appliances away from counter edges where a person may grab hold if they are trying to regain their balance. Cords should be kept covered, or tied up and tucked away. If you have stairs, make sure that rugs are far clear of steps, and that safety rails are on both sides of the stairwell. If one side is a wall, consider installing a rail for a better grip.
Safety in the home
Stoves, irons, and other appliances can be hazards of their own, especially when they are forgotten. Invest in automatic appliances that will turn themselves off if they aren’t being used after a certain amount of time. The stove is a number one target. If you have a gas stove, it would be wise to get rid of it and find an electric alternative with safety covers for the knobs.
In the bathroom
The bathroom should also be properly equipped. Safety rails in the shower and bathtub will be important, and you may want to invest in some traction for the tub and shower to keep everybody on their feet. Thermostatic regulators for the faucets and shower will help to prevent scalding when it comes time to bathe.
Locks are going to be very important, not only to prevent unwanted entry, but also to allow emergency entry. Locks for bathrooms should be un-lockable from the outside as well. Consider investing in deadbolts that use a key for both sides of the door to prevent dangerous wanderings, especially in the middle of the night.
Something else you may consider, but you don’t have to feel compelled to do, would be to inform your neighbors of the situation just in case they find a stranger knocking on their door. Just keep in mind that taking care of someone who is forgetful will include you having to remember for the both of you, so be careful and watch out for their safety.
Moving has its own set of difficulties, but what happens when you move in the middle of everything? School, projects, and work are interrupted, turning your family’s life into a rather chaotic scenario. Although you will be able to better prepare yourself for the move, children have the hardest time dealing with the situation, especially since it is not always their choice. Friends, hobbies, and education will change radically with a new environment. What you will have to do is help prepare yourself to merge into your new community.
Ask everyone how they feel about the move
The best way to deal with the stresses of a move is to talk about it. Children are usually quiet and will obediently go with you, and may never even speak their mind. Holding their thoughts and frustrations inside can leave them stressed about the move long after you have relocated. Sit down with your children and discuss the move with them, let them tell you how they feel and what their worries are. This will also help you address their concerns more clearly, so that the move can be turned positive instead of negative.
Keep children involved in the move and with old friends
Throughout the move, it would be wise to keep your children up to date on the move. Have them pack their own stuff, rather than let someone else come in and move their personal belongings.
Because a move will likely take kids away from their school friends, especially if it is inconveniently in the middle of the school year, you will want to arrange for them to stay in touch with old friends. With social networks easy to use, friends can stay in touch even at the furthest distance. Keep in mind that letters may be old fashioned, but are still useful, especially if gifts or items need be sent. Leave your new address with their old friends to help keep in touch- this goes for you too!
Get to know the new area
You want to make the move as smooth as possible, so it will be important for your kids to know where they are going. Schools, parks, and people are all going to be new, so introduce them to your family before you permanently move there. Take them on a tour, showing them all the sites, especially places that will be of immediate interest such as the school and the kids there.
Participate in your new community
Though it can be difficult to talk older children into much of anything, it will be important to get involved in your new community. Scouting groups are always a good place to start, along with church or service efforts for the area. You should also get involved in a hobby group, such as a book reading club or even in the school itself, such as the PTA.
When you move, many things are going to change in your life. Place, work, and your children are going to feel the heaviest burden. Just remember that wherever you go, there you are, and as long as you are together with your family, you are at home.
Primarily, there are two different types of housing markets- a buyer’s market- and the seller’s market. Midland has become a market for sellers. Housing is quite slim at the moment, although, many new homes are beginning to sprout up. But at the moment, the market goes to the sellers. This is a very opportune time for sellers to take advantage of. This is the classic situation of supply and demand. But, it is important to know what you are doing during the process, or you may end up short changing yourself.
The sellers
Right now, selling your home is extremely lucrative. It is still important to ensure that your home is sell-worthy, but you will be able to easily get a return on your investment. First of all, knowing that this is a seller’s market is extremely important. You need to be aware of your standings, and prevent yourself from accepting the first bid on your home. Although homes will usually sell quickly, you still have room to allow for others to bid, and perhaps increase your return.
Commonly, multiple bids will be made simultaneously, so you will have options to choose from. Don’t just let yourself settle for the first bid, let the bidders do the work for you.
This is important for negotiations as well. Allowing bidders to do a lot of negotiating isn’t the most promising direction. Right now, buyers want to find homes, so, you are the one who has the final say. Don’t get caught up in negotiations with only one individual. Keep your opportunities open, and allow other bidders to have a say.
Also, don’t let emotions get you tangled up in an argument with bidders. This presents a bad image, and it can detour others from wanting to get involved with you. This is where a realtor comes in handy. Consider this if you don’t think you can professionally handle the process.
Always, always, make sure that your bidder is pre-approved for mortgage financing. This is important, and lets you know they are serious about the purchase.
Bidding wars
This is a very common technique in a seller’s market. The individuals will basically work against themselves, changing and adapting their offers to satisfy the homeowner. Indeed, this will allow you to get the most value for your home, but it can be a little tricky to maintain the situation. It would be best to consult a realtor to help you through this process.
Let a realtor assist you
Honestly, a realtor knows the trade; It is their job after all. Handling the paperwork, negotiations, and bidding war can all be a headache. Most times, a person selling their home is trying to do so quickly, and simultaneously, trying to buy a home somewhere else. Working with a realtor saves a seller the trouble of worrying about the stress that comes with selling and closing the deal.
The market is looking great for the sellers, right now, so take advantage of the situation. And remember, it is always a good idea to talk to a realtor to speed the process up, handle things professionally, and ensure that you can get the most out of your investment.
A large house can prove difficult to manage through the years. The space is good when you have children in the home, but as they get older and leave the nest, all that space is no longer needed. Downsizing to a smaller home is a move most folks with space to spare are starting to do. The smaller home isn’t about just eliminating what you don’t need; it’s about being more comfortable in your living space.
A large house is great for a big family, but if it is just the two of you, a smaller home can prove to be easier to manage. Power consumption such as electricity for lighting or gas for the winter cold definitely goes up with larger homes. Unnecessary use of power leads to wasted money on those larger bills. Smaller homes are easier to power and get warm or cold quickly because of the smaller cubic feet of air space. This can be extremely handy if you are out on vacation for a few weeks and decide you don’t want to run air-conditioning while you’re gone. When you get back, the home will take less time to cool back down and become comfortable. Another cost reality is that smaller homes are easier to maintain financially. Repair and replacement within the house will be less likely with less space to worry about. General money savings can add up and perhaps you can spend some of that extra cash on your favorite hobby.
Smaller homes are easier to get around in. A large home can sometimes offer the irritation of getting from one side of the house to the other when the phone is ringing. Smaller homes can be gratifying for folks that have been injured or disabled recently and have difficulty getting around a larger house. Moving from a larger home to a smaller house eliminates some of that dead-space that isn’t being utilized anymore, and can sometimes prove exasperating for some folks to manage when they are constantly cleaning all of it. The smaller house will prove to be an easier area to maintain while you spend more time enjoying life.
The smaller home also helps someone eliminate the excesses that they don’t need. Extra furniture, boxes of needless items and extra decorations can all be reduced when you move to a smaller home. The mental freedom that you get when you have less to worry about can be rewarding. As you live in the smaller home, you will be less likely to re-accumulate anything unnecessary. The smaller home helps create a more efficient person out of you.
On top of all the reasons to move into a smaller home, reselling the house is going to be the best. At the end of the day, you must always be concerned with what will happen in the future. A smaller home is easier to re-sell, so finding a buyer when it is time won’t be as difficult as if you had a larger home. A smaller home may be the answer if you are considering that your life needs a little simplifying.
If you’re downsizing or have children moving out and onward, and you need a new place for you and your spouse then a small home may be the perfect match.
I can definitely help you make sure it’s a great match all the way around!
Have you ever heard “close the door, you’re letting all that paid-for-air out.” That’s because our air-conditioning and heating systems work hard to keep us comfortable, especially in the summer months. But the door isn’t the only place that paid-for-air is going, as small leaks throughout the house can cost you some extra cash each month.
Finding the source
Air leaks are fairly common, especially around doors and windows where seals wear out. It doesn’t take a specialist to locate them; all you need is a match, candle, or an incense stick. What you would do would be to light a candle and guide it around the edge of windows and door frames. (it’s like you’ve probably seen in some of the Indiana Jones movies) and see where the candle or incense smoke drifts around. If there is a radical change in the direction of the flame or smoke, you’ve probably got an air leak.
Sealing the windows
There are a variety of materials available to seal your windows. Caulking can get messy, but does the job rather well. Some of the professionals use bronze weather stripping, but is a little more time consuming to install. One of the best ways to go is the good old rubber stripping that is sticky. It’s cheap, sticks well, can be molded easily, and lasts for a long time.
Keeping the door closed- and sealed
The door is the largest opening in your home and is the most often used. Over time, the seals can break and wear out, resulting in some of the largest amounts of paid-for-air loss. Foam seals are some of the cheapest and easiest to install and will do the trick. But with all the opening and closing, they often come loose, so a stapler may come in handy. If you want something more durable, felt type seals are good, but will need to be attached with screws or nails.
The bottom of the door is the most important, and commonly has its own rubber or felt seal. Replacing these when they are ripped, torn or even shredded (you might have a pup scratching or pawing) is always a money saver. Cool air settles on the ground, so the bottom seal on a door is often the most important, especially during the summer.
Sealing your home doesn’t take a master carpenter or handyman, all you need is a little time and patience, and perhaps even a friendly hardware store employee to help you check out.
Have you ever noticed the water traveling down the sidewalk- and further down the road and basically watering the street? Sometimes people can get carried away with their yard watering, or just leave a hose unattended. Taking care of your yard is indeed important, but there is no sense in wasting it. Watering, tending the soil and ensuring that your grass and plants get the proper amount of sunlight all take time and care but reward you with beautiful landscaping that you can be proud of. There are some things you can do to help not only conserve water but still keep your yardhealthy and green.
Watering and Irrigation
There are many watering techniques you can employ that will still keep your yard fresh while still conserving. Irrigation is quite simply the ability to channel water efficiently to plant life. For your yard, you may consider separating plant life and garden areas from grass so that these areas can be watered differently. Gardens, trees, bushes and plants all require a different amount of water than your yard.
You may consider drip irrigation devices that will slowly keep your plant life fresh on a consistent basis. These devices slowly drip water onto bushes and plants, preventing you from actually having to water them regularly.
On average, your yard will only need about one inch of water once a week. Anymore and you may actually only be eroding your own soil and washing away nutrients. The best times to water are early morning and late evening, or night as this will prevent the sun’s heat from evaporating most of the water.
There is of course the old rain-barrel trick. Saving natural water and dispersing it slowly over time has been around for a long time and it still helps in today’s world. Consider adapting one of your rain gutters to flow into a container. Because standing water is a target for insects (mosquitoes) you will have to keep the water moving via pump or stirring regularly. You can actually employ it into your drip irrigation system to water your garden and plant life.
There is also the importance of a water friendly landscape. Not all yards are perfectly even, as they are full of low and high spots. Building a rise around your yard, or leveling areas off so that water stays within the yard (and so does your soil) can greatly affect the amount of water your yard needs.
Soil
Mulching the soil itself helps the ground to retain water and mineral. Doing this actually prevents you from having to water more often. Techniques that allow the soil to be aerated will keep the ground fresh, and don’t forget that fertilizer is always important. Additives that include nitrogen are very beneficial for your yard, keeping it green and allowing you to reduce water consumption.
If you have a garden, there is a very interesting technique for retaining water in the soil. A large plastic tarp (black or clear), can be placed over the area, and a hole cut for each plant separately to allow them to grow up and out. This greatly reduces evaporation and water loss to the atmosphere and acts like a green-house, keeping the soil fresh.
Choose your greenery
Choosing your grass can also make a difference when it comes to water consumption. Certain types of grass need more water than others, so if you are planting, consider which will grow best with what is available naturally. You won’t have to water as much, and the yard can maintain itself too.
By practicing effective watering techniques and ensuring your soil is healthy, you can look forward to a beautiful lawn that is water-use friendly.
“You mean paint my kitchen ‘Green’?” you asked your neighbor. But it was all explained quite thoroughly after a good laugh. Now you’ve considered the idea and indeed it may just be what you want to do. But how will you go about doing such things? Converting one of your most used rooms in your home into and energy saver can really benefit the hefty electric bill and do the environment a bit of good as well. You will need to take a look at what you are using in your kitchen already, and target areas that can be converted to save you the ‘green’ and keep your environment green.
Appliances
As technology advances in our world, more energy efficient appliances are becoming available. Throughout your kitchen you may find items like microwaves, electric can openers and other electrical devices used for convenience. These are fancy items indeed, but if you want to go green, consider using hand held tools, like a manual can opener or chopping your own food instead of using an electric knife or blender.
Your stove is another great place to start looking for efficiency. There are new electronic stoves out there that can offer high efficiency ratings, but the classic gas stove still offers the greenest option. Gas offers lower operating costs, and because it is delivered directly to your home rather than spread through a grid. You should also seek an oven with a self-cleaning option because the insulation is higher quality and therefore more cooking efficient.
Lighting
This is one of the most easily changeable items in your home. Look for ways to increase the natural lighting of the room- such as windows and sky lights that can illuminate you throughout the day without flipping a switch. You will likely still need light in the evenings, so consider some energy efficient bulbs such as the compact fluorescent. The price may be higher, but it can save you a few dollars on your electric bill and the bulbs last longer than incandescent.
Products and utensils
Something that not everyone is aware of is that Teflon coated pots and pans actually offer toxic side effects when cooking. Not only that, anything coated with Teflon is difficult to recyle. When going green, try to avoid these products. Instead, use some butter or olive oil as an anti-stick option.
One thing to remember when going green is recyclability, especially with utensils. Unless your city has a successful recycling plan for plastics, you may want to invest in silverware and plates. Keep in mind that items that are reusable will eventually save you the green too.
Remodeling for the ‘green’
What if you are giving your entire kitchen a makeover? There are areas which you can target such as your cabinets for a greener effect. Look into cabinets composed of recycled materials as many remodeling companies have begun to carry items and products that are assembled with non-toxic adhesives and recycled materials such as cork, bamboo and pressed woods. Although these may not look as fancy as other options, they can last much longer and keep the environment a little greener.
Cleaning greenly
One thing that goes unnoticed is the everyday items we use in the kitchen- cleaners. If you want to go green, consider looking into some of the non-toxic cleaners. Science has come a long way, and although cleaners have been renowned for their chemical dangers, there are other products available to keep your environment a little fresher.
Turning your kitchen green doesn’t require a bucket of paint and a brush- it takes a little bit of effort and ingenuity. As your kitchen turns green, you will find that your home environment is more efficient and you are saving a bit of green yourself.
Weddings are amongst the greatest occasions that people can experience. It is also one of the most life changing experiences as well- two people become one and their lives begin to move in a new direction- together of course. Planning is essential for the wedding- organizing, catering, inviting, and many other things can occupy the minds of the wedding group. But what about afterwards? What are your plans for the future- is a new home amongst them. Finding and purchasing a home seems like something that is still a distant thought, but your marriage presents an excellent opportunity for newlyweds.
A wedding gift
Weddings present the bride and groom with not only the celebration of their union, but many gifts to warm their household, as well. Most of these gifts are things such as candles, furniture, and household appliances. But consider this- what about the home itself? Where are you going to live? Is a new home in your future or something that you are planning for in the future. In truth, wedding time is the most opportune time to seek a new home. Instead of all those individual gifts, why not let your friends and family help you with a single gift- a new house- to initiate your wedding.
Talking to the bank…
Purchasing a home requires the use of a loan from your bank. In order to receive such a substantial loan, you would normally have to possess at least 3.5% of the loan to make the initial down payment. To help, you would be able to receive a gift from one of your direct relatives such as your parents or a sibling. Unfortunately you will not be able to receive any extra help from any other individuals. During a normal loan such as this your only source of help would be yourself and your direct family members. These limitations can sometimes make it a bit difficult for a young couple trying to purchase a new home.
Fortunately for newlyweds, there is something that your new marriage presents. It is known as a wedding escrow account. You can set this account up with your bank to specifically use as a financial source for your home. This account allows any individual- not just family members- to gift you financially. It’s like a piggy bank that anyone can drop a coin in. Instead of appliances and assorted gifts to decorate your home- you can actually get the home!
A new home
Your wedding is a time of change and new direction. You have been planning this for a long time, and now you must plan for the future. What you should realize is that the future is showing up at your door much faster than you realize it. Tomorrow is not far off and the horizon becomes brighter with every passing second. If a new home is in your future- why not make it right now. All of the opportunities are there just waiting to be taken advantage of. Your future is here and it is time for all your dreams to come true.
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