Cohousing: a different kind of community
Remember television’s “Cheers,” the bar where everybody knew your name? What if you lived in an entire community where everyone knew your name? That’s one of the principles behind the growing interest in a concept known as cohousing. Cohousing was pioneered in Denmark in the early 70s to foster close ties among families with children who would support and connect with each other... READ MORE
The agony and ecstasy of living in a Pod
[Editor’s note: If cohousing is not for you, or you don’t want to wait for Baltimore’s proposed cohousing community to become reality, consider this more individualized option.] I have been writing about a new way of living in retirement: Pods. Why? Because according to Northwestern Mutual’ s 2018 Planning & Progress Study, 21 percent of Americans have nothing saved at all... READ MORE
Medicare to offer some in-home support
Medicare is experimenting with a new direction in healthcare. Starting this year, Medicare beneficiaries in many states will be able to get additional services — such as help with chores and respite for caregivers — through private Medicare Advantage insurance plans. There’s a growing recognition that such practical help can have a meaningful impact on patients’ well-being, and... READ MORE
A glut of area homes when boomers sell?
A George Mason University report predicts that some baby boomer homeowners in the Washington region who try to sell soon may have trouble getting the price they want. The report, released last summer by the university’s Stephen S. Fuller Institute for Research on the Washington Region’s Economic Future, points out that people have been predicting a nationwide housing sell-off tied to ... READ MORE
D.C. Housing Notes – January 2019
Homecare company celebrates 50 years In the fall, Silver Spring, Md.-based Family & Nursing Care celebrated half a century in business with an office move, expansion of service area, and leadership transition. The company, which provides private duty home care services for older adults, is expanding its service area to include Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, in addition to the... READ MORE
Many reasons to consider a home share
Julie, 56, lives alone in a nice home. But due to some health issues and high medicine costs, she needed to bring in some income. The Sepulvedas, a couple in their 40s with two young children, wanted some help with cooking, cleaning and caregiving, and were willing to provide reduced-cost housing in their basement for the right person. Cathryn and her sister were worried about their... READ MORE
Is it smart to pay off your house early?
Colette Leavitt faced a difficult financial decision a few years ago, as she approached her 60s. She originally planned to retire early, at age 62, with her mortgage paid off. She would be free and clear of the financial burden of monthly payments. “It would open up some income to do things for enjoyment, as opposed to obligation,” said Leavitt, of Hooksett, N.H. But in the end,... READ MORE
Baltimore Housing Notes – January 2019
New Maryland rental housing locator The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has launched a redesigned affordable rental housing locator that provides free searching and listing for tenants and landlords. The new look is cleaner, more modern, and easier to use on smartphones and tablets. The free site, MDHousingSearch.org, enables landlords and property owners to... READ MORE
Paring down your possessions
So your daughter isn’t interested in your collection of cat figurines, and your son has no room for the dining room table you inherited from your mother. Now what? If you’re working on streamlining all the stuff you’ve collected over the years, you have a number of options. Go to Google and enter your location and the various types of venues that might be of help — from... READ MORE
Your kids don’t treasure your treasures?
When Shelley Shannon remarried recently, she went from a five-bedroom house to a two-bedroom furnished condo in Baltimore City. “We’re still trying to fit the few things I brought in,” said Shannon, who either sold or gave away 85 percent of her belongings. “If they aren’t important for this lifetime, they aren’t important,” she said. “When you really want something... READ MORE
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