www.medicare.gov

There's a new service, quality star rating on this www.medicare.gov website for nursing homes. It rates the quality of the nursing home on a 1 to 5 star rating. Checking Leon County's 7 nursing homes, Miracle Hill Nursing and Convalescence got the highest ratings in all categories for all nursing homes in the county.

Showed previous inspections too, and it looks like inspections are done yearly. Wonder if the nursing facilities recognize that it's time again for the auditors and attempt to improve conditions during the period they think they'll be accessed. Not trying to imply they would be less viligent in their care at other times, more concerned with just once a year inspections, random or not. Seems to me wouldn't take long for a negligent condition to affect someone already in compromised condition.

Just concerned for those who may not have a voice. Check out the site and see what you think.

Buyers searching for Homes in Tallahassee

There are many websites available for buyers to search the internet for properties for sale anywhere. The problem with many of these sites can be that the homes are no longer available, or prices have changed, or something has changed.

The smart way to search is to use a local Realtor who can load your email address and your search criteria on the local Multiple Listing Service. Let's say you want a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home in the northeast area of Tallahassee. The Realtor sets your email address so you receive all the properties presently on the market in that area meeting that criteria and after that initial emailing, you'll receive everything that comes on the market with that same criteria as soon as the Realtor inputs the information onto the Multiple Listing Service.

The benefit is that buyers get the newest properties available as soon as they become available. While that may not seem like such a big deal, if you've been looking for that "certain" home, you want to be sure and be one of the first to get notified it is now available.

It's estimated over 85% of buyers are looking on the internet for their home. Why keep searching when your search criteria can notify you when that house hits the market? Call me or email me to set you up for automatic notification. It's the way to house hunt!

Happy Holidays

I find that Thanksgiving has come and gone without my making mention of it. Obviously the holidays are here and I again find myself feeling behind on all of it.

While the holidays can be hectic with feeling there is so much to do with so little time, the key I am told is to limit your activities. Pick a couple of parties to attend, instead of all, cook a few less items, drink a little less and enjoy the season while it is here.

I know that the economy has affected most all of us and of course limiting one's budget for gifts is a smart thing. I'd like to recommend that if you are considering gifts for friends and family this season, consider a charitable gift of some kind. Many of the local United Way agencies are staging some type of event to garner funds for their respective charities. One opportunity for you to obtain a gift and do some good for the community is the Alternative Christmas Markets.

Shop the Alternative Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at John Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1689 Old St. Augustine Road.

If you are unavailable that weekend, check out the Market at Christ Presbyterian Church on Bannerman Road, which will be held the following weekend.

Tis the season. May you all be healthy, happy and stress free during this time.

Continuing Education

As a Realtor, besides staying up to date with the local market, I strive to learn more and keep up with my real estate education. Times change, the market changes, and taking classes to stay up on the latest changes is vital to helping my customers. I took a CRS Staging class this week to help me help my sellers to position their homes for sale. The class was taught by Martha Webb, author of Dress Your House for Success.

I learned techniques and skills that will add value to my ability to position my sellers homes in the marketplace. The class has helped me to look at my sellers property in a different way, the buyer's way, to best help the seller.

I look forward to increased sales due to this class.

First Time Homebuyers

I mentioned in an earlier post about my upcoming First Time Homebuyers Class. I thought I'd clarify for some folks what a first time home buyer is. True, if you've never owned a home and want to buy one, that would make you a first time homebuyer. You'd also be classified a first time homebuyer if you have not owned a home for more than 3 years. So let's say you owned a home 5 years ago, but your situation changed, got a divorce, moved and were unstable as to where you were going to live and decided to rent, then you'd still be considered a first time homebuyer if you have not owned for 3 years.

The advantage for some first time homebuyers are the programs available to assist in closing costs and down payment, although down payments guidelines have changed with the mortgage meltdown and in fact, mortgage guidelines are frequently changing.

There will be an experienced Wells Fargo lender available at the class to answer those questions about financing.

Tell everyone you know about this class and call me, Angie Goodman at Keller Williams at 850-321-4666 to join us on November 8, 2008.

SILVER ALERT

Governor Crist signed into law a new program to help older individuals with dementia disorders. Similar to the Amber Alert, this helps notify law enforcement officials and citizens of missing senior citizens. To learn more about the program, visit the FLDE site at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/press_releases/20081008_Silver_Alert.html
Let's hope this saves lives.

First Time Homebuyers Class

Since the FHA down payment guidelines are changing the first of the year, I thought a First Time Homebuyer Class would be appropriate before then for those wanting to save some money.

The class will be held at Keller Williams Realty, 1520 Killearn Center Blvd. Tallahassee, on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

Anyone interested in attending, please RSVP to me, Angie Goodman, at 850-321-4666.

Buy now-January, 2009 changes things

FHA homebuyers now have to come to the closing table with 3% down payment in order to get an FHA loan. Sellers can pay for some closing costs, but the buyers still have to provide their own 3% to purchase. As of January, 2009 this 3% changes to 3.5% so if you know buyers who have been sitting and thinking things will change, they will, but not necessarily to the buyers advantage.

Knowing the real estate market is vital for selling and buying today. Call me if you know someone considering buying or selling.

Senior discounts-right!

I'm not 55 yet, but my brother turned 55 last month. As an early AARP member and an individual involved with the mature population I've seen the discount cards that some restaurants give, some retailers touting the Tuesday 5% discount to those over 55 and more. I'm thinking allright! this crowd gets some freebies and they all seem to love it, but I'm learning probably why they deserve discounts and need them. My brother has a life insurance policy that doubled, doubled in premiums for the same coverage just because he turned 55.

My hairdresser was complaining the last time I was getting a haircut how she dreaded turning 55 because her health insurance would go up. She said it has to pay more in premiums because of her age. I did not know that.

So much for discounts and freebies when insurance (health, life, and does car too?) goes up double what it was just the year before? Just because I turn 55 doesn't mean I automatically get sick. I know, I know, it's not unlike targeting the younger drivers, but with changing longevity, perhaps the amounts should not be increased arbitrarily. Then again, maybe they should. I find myself having to look up the spelling for more words than I used to, such as arbitrarily.

The thing is those 5% off and small time freebies don't make up the difference for a double jump in the necessities of life. Guess I best start coupon clipping early.

Active Inspiration

I've run 3 marathons, all after the age of 40, and I've known women, many older who continue to inspire me with physical activity.

AARP Bulletin this morning, 8-15 has a video clip of the oldest woman marathoner in the country, Margaret Hagerty, 85 who has run 80 marathons, all after 64 years of age!

Check out her video at http://bulletin.aarp.org/ Scroll down the page a little to the multimedia specials. Sorry I can't add it here, not tech savvy enough.

Boomers changing this last phase of life

I met with an individual at our senior center today that is wanting to change the living arrangements for our older population. She would like to be able to build a cottage on her property to house her parents with an upstairs space for a live in caregiver. Problem is our zoning. When I inquired about doing so through the "granny flat" legislation, she informed me it has to be an attached addition, cannot be detached. She's unable to build the cottage because of land use, zoning restrictions. What? I thought the granny flats were to help our parents and grandparents.

Anyway, while it's a slow process changing city hall and of course there are concerns about housing here, because of the possibility of additional areas being overtaken by students (being as we have 2 universities and a community college) and while I love the students for their help in our local economy, I understand homeowners concerns with renters and cars and noise and oh my, you get the picture.

Still, I applaud her desire to change things. We all hear that we, the baby boomers don't want to ultimately be in nursing homes, or even assisted living, we want to change the environment to something else that works better for us. Question is what is that? This person is wanting to take the steps to do that, change how we age. It starts slowly and with momentum from us, those boomers, we will get it changed for when we get there. How do you wish to live in your old age? If you think you know, email me. We'll all be part of the momentum!

New legislation by Congress

In a networking group last week, there was mention of the bill recently passed by congress to help the burdened homeowners and to entice first time homebuyers to "get off the fence" and buy.

In talking with bankers and mortgage lenders, the bill is so convoluted (typical of Congress, isn't it?) that most are not even mentioning it to buyers and if they do they recommending they talk with a tax specialist to understand it to eliminate any liability. There's a $7500 interest free loan to first time homebuyers, that has to be repaid within 15 years and it's of course has some income guidelines as to how much one gets.

I also understand the bill increases the reverse mortgage cap for the mature property owner, raising it to $625K, allowing seniors more equity from their homes. Perhaps there are some good points to the bill, but there seems to be lots of splainin' to do.

AARP Safe Driving Class

The local volunteers for the AARP Safe Driving Class teach a class at Cherry Laurel, the independent living facility on Mahan at Concord Road the last Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

I'll be the instructor for the September classes on the 24th and 25th. I enjoy teaching them, not only because of the interaction with the participants, but it is a great reminder to me to focus on my driving and how important it is to be attentive on the roadways.

If you know of a individual 55 or over who would like to participate, contact me at 850-321-4666.

AARP Bulletin

AARP no longer puts out the daily email Florida Aging News, but they do their new bullentin. Visit it daily at www.bulletin.aarp.org for daily info for mature adults. They've also set up a community board, like a facebook, myspace site. Check it out! You never know you you might connect with, a long lost friend or relative.

New Laws Regarding Elder Abuse

Those of you who serve the older population know that serving this group of individuals takes additional caution.

That's partly why I earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation. I wanted to help insure that anyone of this group of individuals would not be taken advantage of, certainly if I could help it, because sadly, the elderly are preyed upon by those who do not wish to do honest work!

Anyway, Governor Crist has signed into law SB366 which increases the penalty for aggravated abuse of Florida's elderly and disabled populations from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony.

We can help our older customers and their families by being aware of this law and if we know or suspect elder abuse, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

We wish to live our lives with dignity, lets help make it so for this group of individuals too.

Balance

I've been physically active all my life. Over 30 years ago I started running for my health. I'd quit smoking and knew I needed something to keep me from going back to it, so I took up running. I've added cycling and yoga to my routines to keep in shape.

Things happen though, we get used to our routines, the body adapts. In October of 07 I fell off my bike and cracked my pelvis. I'm back on the bike, back walking, working on my stamina for running and all in all in good shape. Yet, I recognize my balance could be better.

Yoga helps but keeping our balance is as important as keeping our flexibility. Our balance, like so many other things, tends to diminish as we age. Working to improve is a constant. So with any and all of your exercising, make balance exercises a part of your routine too. It may just help you stay on the bike!

Senior/assisted living housing market

Some of our area senior housing apartments and assisted living are seeing a slow down in occupancy. They tell me 40-50% of their residents come from out of town seniors moving to the area to be closer to family.
Listening to a new director recently, she was asking me how to get more seniors into her complex. I told her the seniors weren't coming because they couldn't sell their homes where they are to be able to move to our area.
No sooner did I convey this information to a couple of marketing personnel with assisted living facilitiles than the speaker at the luncheon we were attending (happened to be Florida's CFO Alex Sink) said the very same thing.
Okay, it just makes sense that this is the case, but it's nice to have those higher up the ladder (as in this case the State ladder) say the very same thing.
The housing market affects everyone, from those first time homebuyers, move up buyers to seniors wanting to shed themselves of their homes and or responsibilities.

Real estate value

With rising gas prices, the higher cost of food, looming increases for taxes, insurance and more, finding value in our transactions and interactions with businesses, professionals and vendors makes good sense.
Using a Realtor is a great way of generating value for your time and money. An experienced Realtor will be able to help a buyer with assistance in finding a lender they can trust, a reputable inspector for that potential new home and look out for your primary concerns. I can't say for all cities, but here in Tallahassee, Realtors access to the Multiple Listing System allows us to send automatic notifications of properties of potential interest to buyers based on the criteria the buyer is looking for, such as bedrooms, baths, square footage, quadrant of the county and more. This alone is a value for the buyer, giving the opportunity to view homes from the internet instead of driving (and wasting gas and $$) to help determine if a house is one they want to see.

From a seller's viewpoint of value, especially in today's market, find out what the Realtor plans to do to sell your home. Over three quarters of buyers are looking on the internet first for a home and then calling a Realtor. A large web presence is essential to getting exposure to buyers. Marketing entails even more so ask what the Realtor plans to do to market your home.
Once a buyer is found for the home, there's much more work (much that goes on behind the scenes) that buyers and sellers are unaware that Realtors are ensuring are taking place to get a sale to closing. From contacting vendors for repair work to talking with lenders and title companies, and often times even more such as coordinating with movers, inspectors, appraisers to ensure everything that needs to happen does, in time for a smooth closing.

Using a Realtor, one of the best values around today!

Westcott Lakes at Southwood

I lunched today with some of the folks selling the Life Fulfilling Community at Westcott Lakes at Southwood here in Tallahassee, FL. Westcott Lakes offers mature adults, those 62 and over, upscale living with impressive amenitites and a service-oriented "mindset". It is a community sponsored by and fully integrated with Florida State University through affiliations that provide numerous intellectual, recreational and cultural opportunities. It's not a community for the weak of pocketbook though. It's a retirement (they don't like to refer to it by this name), it's a lifestyle community that caters to the affluent. Construction hasn't begun yet as they must have 70% fill committment before the State of Florida will allow construction. It will be located on 100 acres at Capital Circle S.E. and Tram Road.
So if you know any mature individuals looking for a lifestyle that offers the opportunity for truly keeping active in every sense of the word, intellectually, physically, socially, then call me. I'll get the information they need about Westcott Lakes.

Call me by my name

I attended a presentation a few months ago on marketing to the older population. The speaker talked about, among other things, that this population likes to be treated like adults, not singled out for being senior, or the associated jokes that go with the population, like geezer, ancient, and other ageism related terms.

The speaker got me to thinking how I have frequently called other women "Miss Mary, or Miss Jane". What I have always considered a term of respect, and cannot recall having been corrected, and did not do this with all older women, I now can see how it would be considered offensive. I have since stopped doing it period!

I especially recognize it as offensive because I am being called "Miss Angie". Again I know it to be a term for respect and have yet to correct anyone, in fact having been called "Miss Angie" by most individuals I know to be even older than myself. The thing is, it has always been an older adult that I referred to such and having recognized that, being called "Miss Angie" makes me think one looks at me as older.

Since I certainly feel I now relate to this on a more personal level, it is much easier for me to not have to think about not saying "Miss" so and so. It is no longer part of my vocabulary. I've never been one to call an older gentleman "Mr. Bob or Mr. Tom" instead referring to their first name or Mr. with their last name.

Anyway, when you talk to me, I like to be called Angie, not Mrs. Goodman, or Miss Goodman. Just call me Angie.

Hurricane Season

It's time again to enjoy the summer and watch the weather reports for storm activity. Florida was spared 2007 and hopefully 2008 will be the same, with just maybe a little more rain! Here's some tips on preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.

HURRICANE DISASTER KIT
Water: At least 1 gallon per person daily. Stock enough for at least seven days.
Food: Include nonperishable items. Stock enough for at least seven days.
Food preparatory items: A nonelectric can opener, cooking tools and fuel.
Bedding, seasonal clothing and rain gear, and toiletries: Include basic hygiene products, toilet paper and moisture wipes.
Medical supplies: Include a first aid kit and prescription drugs.
Special items needed to care for infants, the elderly or pets.
Flashlights, batteries and a battery-operated radio or television.
Cash: Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods, so make sure you have sufficient funds at your immediate disposal.
Keys
Toys, books and games: You will need to be prepared to keep your children and yourself occupied for an extended period.
Important documents: Include insurance papers, medical records, bank account numbers, birth certificates, Social Security card, etc. Be sure to keep these in a waterproof container.
Sources: American Red Cross, www.StormTips.com

Stay safe this season.

Foreclosures tough on four legged friends too.

This was information posted from the Florida Association of Realtors. It's happening here in Tallahassee area too. I picked up a cat left abandoned when the homeowners were evicted. Please, if you are considering a pet, check with our local shelter at www.talgov.com or our local humane society at www.lchs.info/resources.html

Animal shelters in Florida and throughout the nation find themselves filled to capacity as homeowners not only lose a house to foreclosure, but also the ability to take care of a pet. "When times are hard for people, they frequently are hard for pets as well," says Nancy Peterson, issues specialist with the Humane Society of the United States. A West Palm Beach shelter, the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, asks people why they're dropping off a pet. In March, 71 pet owners cited a housing-related reason, including "foreclosure," "moving" and "unable to find housing" that allows pets. "Some people treat their animals like they are an old TV set or a couch," says League Executive Director Joan Carlson Radabaugh, but for others "it's really heartbreaking. They have lived with their animals for years and they love them." A list of pet adoption groups throughout Florida can be found at: http://www.pgaa.com/Florida.html. Contact the Florida Humane Society at: http://www.floridahumanesociety.org

Fosamax drug alert

This article appears in the Seattle Times paper 4-29-08.

Osteoporosis drug Fosamax may double risk of heart trouble
By Kyung Song
Seattle Times staff reporter

Fosamax, a bone-strengthening drug taken by millions of Americans to ward off osteoporosis, appears to nearly double the risk of a potentially serious heart problem in women, according to research by Seattle investigators.
The study compared the histories of nearly 1,700 elderly women who were patients at Seattle's Group Health Cooperative. It found that Fosamax significantly raised the odds of developing atrial fibrillation, which often results in rapid and irregular heartbeats that can create clots and lead to strokes, or cause shortness of breath or feelings of fatigue.
The latest research follows two other studies last year that unexpectedly found a similar link between osteoporosis drugs and irregular heartbeats.
This new study will likely add a dose of caution for doctors and patients, particularly those who are at relatively low risk of bone fracture but are at a high risk of diabetes or cardiovascular problems.
"This is going to be an important study for physicians to be aware of," said Dr. Philip Mease, an osteoporosis expert at Swedish Medical Center and a clinical professor of rheumatology at the University of Washington. Mease was not involved with the study.
Yet at the same time, Mease stressed that the study on Fosamax, which is generically called alendronate, turned up only an association — not proof — that it causes atrial fibrillation.
Mease warned patients already taking Fosamax not to quit on their own.
"I'm concerned about the news leading to mass cessation" of the drug, Mease said. "The consequence will lead to increased mortality from fractures."
Researchers compared records of 719 women who had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation at Group Health between 2001 and 2004 to 966 women who had never had the condition. Among the atrial-fibrillation patients, 6.5 percent had taken Fosamax, compared to 4.1 percent in the other group. Researchers calculated that women who had taken Fosamax were 86 percent more likely to have atrial fibrillation than if they had never taken it.
And Fosamax users who were diabetic or taking statins to reduce cholesterol were among the most likely to develop irregular heartbeat.
"This adds to the evidence that there may in fact be an association" between the two, said Dr. Susan Heckbert, the study's primary author, who is a professor of epidemiology at UW.
The paper examined only Fosamax, the world's top-selling osteoporosis drug and the preferred brand for Group Health members. It did not compare other bone-strengthening drugs in the same class, which include Actonel, Aredia and Zometa. Mease, the UW physician, said the drugs are about equally effective in preventing fractures.
The paper appeared today in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Heckbert's co-authors included researchers from Group Health and the University of California San Francisco. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute paid for the study.
Last year, a paper in The New England Journal of Medicine reported that Zometa, which is injected once a year, was more than twice as likely to cause serious atrial fibrillation when compared to a placebo. That was followed by another report linking Fosamax to heart problems, although the results could have been due to mere chance.
Kyung Song: 206-464-2423 or ksong@seattletimes.com

Active Living Expo at the Senior Center

The 2008 Active Living Expo takes place this week at the Senior Center. Come by Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. or Friday from 9:30 to 12:30 to see scads of service agencies for older citizens. I'll be there with a booth providing up to date information on Tallahassee's real estate market and more. This is my first time to participate in this event, so if you've never been, it'll be great for us all. Stop by to see me and see what goodies I may have to give away.

SNAP FOR SENIORS

There's a new website to assist older individuals in locating an assisted living facility in just about any city. It's http://www.snapforseniors.com/. I cannot vouch for it's accuracy but the site is especially nice for changing the text size for viewing with the click of a mouse. It is probably worthwhile for a visit to locate a facility in another area of unfamiliarity.

Happy Hunting.

Angie

FORECLOSURES AND SHORT SALES

Staying current with the real estate market means dealing with the onslaught of foreclosures and short sales. Florida is one of the states hardest hit with foreclosures. While Tallahassee has not been affected as much as the rest of the state, we have our share of homeowners in trouble. Life happens: people lose jobs, medical catastrophes occur, so there are times when our lives change through no control of our own.

To help homeowners in trouble and to assist buyers looking to purchase homes for a price possibly below market, I am conducting a seminar on short sales and foreclosures on Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 a.m. at the Keller Williams Realty office at 1520 Killearn Center Blvd.

The seminar is to help homeowners understand what a short sale is and how it can help them sell their home, preserve their credit and avoid foreclosure. It is also to help buyers understand what is involved in short sales and especially foreclosed properties. There are more rules, regulations and pitfalls to foreclosures, yet also some fantastic purchases.

Interested individuals can call me at 850-321-4666 to register for the seminar or ask additional questions.

Adding names to the deed

Sometimes we wish to add children to the title on the deed to our property. I strongly suggest speaking with a professional before making any of these changes. Talk with a real estate or elder law attorney to help them understand what changes you wish to make and why. They can help determine how this will affect your taxes, homesteading or probate issues. One may think just adding their name to the deed will make it easy for disposing of property after another dies, but that may not be the case. The property may still need to be probated, depending on how title is taken.

So how to take this deed can best be determined by knowing why you wish to do this and what you plan to accomplish, but before you make any changes, talk with a professional. There is an elder law attorney new to Tallahassee. Her name is Amy Mason with Goldberg & Olive at 850-222-4000. She is licensed also in Georgia and Tennessee. Give her a call if you find yourself needing to make some type of deed change or for a real estate attorney, call Matt Mathews at 850-681-9303.

Preserve what is yours by talking to those who know.

Angie Goodman

2008-WHOA!

There's no argument, the older you get the faster time flies. Is this because we think we have less time on earth to do the things we want or need to do, or the fact that it takes us longer just to do the normal, everyday things? Anyway you look at it, we've all got the same amount of time we always had, however it seems to pass. The key is to make the most of the time we have.

I think that's partly why we set resolutions, to make the changes that will improve our time spent, whether it's eating healthier or spending more time with our family and friends.

Whatever your resolutions, or not, welcome to 2008. Best wishes for the coming year. May only good things come to you all.

Angie Goodman