IS YOUR PARENT READY FOR ASSISTED LIVING?

Answering These Questions Will Help You Decide

Making the decision to move a parent into an assisted living facility can be difficult for the whole family.

Change Can Be Hard for Older Adults
Moving into an assisted living facility can be hard for older adults, especially if they are accustomed to being independent and maintaining their own homes. The thought of leaving a beloved home that holds many years of memories can bring sadness and grief.

Children See Their Parents the Way They Were Before
The decision to choose an assisted living facility can be just as hard for the children of aging parents as it is for the parents.  In her work as a marketing counselor for a continuing care retirement community, Paulette Kaufman says she is amazed at how many children continue to see their parents as the strong, in-charge people they were 30 years ago. "They are accustomed to seeing their parents provide help and support," she says, "and they truly fear seeing their mother or father struggling."

Son Saw His Father as More Competent Than He Was
Kaufman described meeting a son who brought his father to tour the independent living neighborhood, which is designed for active seniors.

"On the phone, I asked him how his father was managing at home," she says. "His reply was confident: ‘My Dad is fine, and does everything for himself.'"

On the day of the appointment, Kaufman saw that the parent was a frail, unshaven man, wearing a warm-up suit that needed washing. His bright eyes sparkled, however, and he gave Kaufman a big smile and a warm greeting.

As they walked down the hall, the older man confided to Kaufman that his legs were too weak to walk far, and Kaufman knew he needed assisted living, where the rooms and distances are more manageable, and 24-hour personal care is available.

"I turned to the son and explained that as our parents age, sometimes they need extra care and assistance," Kaufman says.  "Everyone wants their parents to live independently as long as possible, but the ability to make good decisions and to care for one's self can slowly decline." Kaufman adds that if an emergency arises, it's important to have another caring adult nearby.

After touring the assisted living facility, the older man smiled and said, "This is more like it." When the father went to the restroom, his son looked at Kaufman and said, "I just had no idea he was so frail."

Children Often Overlook Signs of Decline in Their Parents
Kaufman says that this scenario is common. "The son always saw his dad as the strong father figure of years ago," she says. "After a bit of probing, some of my questions revealed signs he hadn't seen, like recent weight loss, and uneaten meals in the refrigerator.

"It was difficult for this loving son to acknowledge that his father had aged and needed assistance with daily tasks," she says. "A tear came to the son's eyes as he realized he had been in denial, and that he wasn't helping his father in the right way."

Is Your Parent Ready for Assisted Living? Ask Yourself These Questions
It's easy to overlook signs of decline in older adults, so Kaufman suggests asking yourself the following questions to help you determine if your parent is ready for assisted living:

Is your parent telling you that he is eating, but you're seeing food go bad in the refrigerator?

Is s/he covering up bruises from falling that s/he doesn't want you to see?

Have you seen your parent wearing the same clothes when you go to visit?

Does s/he hear strange noises in the night?

When you look around the house or yard, is it as neat and clean as it used to be?

Is your parent able to take medications correctly?

Does your parent respond appropriately to an emergency?

When you really look at your parent, do you see the bright and vibrant person from years ago, or do you see a more limited person who needs some help one hour a day, three hours a day, or around the clock?

Kaufman stresses the importance of adult children being able to recognize when their parents need help. While making the decision to move to an assisted living facility can be difficult, adult children have a responsibility to ensure that their parents are properly cared for, comfortable, and secure.

TOP 10 REASONS TO WORK WITH A REALTOR

When the economy is uncertain, homeowners may want to try to save a few dollars by selling their homes themselves.  But, a slower market is actually the best time to have an experienced professional on your team.

1. Real estate is one of the largest financial transactions you can make, usually dealing with hundreds of thousands of dollars.  If you had a $100,000 tax or legal issue, wouldn't you want to work with a tax professional or an attorney?  In the same way, an experienced Realtor can provide you with expertise to handle your valuable transaction.

2. Your Realtor can suggest repairs and cosmetic work that may increase the value of your home.

3. According to NAR's 2005 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the home price for sellers who use an agent is 16% higher than those who don't.  Trust a professional Realtor to help you set and negotiate the best price for your home.

4. Your Realtor will market and promote your property to other agents and to the public.

5. Your Realtor can help you select a professional and reputable appraiser, inspector, and title company based on best value and best service.

6. Your Realtor will communicate for you with all other parties to the transaction.

7. Your Realtor can save you time and money by coordinating inspections, appraisals, and contingency dates.

8. Difficult situations often arise in a real estate transaction.  The typical home sale today involves more than 20 steps after the initial contract is accepted to complete the transaction.  A professional Realtor can help you resolve any issues that come up during the process.

9. Your Realtor helps you draw up the contract and negotiate the offer and counteroffers for you.

10. The amount of paperwork involved in a real estate transaction can be daunting.  From the initial sales agreement to the closing, your Realtor can assist you in understanding the documents and filling them out so they are legally binding.

- Courtesy of Land Title Guarantee Company

Denver Has Second-Lowest Household Bills

Denver is second only to Orlando, Florida for lowest home utility/services bills in the country, according to the WhiteFence Index for January.

Orlando has the lowest average for home phone, internet, television, electricity and natural gas, with costs of $247.01.  Denver is the next lowest at $251.23.  Baltimore is the highest at $371.65.

Source-The Denver Post

DON'T BE DEED SCAMMED!

Consider that you receive a somewhat official-looking letter in the mail: The opening statement says "Our records indicate from public information that Property Deed Document #123456, recorded May 3, 2007, indicates your ownership interest in the property located at 123 Anywhere Street, Denver, Colorado, Denver County".

Your first impression would be "Yes, I bought that house on that date".

The letter goes on to say that you should have received the paperwork that transferred the title from the seller of the property to you.

Your mind races back and you think to yourself "Yes, I saw that paperwork".  You may even go to your records and sort through them for this document.

You find a COPY of the warranty deed, but you don't find anything else called a CERTIFIED COPY.

Then the letter goes on to state that the US Government Federal Citizen Information Center recommends you should have one-as if the US Government Federal Citizen Information Center is endorsing what they are doing.

And now that they have you completely misled, they tell you that for a mere cost of $70, you can apply to them directly to get a certified copy of this important document.

You sigh to yourself "Now all will be well".  You fill out the form, send them a check or give them your credit card information and wait for your official document.

What these companies are doing is not illegal-just misleading.  Don't be led astray!  There is no real benefit to having a certified copy of your warranty deed.  A signed copy of the warranty deed should have been provided to the buyer at closing by the title company that closed the transaction, and this is sufficient for most day-to-day needs (i.e., setting up HOA accounts, school requirements, etc.).

What they fail to state in their letter is that the US Government Federal Citizen Information Center website also has a notice posted on their website regarding these types of companies: "You DO NOT have to use a private company to obtain a certified copy of the deed to your home and in MANY STATES you can obtain one from your local Register of Deed for free or at a low cost".

So if for some reason you truly feel like you need a certified copy of the deed, it can be obtained directly from the Clerk and Recorder in the county in which it was recorded for a small fee.  The fee can vary from county to county, but generally is .25 cents a page for the document, and then a $1.25 certification fee - a far cry from the $69.50 National Deed Service is charging.

Source-Jeff Little, President of Trinity Title

REMODELING MORE DIFFICULT IN TODAY'S MARKET

With the credit crunch, some homeowners are deciding to sell instead.

Several years ago, if your home no longer suited your needs, you bought another that worked better.  Generally, listings sold quickly, so many homeowners bought the new home first, then sold the old home.  Today's challenging residential real estate market makes this process more risky.  For some homeowners, it's impossible due to tight credit markets.

One option is to remodel your current home so that it better suits your needs.  This can work provided the neighborhood isn't the most compelling reason for your move.  If you just need more space, adding an extra bedroom, bath or family room might solve the problem.  Keep in mind that remodeling also carries a financial risk if you over-improve for the neighborhood.  To keep from making this mistake, consult with an architect and/or contractor to find out the feasibility of the project and approximate cost.  Be sure to factor in unexpected cost overruns.

Then check with your real estate agent to find out recent selling prices in the neighborhood.  You'll want to know about sales of homes similar to yours in its current and in its proposed post-renovation condition.  If the margin between the current and the renovated values for your home is much less than the renovation cost, it may not be wise to proceed.

Also, if you find yourself having to sell within a few years of completing a major remodel and the market is soft (as it is today in many areas), you might not be able to sell for enough to cover what you paid for your home plus the remodeling costs.  For most homeowners, a large-scale renovation doesn't make sense unless you plan to stay in the house for the long term.

Financing a renovation can pose problems today.  In the past, many homeowners used home-equity lines of credit to finance home improvements.  Recently, many lenders announced that they would be cutting back or closing some equity line financing.  So even though you may have a large, untapped equity mortgage secured against your home, you may not be able to rely on it to cover your renovation costs.  Check with your lender before finalizing any plans to move ahead.

It's often impossible or undesirable to renovate your home to make it work for you.  In this case, it may be preferable to buy another home.  Interest rates are low and prices are soft in many neighborhoods.  The house you currently own may take longer to sell, and sell for less than anticipated, so plan accordingly.  Some markets are still low on inventory.  So, it could take you awhile to find the right home to buy.  In this case, if you can't afford to buy before selling, you might want to consider selling and renting until you find the right home.

The recent changes in the financing markets have posed a challenge for many homeowners who would like to trade homes at this time.  No-cash-down, easy-qualifier, stated-income, negative-amortization and interest-only financing are more difficult to obtain today then they were a year ago.  Check with your lender or mortgage broker to see how these changes affect your ability to buy now.

If trading homes at this point isn't an option due to financial constraints, consider doing a modest remodel.  A basement, attic or garage might be able to be converted to add more living space, at least temporarily.  De-clutter your home to improve your storage space.

The home-sale market and finance markets are always changing, particularly now.  Have your real estate agent and mortgage person keep you posted on new developments so that you don't miss an opportunity to make a move.

- Courtesy of The Denver Post

10 THINGS EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW

You bought the house and secured the keys. Now what?

Real estate expert Sid Davis says maintenance crises, financial demands and renovation disasters can become overwhelming to less-experienced property owners.

"They were renters before, so whenever they had a problem, the landlord or supervisor would come by and fix things," says Davis, who wrote The First-Time Homeowner's Survival Guide. "Now they are on their own."

The Denver Post spoke with Davis, real estate inspectors and other property experts to glean the following 10 tips for new homeowners.

Act now to save later

1 - Pull out the home-inspection report and reread it. Use the report as a handy maintenance checklist.

Most inspections take place during a stressful time when the buyer's main concern is closing the deal, Davis says. "A lot of small problems tend to be overlooked and dismissed," he says, "but in time they grow to bigger problems that can max out your credit card."

One of Davis' real estate clients watched for three months as a water stain crept across his ceiling. Then one night while the man was eating supper, the entire ceiling collapsed. The lesson: Be proactive. Take care of issues as soon as or before they arise.

Know thy enemy

2 - "Water is 90 percent of a homeowner's problems," Davis says. A home's basement, foundation and roof are the most susceptible to costly water damage and corrosion.

Inspect bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens regularly for water leaks. The fix can be as simple as tightening a nut. Caulk around doors and windows to prevent water from seeping into the walls. Outside, keep water routed at least 5 feet from the foundation.

Maintaining a home's gutter system is a major line of defense against water damage. Leaves, dust and dirt from shingles can result in a clog that forces water out and down into the foundation. Use a ladder and a water hose

Wade Williamson, owner of Axium Inspections in Denver, says many homes he sees have missing downspout extensions. Inspectors suggest checking a new home's landscaping to make sure the slope of soil and sod doesn't push water toward the house. Always turn sprinkler heads away from the house.

Heads up

3 - Roofs should be next on the maintenance checklist. If a roof is more than 12 years old, get it professionally inspected, experts say.

A homeowner should avoid climbing on the roof. Shingles can break, or a person can get hurt. Instead, use binoculars to check for broken shingles and spots where the mineral coating has worn off, curled up or is getting brittle. To avoid leaks, make sure that flashings are intact and not getting flaky or deteriorated.

Circuit party

4 - Map out the home's electrical system by determining which outlets serve which circuits and then labeling the breakers. Don't trust that the previous homeowner labeled the circuits properly.

A tripped circuit is a red flag for an overloaded breaker. Read appliance labels to figure out how many amps (electrical current) each one uses. Many household circuits can hold only 15 amps. Update electrical wiring in homes 10 years or older.

Make sure GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) are installed near sinks - both bathroom and kitchen - in the laundry room and garage, and on exterior outlets. This inexpensive fix - you'll need an electrician - helps prevent electrocutions and fires.

Also, tighten screws on wall outlet receptacle covers and replace missing ones. Never use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.

Current affairs

5 - Know where the home's main shut-offs are.

The electrical shut-off should be a switch either at the main breaker panel or outside near a service entrance. The water shut-off valve will be on a wall of the house facing the street. These areas need to be easily accessible.

Leak police

6 - Inspect all plumbing and fixtures. Make sure the shut-off valves on toilets and sinks turn easily and are not rusted shut. If they are corroded, replace them. If the faucet is leaking, then it needs a washer. Take the faucet, washer or stem along to the hardware store to match it.

If a toilet runs all the time, a flapper valve needs replacing. Have slow drains looked at immediately to prevent costly backups.

Warranty wisdom

7 - Sid Davis warns homeowners that warranties can be just as pricey as actually replacing faulty appliances. However, real estate coach Jason Hanson, author of "How to Build a Real Estate Empire" ($25, Foundations of Wealth), says warranties can provide peace of mind. When appliances break down, Hanson says, homeowners can use the warranty instead of searching for reputable repair companies.

Insurance assurance

8 - Get "replacement coverage" to cover property damage. Make sure the policy outlines in writing exactly what will be covered in case of a catastrophe. Videotape or photograph all valuables, keep a list of serial numbers and write down the date an item was purchased for possible reimbursement proof.

Also, track all home improvements by saving receipts and records to help avoid capital gains taxes should you ever want to sell the home.

Before the flood

9 - Get flood insurance even if your home isn't near a flood zone. Forty percent of flood claims are made by homeowners in nonflood areas, according to Davis. A heavy rainstorm, improper drainage and runoff from road or subdivision construction can funnel water into the home.

Do your homework

10 - Compare property taxes with similar homes' taxes in the neighborhood. If all things are equal (i.e. square footage and upgrades) in multiple listing service documents, protest your rate increase with the assessor's office.

Source-The Denver Post

BEST GOLF LOCATION IN THE AREA! $189,900

Address:
6464 North Pinewood Drive #10
Parker, CO 80134
Type: Condo/Townhouse/Co-Op
Floors: Two or More Stories
Parking/Garage: 2
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Half Baths: 1
Square Feet: 1992
Lot Size: .03 acres
Year Built: 1973

The BEST End Unit Available! Great Floorplan with Golf Course Views from 3 Levels! Awesome Private 22x19 Courtyard in Front! Wonderful 22x15 Finished Garden Level Basement! Lots of Windows Provide Tons of Natural Light! Vaulted Living Room with Wood-Burning Fireplace! Spacious Kitchen with Eating Space! Trex Deck with Golf Course and Wildlife Views!



Front



Living Room



Kitchen and Eating Space



Master Bedroom



2nd Bedroom



Family Room




Lower Level Bedroom




Courtyard




Rear View




Golf Course View




Golf Course View

TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY CHARM! $299,900

Address:
805 Emerson Street #2
Denver, CO 80218
Neighborhood: Morley Place Condominiums
Type: Condo/Townhouse for Sale
Floors: Single Story
Parking/Garage: 1
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Square Feet: 1523
Year Built: 1910
School District: Denver Public Schools

Absolutely Perfect Unit!
Formal Living Room with Box Beamed Ceiling and Wood Burning Fireplace!
Exposed Brick in the Formal Dining Room!
Efficient Kitchen!
Newer 3-Zoned Hot Water Heat Boiler!
Updated Baths!
Solid Panel Doors Throughout!
Dimmer Switches on All Lights!
Hardwood Floors Under Carpet!
3 A/C Window Units!
"Miter¿s Touch" Custom Closets!
Two Storage Areas + 1 Car Detached Garage!
All Appliances Included!
Decorator Touches and Paint Throughout!
Built-In Shelving and Walk-In Closets!

Living Room 22x14
Dining Room 14x12
Kitchen 12x08
Master Bedroom 15x12
Bedroom 2/Study 13x10
Sun Room 15x07
Locked Storage Room 15x12
Unlocked Storage Room 08x08

TOTALLY REMODELED! NEW CARPET AND PAINT! $519,900

Address:
3934 South Oneida Street
Denver, CO 80237
Neighborhood: Southmoor Park
Type: Single Family Residential for Sale
Floors: Two or More Stories
Parking/Garage: 2
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 4
Square Feet: 2607
Lot Size: 10,800 (.24 acres)
Year Built: 1972
School District: Denver

Park-Like Backyard with Mature Trees and Plantings! Complete Privacy in the Summer!
Newer Wood Windows!
Fresh, New Interior Paint!
All New 50 oz. Carpet!
Updated Kitchen and Baths!
Gourmet Kitchen with Newer Appliances!
Granite Faced Gas Log Fireplace!
Master Suite Fit for a King and Queen!
Tons of Closets with Organizers!
Lots of Recessed and Directional Lighting!
Surround Sound! Security System!Finished Basement with Recreation Room, Bedroom/Study, Three-Quarter Bath, and Storage Galore!
Newer Coach Lights!
Wrought Iron Security Doors!
Stamped Concrete Front Porch!

BACKS TO THE CASTLE PINES COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE! $649,000

Address:
3249 Country Club Parkway
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Neighborhood: The Greens @ Castle Pines Village
Type: Single Family Residential for Sale
Floors: Single Story
Parking/Garage: 3
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 4
Half Baths: 0
Square Feet: 4186
Lot Size: .13 acres
Year Built: 2001
School District: Douglas County

* Open Floor Plan! 11' Ceilings on the Main Level!
* Extended Kitchen with Center Island! Pantry Light Automatically Turns On When the Door is Opened!
* Main Floor Study with Built-In Cabinetry!
* Partially Covered Trex Deck!
* Finished Basement with Recreation Room, Two Bedrooms, and Two 3/4 Baths!
* Marble-Faced Fireplaces in Great Room and Master Bedroom!
* Circular Showers with "Toe Testers"!
* 80-Gallon "Amtrex" Water Heater-Hot Showers for Everyone!
* Beautiful Open Spiral Staircase to Lower Level!
* Started by Falcon Homes in 2001 and Finished by Owner in 2004-Lots of Custom Touches and Features!
* Fabulous Castle Pines Village Ammenities!