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.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, September 22, 2008
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.
Knowing the real estate market is vital for selling and buying today. Call me if you know someone considering buying or selling.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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.
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.
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