bonnie Joffe's Blog

Whoever said " You can't teach an old dog new tricks?"

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:38:00 -0800

Really? Whoever said " You can't teach an old dog new tricks?" Well I beg to differ! My father, who is a senior for sure, aged 80 to be exact can prove this to be all wrong. Why you may ask? BECAUSE... At 80.5 years old, my dad, a veterinarian by trade since 1955, just passed his State Board exam to practice veterinary medicine here in New Jersey!

I recently moved my parents from Florida here to South Jersey, as I felt that they were starting to need more attention and care. And of course, as a babyboomer child, I coaxed them to make this change as I felt it was the best for them. They have been here in New Jersey for 8 months and have a better social life than me!!

So back to the matter at hand... You are never too old to do anything you want to do. It just doesnt matter! My father put his mind to it, studied, and studied some more and there you have it. I am so proud of him. He claims he is the oldest person in the world to pass a medical state board at the age of 80. I bet he's right. I told him to send it to the Ripleys Believe it or not!

If you have older parents or relatives, don't discourage them from doing something they want to do. (unless its not healthy or dangerous!). Just because they are aging, doesnt mean that they can't still accomplish major wins in their lives.

So for you all out there who have aging parents, my sage advice is... ENCOURAGE, SUPPORT AND AKNOWLEDGE their accomplishments. They certainly deserve it.

Congrats Dad.

What is an Advocate?

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:24:56 -0800

Advocate- "One that supports or promotes the interests of another." Who is your advocate? More importantly: If you have an aging parent or close relative, who is their advocate? What happens if you or a loved one goes into the hospital for a routine procedure or something more serious? AND what if your aging parent(s) or close family member does not have anyone close to them to be that advocate? Story... I live here in South Jersey and a dear friend of mine who lives here as well in south Jersey told me that her father living north by 2 hours, fell, broke his nose and had to go to the hospital. By the way, he is 94 years old and lives independently! When she went to see him and bring him home, this is how the hospital staff sent him on his way.... blood under his fingernails, all his clothes rolled up in a ball in a bag with the soiled underwear as part of that package and blood still all around his nose and face! Now mind you this was not a life threatening situation; (they did test for brain injury- all clear) BUT who in their right mind would send this elderly man home in this condition???? I understand that the hospitals are overwhelmed. I get that. But that type of care is just horrible. So, I ask you... who will take care or you or your aging parent should you or them need hospital care? So many things can go wrong in the hospital so for all yours sakes- PREPARE!

Should a buyer be forced to purchase a MONEY PIT?

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:06:07 -0700

Should the buyer be pressured to purchase a home that looks to be a MONEY PIT after a home inspection? At what point should the seller and seller’s agent just allow the buyers to walk? What if the seller responds that they will fix the problems with “their” contractors? Ahh… such a dilemma! Yes, we are ruled by the laws of our individual states. Being an agent in New Jersey, I know that our laws differ significantly from other states but I am struggling with at what point do we try to keep the deal together and when do we say, Run and don’t look back! I just came out of a deal whereby the buyers wanted to void the sale as soon as the home inspection was completed. (I represented the buyer) The home had water, roof, deck, fireplace problems and potential foundation issues. And this was not all of it. Seller claims they had no money during negotiations, but was ready to “fix” the problems for closing. The buyer then worries as to what type of contractors will be called in to make the repairs. The buyers did do their part on sending a letter requesting for repairs; knowing they wanted out which, was by the way, made clear to the seller's and seller's agent from the get-go. PROBLEM-The sellers kept skirting the issues on some of the requests. This deal was becoming a nightmare in the making. Buyer wants out, Seller says they will repair, etc. but does not fully address some of the issues. Buyer continues to ask for release. Not yet! Buyers and myself for that matter felt as though they were being bamboozled into a house they absolutely DID NOT WANT! Of course, we should do our best to help remedy the problems and try to get the deal to close, but we also have a fiduciary duty to our client. So, I ask, how do we continue to represent our client when in our professional experience when we know that this home is a MONEY PIT?

Is this a Self Fufilling Prophecy??

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:54:00 -0700

I really do believe that the media is contributing to the panic in this country regarding the Real Estate market and do we really want to feed into this self fulfilling prophecy?

Just recently, in the past 2 weeks , 2 major publications(one local and one national) has tried to create doubt that it is not sound judgment to be a purchaser of a home or to be a current homeowner. Here's one headline quote," Rethinking Home ownership- why owning a home may no longer make economic sense."* Or how about, "When home becomes a gilded cage", "A study finds that home ownership, long thought to be the American Dream, has become a nightmare."** SAYS WHO?

Why such negative press? To sell newspapers and magazines? These publications are suggesting that it may be better to rent. How can that be? It is true that some people have NO choice and renting is the best solution. But it is a clear fact that renting is not a way to build any type of equity. At first, it looks appealing, but stats show that after 5 years, it is no longer a winning proposition. Once a homeowner has bypassed the 5 year mark, the principal starts to kick in and the homeowner is actively paying down the loan. This looks like a partial retirement plan to me. Is social security going to even be available in 15 years from now?

Sure, anyone can find reasons as to why purchasing a home is a "poor" decision given what has gone on over the past few years. But give me a break... We can always look in the rear view mirror and dwell on what went wrong.

Yes- the government did not do its job in making sure the lending institutions were practical in their lending criteria.

Yes- We ALL wanted a piece of the American Dream (whether a first time buyer or a chance to scale up), despite the potential consequences. We cannot blame any one source for the devastating collapse that has since ensued. As consumers it was also our responsibility to be sure we were being fiscally responsible.

There are certainly studies out there that both promote AND deter home ownership. How about this-Home ownership pumps money into the economy. From tradesman to builders to manufacturing, etc.; what would we do if everyone stopped purchasing and only rented? I shiver to think about it!

Let me ask you this....Do we dwell on the mistakes of the past, or push forward and look to the future?

And most of all, do we buy into the negative press and make this a self fulfilling prophecy?

*TIME magazine, September 6,2010, **Philadelphia Inquirer, September 12, 2010

Your comments and thoughts would be appreciated.

Is my life really an open book?

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:46:10 -0700

Is my life really an open book?

After much thought about this, I decided- NOT!

I have entered into a time in my life where many changes are taking place on many levels. As a daughter, sister, mother, wife and business woman, I almost feel that its my "duty" to create awareness to those around me and the world at large of the challenges that I and many other Baby Boomers face on a regular basis. The Baby Boomer generation has also taken on a new role which is being called the Sandwich Generation; taking care not only of our children at home, but also taking on the responsibility of aging parents.

Let me just say... Living it is not the same as observing it! Until now, I have been an observer. Listening to some of my friends speak of the challenges they have with their aging parents. I would, of course, shake my head in acknowledgement and understanding. Little did I know what was and is ahead of me. As I continue to fulfill my duties and responsibilities of a mother, I now need and want to watch over my aging parents.

As many of you have seen, I have been posting "events" and traumas that have been taking place with my own aging parents. As an example: My mom, who is a pretty decent driver, lost control of her car and ended up by crashing her car into the side of a restaurant. Thank goodness she wasn't hurt! It was a sobering experience for her as it was for the rest of us.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Be prepared to be racing to their rescue when least expected.

I am not trying to expose their life or mine like a reality show! But rather, it is my goal to create awareness of the unforeseen challenges that can come our way as being Baby Boomer children of aging parents.

Who is the "Sandwich Generation"?

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:59:05 -0700

How does one define the "Sandwich Generation"?

The formal term is defined as follows: The Sandwich Generation describes those who provide care for both their dependent children and their parents.

AARP has indicated that 44% of 44-45 year olds have at least one living parent and at least one child who is under the age of 21. As life expectancy increases, the number of Baby Boomers who have elderly parents will grow by leaps and bounds.

How does this affect the Baby Boomer generation? Quite simply: It increases the level of stress for the Sandwich Generation as they try to balance the needs of children living at home and the needs of their aging parent(s).

It makes it even more complicated as the Sandwich Generation tends to live far away from the aging parent . This can make decision making much more complicated.

It is important for me to note here, that I just moved my parents from a different part of the country to be close to me here in South Jersey. I felt they needed to be close by as the physical issues were becoming a daily challenge for them.

I now consider myself a member of the Sandwich Generation. With 4 children, 3 under the age of 21, and two aging parents, aged 75 and 80, the amount of time now spent on assisting them and caring for my own family has become a balancing act for me. Don't get me wrong... It is my pleasure to be able to assist them. I wouldn't have it any other way. I will say, however, between children and family, work, daily "stuff" and now the responsibility of helping my parents, my time management skills are being put to good use!

So you may be asking- "So what now? In my humble but experienced opinion- I would recommend the following:

1) Make sure you are on the same page as your siblings when deciding on how to care for your aging parents.

2) If your parents live far away, opening up a conversation with them regarding a move closer to you or one of your siblings, would be a wise choice. (After going through this- when something serious happens, you dont want them to figure it out on their own!)

3) If they are going to move closer to you or one of your siblings, determine who will be helping them with the real estate decisions. This alone can create huge anxiety!!

4) Determine who will assist in their finances. As they age, it becomes more difficult to understand the monetary changes that can happen. It is critical that they have an advocate such as yourself or another close family member.

5) If you visit www.theupsidetodownsizing.com you will find more detailed guidelines on whether its time for your parents to move and the steps you may need to take.

Helping your aging parents to put a plan in place before there is a traumatic event will help you to stay a happy "Sandwich Generation" member!!

Voorhees 4 BDR, 2 BA Townhouse

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:23:00 -0700

Lovely 4 Bedroom,2 Bath END UNIT Townhome in Avian Section of Voorhees. Open floor plan with lots of light and space for comfortable living. New Kitchen was put in just one year ago with new appliances. Home has been freshly painted with newer carpeting. Upstairs bedrooms are a nicely sized with alcoves in each allowing for extra space. The 2 large sized bathrooms have been kept in good condition and each has a full bathtub. Family room has slider out to fenced in backyard. You will not be diappointed by the size of this home. .Owner has put in close to 40k in the past year. Move in Condition! Close to all major roadways, shopping, entertainment and dining.

Being offered at $235,000

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/12-Irongate-Dr_Voorhees_NJ_08043_1120242730#Detail

New Condo Listing in Deptford, New Jersey

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:18:15 -0700

Lovely upper condo with its own deck overlooking the very attractive Steeplechase community. Although this is technically a 1 BDR, the "den" can be used as a 2nd bedroom with sliding doors to deck. This home has been impeccably maintained with berber carpeting,attractive lighting fixtures, tastefully decorated bathroom, curtain rods and custom paint colors. More than cozy living room with woodburning fireplace and marble base and surround, as well as an addditional sliding door to deck. Nice sized dining room off well appointed and well cared for Kitchen. The generous sized Master bedroom boasts lots of light and plenty of closet space. In general, this condo has a significant amount of closet space including a separate outside storage area and laundry room. Wonderful well kept community with association pool and club house. A must see. Priced well and is truly MOVE IN CONDITION! Minutes from Deptford Mall, RTS 42,41 & AC xpwy, all the entertainment, restaurants and shopping you could ever want!

Being offered at $132,000

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/272-Steeplechase-Ct_Deptford_NJ_08096_1120277062#Detail

Contemporary Victorian in Mount Laurel

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:56:44 -0700

Beautiful 5 BDR, 3.5 BA Contemporary Victorian w/circular driveway & partially wooded backyard on 1.07 acres and Cul De Sac location. 5 Zone radiant heat, 2 zone AC, central vac system, Anderson casement windows and 9 foot ceilings. Formal D/R, L/R, 2 story foyer,ceiling fans, custom paint/carpeting and intercom system T/O. Beautiful kithchen with breakfast room,skylights,upgraded 2 tier granite 66x46 Island, tiled countertops,double sink, beautiful glass cabinetry, Walk in pantry,custom track lighting and recessed lighting. Built-in Mahogony shelving in F/R, woodburning F/P with granite surround and base. Fabulous Master with Walnut H/W floors,oversized L-shaped walk in closet(10x16 and 11x10),sitting area as well as an additional attached office.(could be extra bdr). Incredible Master Bath with 2 granite vanities, jacuzzi tub,and oversized stall shower. Finished Bsmt with great room, storage area, 2 BDR, and full Bath.

Being Offered at $715,000

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/6-Jerrick-Ct_Mount-Laurel_NJ_08054_1120194219

The Senior Stumble!

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:26:24 -0700

The Senior Stumble is no joke!

My mother, as you may guess, is an aging senior, who just recently relocated from Florida to south jersey to be close to me. This relocation to South Jersey did not come soon enough.

Let me just preface by saying that my mother has always had the propensity to fall. Just like her mother. and guess what? I am not too far behind. Pretty scary for being a YOUNG babyboomer!

So the story goes- my 75 year old mother, who is physically fit I might add, was out for her morning walk 2 days ago when the pavement met with her head. A raised sidewalk was not expected, and down she went. Who would think that a 1/2" raise in the side would create such havoc. www.cooperheatlh.org/cni

Fortunately, she didn't lose consciousness and was able to contact my dad, who in turn called me. We met at Virtua Hospital Voorhees, www.virtua.org. where they took her in immediately did some scans and found that she had a frontal lobe brain bleed. (I think that is the terminology!). Hence, transferred to Cooper Trauma. - www.cooperhealth.org/content/traumacenter.htm which by the way, is an amazing place!!!

Brain bleed, 4 stitches to her forehead, softball size lump, broken nose and painful back! The back is a problem because of a bike fall last year in Florida prior to her relocation here.

My father, was so upset, he could barely function. Although I knew my mother was going to be okay, my father just couldn't get it together. The confusion he was experiencing was quite upsetting. I finally realized that when you are a senior of 80 years old, and your spouse of 54 years who is in this kind of injured condition, all the mortality issues come to the forefront. This is one of the main reasons that I am so happy that they left Florida and moved here to South Jersey allowing me to oversee these types of incidents. Those of you out there who have senior parents must be able to relate to this.

I realize I am the "Sandwich Generation" in which I must look after my teens and my aging parents.

But let me tell you- I wouldn't have it any other way. The timing couldn't have been better. Thanks goodness South Jersey have wonderful,attentive hospitals.

A Senior Stumble is no joke!

Ah... The Tales of Yore!

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:08:45 -0700

Ah... The Tales of Yore!

I just love listening to my dad tell stories of the past. The experiences he had and the events that shaped his life is just so interesting to me. Being the gregarious individual that he is, it seems that just about EVERYONE is enamored by his stories. As an aging senior, 80 years to be exact- I often think to myself, how much longer will he be around to tell his wonderful Tales of Yore! Sitting around the dinner table last night for Father's Day, dad was telling other family members how he ended up in veterinary school all the way down in Georgia; given the fact he was a Massachusetts guy. After my almost 50 years of being his daughter- I never heard this story! I can only imagine the ones I still haven't heard.

As a daughter of an aging senior, my thoughts keep going back to why not videotape these great stories? Someday, my parents will not be around to tell them, so why not document them while they are alive and still have their memories intact? What a wonderful legacy for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My uncle did this with my grandparents, who of course, have passed on, but it was a great way for us to all look a back,reminisce, see their faces and hear their voices.

http://genealogy.about.com/od/oral_history/Oral_Histories_Interviewing_Relatives_and_Collecting_Oral_History.htm

So as this daughter of aging seniors- I am going to make it my business to get the key stories recorded on video. Anyone care to join me?

Are you a credit worthy baby boomer or senior?

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:47:05 -0700

Are you a credit worthy Baby Boomer or Senior?

Maybe, Maybe not!

When was the last time you checked your credit?

This topic is of interest to me as I just recently asked my 80 year old father, “Do you know what your credit score is?” Not only did he not know, but he hadn’t run it in years and didn’t know how to even find out this information. This was obviously a concern to me as EVERYONE, from seniors, baby boomers, middle aged, and all the way down to young adulthood should know if they are credit worthy.

As a Baby Boomer myself, I check my credit at least once a year. I want to be sure there is nothing that will affect my ability to obtain credit. With most Baby Boomers having children in college, it is SO important to maintain good credit especially if you plan on taking out any student loans.

How’s this for a little tidbit?? Did you know that your credit score directly impacts insurance rates? Insurance companies use an “Insurance Score” which is directly related to your actual credit score. Studies have shown that those individuals with lower the credit ratings will more likely file excessive claims. As a result, if you don' t remain in good standing credit wise, you are bound to run into this issue, as well.

Seniors and Baby Boomers should always be in the know regarding the condition of their credit. Take for instance, if a senior or baby boomer wants to move into an adult rental community, the rental community still requires a credit score. Maybe as a baby boomer, you don’t want to rent, but would rather purchase a smaller home. Unless you plan to pay cash, plan on your credit score determining whether you get a loan. Other reasons for checking your credit on a YEARLY basis are to prevent identity theft, incorrect information being on the report and at least having the ability to fight anything that could potentially affect your credit.

I have included the following links for anyone who wants to learn more information on the credit score saga!

money.howstuffworks.com/.../credit-score.htm

www.annualcreditreport.com

When is it time for a baby boomer or aging senior to Downsize and Simplify their life?

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:17:55 -0700

When is it time for a baby boomer or aging senior to Downsize and Simplify their life?

In my experience, as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) in Southern New Jersey , most baby boomers and aging seniors do not know when it is time to downsize. An Exit Plan has never been a part of their overall plans! It's kind of like in Gone with the Wind , "I will worry about it tomorrow."

As a seminar presenter to the downsizing community, I always make sure I emphasize to the attendees that they must have a well executed Exit Plan. It is way too risky to not have one!

Better you should choose to make the move, under your own conditions rather than it being forced upon you. This could be due to health OR financial reasons or both. Don't be caught short!

So... the questions that you, as a baby boomer, child of an aging senior or an aging senior yourself should be asking are:

•1. When is it the right time to downsize and simplify?

•2. Where would I move to- what are the housing options in my area?

•3. Do I want to move closer to my children and/or grandchildren?

•4. How will downsizing affect my current lifestyle?

•5. How do I protect myself and my family financially?

•6. Am I a working baby boomer or aging senior?

•7. Are there health or physical issues that keep you or your parent(s) unable to manage the demands of the home?

•8. What are the costs to maintain your home?

These are just a few questions to ask yourself to better determine when it is the right time to downsize and simplify.

Perhaps you are the child of an aging senior. What type of plans do they have in place to downsize? Do they know what housing options or retirment communities are available to them? For information where seniors are retiring to and different options available, visit www.retirementliving.com

What if you are a baby boomer? Do you know what types of options are available to you?

If you are a baby boomer living in New Jersey, you can also visit www.activeadultliving.com/NJ/newjersey.htm for active adult communities.

With the overwhelming number of baby boomers, 72 million to be exact, the housing market, as we push forward, will be flooded with your stereotypical, 4 bedroom, and 2.5 bath homes in the burbs. http://www.census.gov .

So ask yourself this question: Do I want to be ahead of that housing curve?

For more detailed information and resources in the South Jersey area on downsizing and simplifying, please visit my website at www.theupsidetodownsizing.com .

Easy Money!

bonnie Joffe (Remax Connection) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:09:56 -0700

No such thing- right?? WAIT! Please read on. Forwarding this info to someone you know and care about who is 62 or older, could truly benefit from this information. This could be your good deed for the day! Do you know someone who is House rich, Cash poor? This is a common thread running through the fabric of America, not to change any time in the near future. With the economic breakdown during the past few years, many people have lost some or much of their retirement income. The retiring baby boomers and seniors are wondering how they are going to live on their current income as they age. While the average life expectancy for a male is 78 and 83 for a female, the medical world tells us that with future medicine, this will go even higher! Here’s why a Reverse Mortgage may be right for you or someone you know… Beginning in January 2009, the Federal Housing Authority(FHA) started insuring mortgages for seniors age 62 and older. The reverse mortgage allows the homeowner to tap into immediate equity on their current home or one that they may want to purchase in the future. Granted, there are guidelines for all of this so here it is in a nut shell.. A reverse mortgage enables conversion of home equity into cash. The owner retains title to the home until it is sold at which point the owner pays the lender back the amount owed. The remaining equity is that of the homeowner. The money can be taken in one lump sum, or scheduled payments over a period of years. This can be done in the current home or for a future home purchase. There are different loan limits depending on age and location. Generally speaking, the older the borrower, the more money that will be available. The beauty of this program is that one may downsize from the larger home into a smaller space, taking the equity out of the new home for an additional source of income. For additional questions, please visit. http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/rmtopten.cfm

Like everything in life, there are always Pros and Cons- So check it out for yourself and you decide.