If you are thinking of selling your house in the near future, or even if you are waiting until the market picks up again, there are some things that you can do to make your residence more inviting to prospective buyers. My advice is not to undertake ambitious remodeling jobs. Who knows what may please buyers. That old linoleum in your basement may fit right into their idea of the perfect family room. The pink and green bathroom tile popular in the fifties, so rare after more than half a century of boudoir makeovers, is once again a prized style element.

When keeping prospective buyers in mind, think more about neatness and good repair. Curb appeal has become an oft-heard phrase in the last few years, and a new coat of paint and some judicious pruning and trimming can add thousands of dollars worth of market value. Roofs are always a concern to buyers. If yours is beginning to show wear and tear, repair or replace before listing the house. A new roof is a great selling point.

Inside the house, making sure that the plumbing and heating are functioning well has more of an impact on selling price than wallpaper or the color of the paint. Most people are going to repaint regardless of how tasteful your palette may be. Obvious signs of disrepair or poor maintenance can leave prospective buyers wondering what’s going on inside the walls and between the floors.

If you are in doubt about how to put your financial resources to good use, consult an inspector. Most buyers will have an inspection performed before finalizing their offers, and a favorable inspection often is a prerequisite for receiving funding. It is not unusual for an inspection to uncover conditions of which the homeowner had been unaware. A pre-sale inspection can prevent unwelcome surprises that could stall closing.

Although sometimes circumstances dictate a speedy sale, if you have the luxury of time, it makes sense to give your home a bit of a makeover before putting it on the market. A small investment in maintenance and upkeep can translate into thousands in selling price.

Dave Douglas, John L. Scott Real Estate, 206-618-3037

Experts advise that if you have a chronic disease, such as a heart condition, arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure, or symptoms that could be due to a chronic disease, it's important that you consult with your doctor about the kinds and amounts of physical activity that are appropriate for you. Not doing any physical activity can be detrimental, no matter your age or health condition. Your health benefits will increase with the more physical activity that you do.

Growing evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that exercise does not have to be strenuous, nor does it require a major time commitment. It is most effective when done regularly, and in combination with a brain-healthy diet, mental activity, and social interaction.

Aerobic exercise improves oxygen consumption, which benefits brain function and has been found to reduce loss of brain cells in seniors. Walking, bicycling, gardening, exercise groups, tai chi, yoga, and other activities of about 30 minutes daily get the body moving and the heart pumping. Physical activities that also involve mental activity – plotting your route, observing traffic signals, making choices – provide additional value for brain health. Doing these activities with a companion or in a group offers the added benefit of social interaction.

Everyone's fitness level is different. This means that walking may be a moderately intense activity for you, while for others it may feel vigorous. It all depends on you: the shape you're in, what you feel comfortable doing, and your health condition. What's important is that you choose physical activities that are right for you and your abilities.

For help in assessing the levels and types of activities that may suit your lifestyle, consult your SPOS Physical and Occupational therapist. She can help you to develop a routine that is best for you.

Summit Pacific Rehabilitation www.summitpacificrehab.com 425-315-8200

Healthier lifestyles and a better understanding of what it means to take care of ourselves have allowed us to defy many of the stereotypes of aging. Sensible eating, daily exercise, and regular visits to the doctor are the three biggest favors we can do for our bodies. 

Unfortunately, as medical researchers discover new pharmaceuticals and treatment methods, the costs to patients seem to rise almost infinitely. Medicare, which was established as part of the Social Security Act of 1965, was designed to address the issue of affordable health care for those on fixed incomes. Since then, efforts to keep older Americans healthy, financially as well as physically, have led to the supplemental insurance market, whose policies cover the 20 percent of service costs that Medicare assigns to patients, and, most recently, to the Affordable Care Act. 

The recent health care reform legislation seeks to reduce medical costs by encouraging preventive treatment, such as regular checkups and screenings. This June is our nation’s first Prevention and Wellness Month, and, on June 16, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled its National Prevention Strategy, which “outlines the ways that public and private partners can help Americans stay healthy and fit and improve our nation’s prosperity.” 

The HHS web site contains helpful information about prevention and wellness services that may be covered at no cost, preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries, and recommendations for screenings and precentive services based on age ane gender. If you’d like to discuss what the new laws mean for senior health care, or if you have any other Medicare questions, I’d be happy to answer them for you at any time. 

For now, we’ll lift our glasses of antioxidant-rich cranberry juice in a toast to Prevention and Wellness month, and being happier, healthier, and ever more youthful senior citizens.

Walden Insurance Services         425-530-3669

At Harbour Pointe Retirement and Assisted Living, we offer our residents a variety of activities that take advantage of what our region has to offer. Our monthly calendars are filled with events close to home, as well as some farther afield, including trips to Aviation Day at Payne Field, viewing the tulips in the Skagit Valley, or brushing up on local history at the Nordic Heritage Museum. We also like to take in the occasional show, maybe a play or concert performed by local talent, or cheer on the Little League players.

We have great restaurants in the area, and enjoy dining out. One day, we’ll savor ham and eggs at Patty’s Eggnest. Another might see us lunching on General Tso’s chicken at Golden House, burritos at Azteca, or trying a little bit of everything at Tulalip Casino’s buffet. Once a month, we plan a nice dinner out, perhaps at the Red Lobster or Arnie’s, with its great view of the Mukilteo ferry dock.

We Northwesterners do enjoy a good meal, and we have plenty of fun and unusual grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s, famous for its out-of-the ordinary delicacies, and Central Market, which carries an amazing variety of produce and ethnic specialties. In the summer months, we can buy fresh local berries and flowers at the Mukilteo Farmers’ Market, in addition to enjoying the large selection of hand-crafted goods.

Almost every Saturday afternoon, we head out for a Mystery Drive, a chance to do a little sight-seeing and maybe blow away a few of the cobwebs. Other days, we might catch up on our errands with a trip to the bank, the drug store and the post office. The Sno-Isle library system has a branch just behind us, and every Friday, we wander over to check out new books to keep us entertained even when the sun isn’t shining.

Getting out and about is more than just visiting local areas of interest, however. It’s a chance to share experiences with the new friends we have made, as well as a way to keep our lives fresh and interesting. If you’d like to find out more about Harbour Pointe and the programs we plan for our residents, please give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.

Harbor Pointe Retirement        425-493-855

 I never go anywhere.

I would go, but I don’t have a ride.

I am afraid that I will fall if I try to go to the store.

My daughter is so busy, I don’t want to ask her again.

My husband really shouldn’t be driving anymore.

I am afraid of imposing on anyone, so I will stop going.

If these statements sound familiar, it’s time for you to put together a transportation plan, a list of all the ways that you can get around. Your transportation plan might include any or all of the following:

• Rides from friends and family

• Facility outings to stores or events

• Taxi

• Bus or train

• Senior shuttle

Start by making a list of where it is that you would like to go, church, visiting a friend, shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc. Next, look at the best option for getting there. Does your community offer bus outings to the store or doctor’s appointments? Do you have a friend at church who might pick you up? Try to look at each activity and the best way to get there.

If you need help creating a transportation plan because of physical disability, such as vision, hearing, or mobility loss, your doctor can get you started with a referral to your SPOS Occupational or Physical Therapist. We will be happy to work with you to help you keep busy with the activities you enjoy.

Summit Pacific Rehabilitation  425-315-8200

As an insurance professional specializing in Medicare and Long Term Care coverage, I have worked with many seniors. These experiences prompted me to volunteer with the Administration on Aging’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. All LTC ombudsmen are trained and certified to advocate for the needs of our older citizens, and our services are provided free of charge.

In addition to promoting consumer education on health care and retirement living, ombudsmen are available to advise and consult on questions regarding the interests and well being of long-term care facility residents. They also may investigate any complaints made by residents or family members, and work with the facility staff to resolve problems.

If you would like to learn more about the Ombudsman program, or have specific concerns that you would like to discuss with an ombudsman, please give me a call. I’d be happy to meet with you.

Charlene Walden, Walden Insurance Services, 425-609-3025, cwalden36@yahoo.com

What does this mean for those who own their houses outright, or who have been making their mortgage payments faithfully? Foreclosures affect the selling prices of all single-family dwellings. The financial industry holds the title to record numbers of condos, townhouses, and houses. The only way for banks to realize their investments is to unload these properties, often at prices significantly less than they were purchased for at the height of the market. This drives down housing prices across the board.

While qualified buyers can find great bargains, the outlook is less rosy for those who are contemplating a change of lifestyle that includes selling their current residences. Plans for downsizing or moving into a retirement community where someone else does all the yard work and building maintenance do not necessarily have to wait. Houses in certain neighborhoods and price brackets have not been devalued as much and still sell quickly. On the other hand, many people who are having trouble getting into the housing market are renting, which provides another choice for homeowners who wish to relocate.

With the foreclosure rates falling, it is only a matter of time until the glut of bank-owned properties is sold and housing prices stabilize. Until then, homeowners have options. They can go ahead and sell, they can give the rental market a try, or they can look ahead and begin clearing out their attics and garages, making repairs, and enhancing their curb appeal.

A comparative market analysis can help you determine a course of action for the near future. As an experienced real estate agent, I can assess your home’s value in the current market, as well as giving advice on which repairs and renovations will increase the property’s value, and which are better left to the discretion of the new buyers.

Give me a call and we can begin working together to make your retirement plans a reality.

Dave Douglas, Senior Real Estate Specialist, 206-618-3037

The current economic climate provides fantastic opportunities for home buyers. You couldn’t ask for a better time to purchase a smaller, more manageable residence. Even if the house in which you currently are living is not worth what it was four years ago, prices are still good for existing houses that have been updated and are in good repair.

Many people who have lived in their houses for 15, 20, or more than 30 years, either own them outright or have little left to pay on their mortgages. The money that they would make selling their houses can purchase more compact dwellings at bargain prices, and still have funds left over to travel or pursue other hobbies.

As we wind up the first quarter of the year, there are indications that the country is slowly moving out of recession. In the twelve months between January 2010 and January 2011, the Dow Jones rose steadily, except for a slight dip last September. That statistic, combined with a drop in the national unemployment rate, has economists cautiously optimistic about financial recovery. In addition, CNN Money lists two areas in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, Shoreline and Bellevue, in its 100 Best Places to Live index.

Prospective buyers also are being tempted by extremely low mortgage rates, which peaked in 1981 at 16.63% but now have fallen to 4.35%. The buyers’ market has caused increased housing sales in the Seattle area, by 17 percent in September 2010 compared to the same period the previous year.

With so much working in our favor, local realtors are expecting that the real estate market will continue to revive in 2011.

If your New Year’s resolution was to make a change in your life style, I would be happy to give you an idea of your home’s value in the current real estate market. Whether you are buying or selling, I can help facilitate your transactions, or just provide real estate advice.

Call me any time, Dave Douglas, Senior Real Estate Specialist, 206-618-3037.

A good place to start is to dispose of those utility statements from 1986, any cancelled checks that you might still have lying around from the last decade, and stacks of instructions for medications that have long been consumed. Storing stacks of paper can be messy, and really isn’t necessary any more. So many documents can be scanned and saved onto computer disks (this is a great way to tame that yellowing pile of old recipes cut from Women’s Day). Other records are readily available online from banks, utility companies and doctors. Identity theft is a real worry, so play it safe and shred or burn anything that contains private information.

While playing amateur archaeologist, digging down through the layers of paper that represent the stages of life, take the opportunity to make sure that all pertinent information is up to date. Do you have a living will? If so, do your children know where it is kept? Have you designated someone to have your Power of Attorney, should the need arise? Do your children know the names of your medical providers, along with the major procedures that have been performed over the last years? All of this information should be collected and copies given to your heirs and any other interested parties.

This is also a good time to assess your bequests. Even the nicest, sanest families have arguments over who should receive Great Aunt Bessie’s silver epergne or Grandpa Henry’s pocket watch. If you have strong feelings, make a list and store it with your will. Be advised: sticky notes are not a good idea; they eventually lose their adhesive and drop like autumn leaves.

April is a perfect month for a little spring cleaning. The weather is not predictable enough for long days of gardening, and the grandchildren are back in school after spring break. Take some time clear out the clutter and straighten up the family archives. When the time comes for downsizing, you’ll be glad that you made a head start.

Harbor Pointe Retirement        (425) 493-8555

The prospect can be daunting, especially for those who have lived in the family home for decades. Raising children, archiving family souvenirs, stockpiling Christmas ornaments, and the occasional redecorating project all result in well stocked basements, garages, and attics. What about that railing to the basement steps that you’ve been meaning to repair for years? Or the half-finished koi pond in the back yard? Or the carpeting that really should have been replaced in 2004?

Maybe breaking the task into small projects is a less stressful option. A good first step might be to tour the retirement communities in your area and find one whose lifestyle suits yours. Picture yourself living there, furnishing the apartment with your favorite treasures, leaving behind the barcolounger inherited from your father-in-law, or the scarred, formica-topped table in the kitchen. Imagine how relaxing it could be to let someone else do the cooking and cleaning.

Once you have established yourself in a new routine, there’s plenty of time to deal with the old homestead. Throw a family swap meet. Invite the children, grandchildren, cousins, and neighbors over to choose the heirlooms that they’d like to include in their living rooms. If you don’t have the energy to organize a garage sale, there are companies who will take care of that for you. Any of the local thrift stores can be summoned to haul off whatever is left.

A de-cluttered house is more marketable. Prospective buyers find it easier to see themselves moving in if they can picture the rooms full of their own belongings, decorated to suit their own tastes. And it’s so much more pleasant to have the roof repaired, the deck rebuilt, and the front room repainted when you don’t have to live in the middle of all that mess.

The common belief is that the correct sequence of events is to sell the family home before thinking of moving into a retirement condo or apartment. In many cases, however, ignoring that belief can allow retirees to deal with the steps involved at their own pace, not that of the banks, the realtors, or the buyers.

As you prepare to face the challenges and joys that a new year can bring, do yourself a favor and reduce your unnecessary stress. If you’ve been thinking about downsizing, now could be the perfect time. Just remember: it’s your life, make your decisions at your own pace.

Harbor Pointe Retirement        (425) 493-8555