Has time come to buy your dream house?
I don’t know about you, but over the last few years, the conversation at just about every barbecue or dinner party inevitably turns to how high real estate prices have become. And just as quickly, the blame is laid at the feet of Airbnb — the online short-term rental company that enables homeowners to rent out spare rooms or entire homes, giving travelers alternatives to traditional... READ MORE
Five facts to know about assisted living
If you or a loved one can no longer live safely at home, assisted living may be the answer. Residents typically live in their own rooms or apartments and get housekeeping services, meals and help with personal care. But facilities can vary enormously, and people’s expectations about assisted living often clash with reality, experts say. Here are some important things to know. 1.... READ MORE
Villages can help neighbors age in place — DC Edition
A few decades ago, it was easy to live out your golden years at home. Neighbors might knock on the door with a casserole in hand, check in to see if you need anything, even give you a ride to the doctor. Nowadays, older adults might find living at home a bit lonely. That’s where a “village” can help. What exactly is a village? “Villages are a community of people who care about ... READ MORE
DC Housing News — January 2024
Plans for new affordable apartments in Silver Spring, Md. When Falkland Chase opened in 1937 in Silver Spring, Maryland, Eleanor Roosevelt cut the ribbon at what was then the D.C. area’s largest garden-style apartment complex. Now Falkland Chase has a new owner and a new purpose. Last fall, developer Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), based in Arlington, Virginia, ... READ MORE
Villages can help neighbors age in place — Baltimore Edition
For those aging in their longtime home, tasks that used to be routine may over time become daunting. Driving at night and getting to medical appointments might become challenging, too. And for those who live alone, life can become, well, lonely. If you happen to live in northwest Baltimore, however, a volunteer group can be of help. Founded in 2012, Northwest Neighbors Connecting (NNC)... READ MORE
Advances in smart homes and devices
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the latest technology to make headlines. Its ability to create human-like conversation and interaction is what sets it apart from existing computer systems. Our homes are becoming more intelligent with AI-powered devices controlling our lights, thermostats and more. Such residences (often dubbed “smart homes”) are characterized by the ability to... READ MORE
Save money and energy with a home audit
One of the best ways to save money on energy costs is by scheduling a home audit from your local energy company. Below is information about free or low-cost audits, which may also provide you with devices to reduce energy use and cut costs this winter. In Maryland Pepco offers a discounted home energy assessment for customers in Maryland with an active account through the Home Performance ... READ MORE
Preventing falls at home, room by room
Many falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Here are some changes you can make to your home, wherever you live, that will help prevent falls and better ensure your safety: Floors, stairways and hallways Ensure there are handrails on both sides of any stairs, and make sure they are secure. Hold the handrails when... READ MORE
Sources for free or paid housing referrals
Imagine you’re living far away from your aging parents. One day you get a phone call from a hospital: Your mother has had a fall, the nurse says, and she can’t live at home anymore. What to do? Thankfully several companies in our area can help figure out the next steps. But some companies charge a fee, and others don’t. What’s the difference between a fee-based geriatric care... READ MORE
D.C. Housing News — October 2023
New apartments in downtown Silver Spring In May, the Leggett Senior Living Apartments opened its doors in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, offering 267 new mixed-income housing units to adults 62 years and older. The building’s larger and market-rate apartments have already been leased, but affordable one-bedroom units are now available to those with limited incomes. The complex... READ MORE
