Educational options around Baltimore
If you miss school — but not the homework or exams — look into the many continuing education programs offered around the Baltimore area. From aerobics to zoology, there is sure to be something to pique your interest. Below we describe a few. Contact those of interest to find out costs and other details. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University The Osher Foundation... READ MORE
Many benefit from living near colleges
Ruth and Jack Casper, who live in Owings Mills, have been taking courses for several years at the Senior Institute program offered at the Owings Mills and Hunt Valley “extension centers” of the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). “We especially enjoy the art history courses,” said Ruth, adding that all the classes are non-credit and are reasonably priced. (Students 60+... READ MORE
Decluttering frees space, lifts the soul
You don’t need to be facing retirement or a move to decide it’s time to create more breathing room in your life. The practice is liberating at any age, according to Virginia Onufer, 52, of Chevy Chase, Md., a writer who works from home. Recently, Onufer, with the help of a professional organizer, cleared her 1,800-square-foot house of 30 tall kitchen bags stuffed with kitchen... READ MORE
Making moving less stressful
When Joanne and Martin Neff moved from their large, multi-level home in New York to their new three-bedroom apartment in Pikesville’s North Oaks Senior Living Community, the move could have been daunting, to say the least. “Nobody likes chaos,” said Joanne. But after a friend suggested that a move manager could ease the transition, the Neffs turned to Charna Kinneberg, owner of... READ MORE
D.C. exhibit focuses on adaptable homes
Most housing is designed for nuclear families (one couple with dependent children), but today, most U.S. households don’t meet that description. That’s why flexible floor plans — and innovations including moveable walls, smart technology, multifunctional furniture and space-saving features — are the future, according to a new exhibit, “Making Room: Housing for a Changing... READ MORE
Make the most of small outdoor spaces
As herb and vegetable gardens, composting and other aspects of green living become more popular, many people with limited outdoor space are looking for ways to squeeze the most out of it. “A client in a modern high-rise in downtown Chicago did not have a typical garden per se, but did have a large outdoor balcony with a beautiful view,” said interior designer Edyta Czajkowska,... READ MORE
The latest design apps for home layouts
Planning out how to arrange furniture in your home — or plants in your garden — used to involve a pencil, graph paper, a measuring tape and a lot of imagination. The process has gotten easier — and way more streamlined — thanks to a burgeoning selection of home and garden apps. Furniture companies, interior design firms and even landscapers have been rolling out a new... READ MORE
Closing cost scam targets home buyers
You’ve found your dream house and made a winning offer on it. Now all that’s left is a transfer of funds to get you in the door. That’s when the closing-cost scammers strike. Posing as real estate or settlement agents, these con artists swindled home buyers out of nearly $1 billion last year, up from $19 million in 2016, the FBI said. The scheme works like this: Thieves hack... READ MORE
Tips for renting out your home on Airbnb
Q: I’m going on vacation and want to rent out my home on Airbnb. What do I need to know? A: Renting out your home while you’re away sounds like an easy way to make money (and may even help pay for your vacation). But you need to make sure your rental is legal, and that you have the right insurance and are paying all the taxes due. Before posting your ad, ask your condo... READ MORE
How to help grown children buy a home
When responsible first-time homebuyers need help buying a home, the “family bank” sometimes can lend a hand. Younger homebuyers face a mountain of obstacles, including rising home prices and interest rates, too few homes for sale and unpaid college debt. Student debt is a major source of trouble. When the National Association of Realtors surveyed recent homebuyers who had problems ... READ MORE
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