10 Ways Independent Living Boosts Your Health in Retirement

So youve prepped your home cosmetically for sale in every imaginable way fresh paint, a deep cleaning, new landscaping, decluttered closets and even organized the garage!  Your house looks better then it ever has and you are ready to hit the market!  Before you proceed with the For Sale sign in the ground, there are several key pieces of information that you should consider gathering that todays savvy buyers are going to want to know.1.  SurveyDo you have a copy of a current survey on your home?  Have this document available and provide to your listing agent so they can include in the information about your home.  Buyers want to know about property lines, easements, conservation buffers, if there is room for a pool, if the property line extends to the water behind your home, etc.  Having a survey to provide upfront will help to eliminate these types of concerns vs. waiting until a property is under contract.If youve made any changes that would affect your property such as adding a pool or fence since you took ownership and are not shown on your current survey, its important to advise the buyer.  A new survey will usually need to be ordered prior to closing in this scenario.  If you dont have one from when you purchased the home, try contacting the title company or attorneys office that handled the closing of the property.  Depending on how long ago that was, they may be able to retrieve from their archives.2.  Floorplan or Appraisal Sketch Buyers often need to know room dimensions as it helps with determining furniture placement and to ensure how what they have will fit (or have to be reconfigured) in the new space.  As any real estate agent can attest, many hours have been spent measuring spaces while looking at a home and comparing that against the existing buyers furniture dimensions.  Ive encountered entire home searches that revolved around a great room accommodating an entertainment center and the garage size so a motorcycle could fit in addition to the cars!An appraisal is helpful as it can confirm the exact square footage of a home vs. relying on tax records which may not be accurate.  Weve all heard stories where the appraisal showed the actual square footage that was smaller than what was initially represented in a listing sheet.  Having an appraisal will help to ensure that does not happen.  You should have received a copy of the appraisal if you obtained a mortgage loan from your lender or if you refinanced.  If you dont have either, consider having a floorplan drawn up or home measured by an appraiser when prepping your home for sale. Your agent can assist with resources to this effect.3.  Utility Bills Buyers want to get an idea of what they can expect the heating and cooling bills to be in a home.  Review your bills over the last one to two years to get an average in the various seasons, or call your local utility provider as they can often provide you with information on the high, average and low costs.  This information can be very beneficial when a buyer sits down to number crunch their total costs of owning a home.  If you had an unusually high or low bill, provide some explanation to accompany the numbers.4.  Termite Bond In many markets where termites are alive and well, it is common place for homes to have some sort of protection plan in place which is also known as a bond.   In Florida, where I live and work, this is a primary concern and often one of the first questions buyers and their agents want to know.  Prior to listing your home, obtain a copy of your termite bond policy from the provider, know exactly what type of bond you have repair or treatment bond and up to what dollar amount of coverage is it good for.  Also know how long the bond is in effect, when it is up for renewal and what the renewal fee is, if there is a transfer fee and what does it provide protection for not all bonds provide protection against all different types of termites.5.  Pest Control If you maintain any type of pest control on your property, compile information as to who the provider is, what you have done, how much you pay and how often does the company come out to treat the property.  A copy of your service agreement is helpful in this instance.6.  Insurance Buyers especially want to know who a seller uses for their homeowners insurance and how much they pay.  This is particularly the case in higher risk areas (where there are hurricanes, floods, fires, etc.) With homeowners insurance potentially more difficult to obtain in some areas, going through the existing sellers insurance company can help streamline the process, particularly on an older home.7. Product Manuals and Warranty Documents  Now is the time to gather the various product manuals for all items that will be staying in the home such as appliances, water heater, heating and cooling system, ceiling fans, pool equipment, etc.  If your home came with any warranties, be sure to include these for the new owner as well.  Putting all of these in one large envelope makes it easy for everything to be readily accessible in one place for the new buyer. 8.  Service ProvidersCompile a list of all service providers/vendors and their contact information who you have used on your home lawn service, pool service, A/C company, etc. While a new buyer may or may not choose to use these services, they will certainly appreciate having resources available to them and may elect to initially use them as they make the transition to living in your home.9.  Covenants and Restrictions, Neighborhood Rules and Information  This is key critical information for a new owner to have on hand.  A contract may likely hinge on the buyers review of this information, so easiest to have it available ahead of time.  If you dont have these, contact your neighborhoods association president or management company for assistance in obtaining a copy. Many of these documents are matters of public record and are available by going online to the appropriate municipalitys website.Work with your agent to create an informational package or binder that you can provide to prospective purchasers that come through the home with the information mentioned above.  Gathering this information before you put your home on the market will save time and make the process that more efficient once you find a buyer.  It may even help your home to sell faster as all of this information is available upfront, eliminating the need for guesswork and waiting on answers while another property could possibly come on the market to grab the buyers attention.  You want to help keep the buyer focused on your home, so make it easy for them to buy by giving them what they want.  Happy selling!  You can read more home seller tips here.

Thinking about upgrading your property in the new year? Since the housing market is expected to remain competitive, its more important than ever to consider improvements.Michel SmithOctober 24, 2024Read on for tips to elevate your quality of living and your homes desirability.1. Revamp Your KitchenA well-designed kitchen remains a surefire way to add value. Kitchen improvements can yield a 70 to 80% return on investment when its time to sell. Consider replacing old countertops with quartz or granite, updating appliances and refacing cabinetry. Even smaller upgrades like a modern backsplash can deliver great visual impact.2. Renovate BathroomsRemodeled bathrooms are another biggie on a buyers wish list. If you go the total renovation route, think about incorporating the latest trends, such as luxurious finishes and spa-like walk-in showers. More affordable options include replacing faucet fixtures, retiling the shower or upgrading lighting.3. Update FlooringOutdated flooring is an eyesore for potential buyers. Replace older carpeting or tile with hardwood, engineered wood or luxury vinyl planks. Look for durable, low-maintenance options in neutral tones that will hold their value for many years to come.4. Extend Living Space With Outdoor AmenitiesOutdoor living continues to be a popular choice for increasing your propertys appeal. Whether you take on a DIY project or hire a contractor, adding a patio or deck will extend your living space. Other sought-after amenities include built-in grills, fire pits, pergolas and for the ultimate upgrade, an outdoor kitchen.5. Get Smart With New TechnologyIts never been easier or more affordable to incorporate smart technology into your home. Choose from a variety of upgrades that include tech-advanced thermostats, lighting, video doorbells and security systems. These devices provide comfort, peace of mind and can be easily controlled remotely through apps.6. Invest in Energy EfficiencyMake your home more energy efficient, which not only boosts your propertys appeal but also reduces your bills over the long haul. Consider updating appliances like refrigerators, washers and HVAC systems that meet Energy Star standards. Other ideas include improving insulation, adding solar panels or replacing old drafty windows.7. Modernize Your LightingWell-placed lighting enhances your propertys ambiance and functionality. Replace outdated fixtures like fluorescent box-style lights or those that dont provide adequate lighting. Other updates include recessed lighting, dimmers on switches, pendant lights and wall sconces. As a statement piece, consider adding a high-quality fixture above your island or in your main living space.Enhancing your homes worth doesnt require dramatic changes. Whether youre selling soon or simply want to enjoy a more modern and efficient dwelling, these practical tips will ensure your property remains marketable. Connect with a local real estate professional to learn more.

How long must we wait after their death before we can cremate a family member?Unlike burial, cremation is irreversible. This requires us to be "extra diligent" in obtaining cremation authorization from the legally identified next-of-kin, as well as those from any necessary agencies (such as the medical examiner). During these 48-72 hours (depending on state mandated requirements); the deceased will be held in a secure, refrigerated environment.How much will I have to pay for the cremation?When you enter into a discussion with us about the cost of your loved one's cremation, whether on the phone or in-person, we are legally obligated to share our General Price List, or GPL, with you. That list details the actual cost of our cremation services, which is a combination of our basic professional services fee, the fee charged by the crematory for the use of their facilities, and any additional charges related to the transportation and safekeeping of the deceased prior to the cremation. It is impossible for us to quote an accurate cost for cremation here; we urge you to speak candidly about cremation costs with your funeral professional.Can I participate in the cremation?The answer to this question is dependent on the specific crematory responsible for the care of your loved one, but generally speaking, the answer to this question is "yes". The degree to which you can participate may differ from crematory to crematory (depending on their facilities); please speak with your funeral director if this is an issue for you, or another family member.Can I purchase an urn from another source, or must I buy one from you?The FTC's Funeral Rule guides funeral directors in the ethical and fair presentation of funeral service options. The purchase of a cremation urn (or a casket, for that matter) from a second or third party sources is one of the rights it guarantees. Your funeral director cannot prevent you from, nor can they charge you an extra fee for, the purchase of a third-party cremation urn. And they cannot demand you are present for its delivery to the funeral homeWhat should I do with my loved one's ashes?Again, as we've said elsewhere, the word "should" need not be part of our conversation. There are many things you can do with their ashesincluding simply taking them home with you for safekeeping. There may come a time when you know exactly what you'd like to do with them, but it may not be right now. Be patient; the right way to care for them will surface in time. After all, there are a lot of options: scattering them on land or sea is one of the most common; but you can also use the cremated remains in keepsake jewelry or to create meaningful pieces of art. As we said, there is no have-to-do; there's only a want-to-do (and you are in complete control of it). If you're curious about your options, just give us a call. We'll share what we know.If we choose cremation, does my loved one have to be embalmed?The short answer is "no", but there are exceptions. Let's say you want to have a viewing or visitation. If that's the case, it may be prudent to embalm your loved one, so they look their best for the event; so much so that the funeral home may require that you purchase the service. However, with that said, under the FTC's Funeral Rule, we cannot: provide embalming services without your permission, and may not lead you to believe embalming is required by law. In addition, we must provide you with written disclosures related to the embalming of your loved one.How long will it take to cremate my family member?Naturally, this question is best answered when we talk specifics: why type of cremator will be used? How large an individual was your loved one? Usually it takes 2 - 2 1/2 hours for the process. A cool-down period follows, and then the cremated remains are processed for a uniform appearance. Certainly, if the issue is important to you, we urge you to speak to your funeral director.What kind of fuel is used in the cremation?What kind of fuel is used in the cremation? Answer: Most cremators use natural or L.P. gas, or in some cases diesel oil; a fact which troubles some who want to see cremation as an "environmentally-friendly" alternative to burial. If you're concerned about the impact of cremation on the environment, speak with your funeral director. There are alternatives, such as burial in a "green" or environmentally-pristine cemetery.Are people dressed when they are cremated?You'd be surprised how often we hear this question! Some people might choose to be undressed so as to 'go out' the same way they 'came in' to the world; but most of the time, the deceased is dressed in the clothing they've selected prior to their death, or chosen by family members after their passing.Can we put special items in their cremation casket?It depends upon what you mean as "special", but we do our best to accommodate the wishes of surviving family members. Most commonly, families will ask to place notes, children's drawings, or other personal messages of love; but we've certainly had some unusual requests (such as the inclusion of a cherished pet's collar or treasured keepsake). We encourage you to speak with your funeral director to learn the regulations of the specific crematory responsible for your loved one's cremation.Does this mean we don't need to plan a commemoration service?Certainly not; cremation merely describes the type of physical end-of-life care you intend to provide your loved one. A commemoration service is for the living; the individuals emotionally impacted by the death deserve the same level of compassionate attention. And one of the benefits of cremation comes from the larger "window-of-opportunity" in which to plan a meaningful celebration-of-life it provides the surviving family members. Your funeral professional can guide you in making all the necessary service arrangementsI'm thinking of placing my loved one's ashes in the care of a local cemetery. What is the difference between a columbarium and a mausoleum?Think of the Taj Mahal in India and you'll know exactly what a mausoleum is: it's free-standing building (in this case not in India but on the grounds of a local cemetery), which is intended as both a monument as well as the burial location for casketed individuals. A columbarium is the same in purpose, but not in design; instead of crypt spaces large enough for a full-size casket; it features smaller niche spaces, large enough for one (or maybe two) cremation urns.Can you tell us which type of service is right for us?We would never presume to tell you which service is best for your loved one. But your funeral director will be pleased to guide and advise; explain the differences between service formats (traditional funeral, memorial service and celebration-of-life), and share stories of meaningful services they've been a part ofall with the intention of empowering you to make the decision for yourselves.How much will I have to pay for the cremation?When you enter into a discussion with us about the cost of your loved one's cremation, whether on the phone or in-person, we are legally obligated to share our General Price List, or GPL, with you. That list details the actual cost of our cremation services, which is a combination of our basic professional services fee, the fee charged by the crematory for the use of their facilities, and any additional charges related to the transportation and safekeeping of the deceased prior to the cremation.What "extra" fees or charges will I need to pay?It's difficult for us to answer this question without knowing the specifics of your proposed cremation arrangements. Yet with that said we can tell you there will most likely be extra charges for anything that involves a second-party purchase (such as the publication of your loved one's obituary in a local newspaper). If you select a decorative cremation urn and would like to personalize it with an engraved nameplate; there could be a small fee.What are "cash advance items"?When you arrive to make the necessary cremation service arrangements on behalf of a loved one, we will furnish you with a copy of our General Price List; a section of which discloses the exact price (or a good-faith estimate) of the most commonly-requested "cash advance items". Cornell University Law School's Legal Information Institute (www.law.cornell.edu) defines a cash advance item as "any item of service or merchandise...obtained from a third party and paid for by the funeral provider on the purchaser's behalf. Cash advance items may include, but are not limited to: cemetery or crematory services; pallbearers; public transportation; clergy honoraria; flowers; musicians or singers; nurses; obituary notices; gratuities and death certificates."Why must I pay for these items at the time of arrangement?The answer to this is simple: we have to pay for these second-party services or merchandise at the time we make the purchase on your behalf. This requires us to ask for payment for all cash advance items at the time the cremation service contract is agreed to, and signed by the responsible family member. For more specific information about our payment policies, please call us to speak with a member of our staff of cremation service professionals.Can we arrange to bury their ashes on cemetery grounds?Yes, you can. The burial can be in-ground, or your loved one's cremation urn can be placed in a columbarium niche. Speak with your funeral director to learn more about your specific cremation burial optionsWhat must I bring to the funeral home?You'll need to provide the documents/information required to complete your loved one's death certificate and obituary. If you are planning to have a service, you may also wish to bring in a collection of family photographs to be used in making a tribute video or in the decoration of the service location. Other items may be needed at some point, depending on the arrangements made. Your funeral director will provide you with an exact list of the things he or should would like you to bring along to the arrangement conference.I'd like to write my loved one's obituary. Can I?Of course you can; in fact any member of your family (or even a close friend) can "step up" to take care of this task. There are many valuable resources available in the Guidance section of this website, including tips on writing an obituary. And you can always turn to us for assistance.