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A home-buying guide for empty nesters

By METRO CREATIVE

The day a child leaves home can be bittersweet for parents. Although a son or daughter being successful and mature enough to move on to new opportunities can be a source of pride, parents typically lament the quiet that comes from empty rooms and a change to the daily routine they’d grown accustomed to when the kids were around. After some time, some couples decide to downsize to a home more befitting the empty nester lifestyle.

Downsizing presents an option for homeowners whose kids have left the nest. New analysis from a survey of 2,500 empty nesters commissioned by Regency Living found that 30% of empty nesters choose to downsize and move from their original family homes. When retirement is just around the corner, many professionals shift focus

to how they want to live and where. Moving to a new home presents plenty of opportunities for older adults, including a chance to choose a home based on what’s right for them in this stage of life. There are questions homeowners can ask themselves as they ponder if downsizing is right for them.

1. How much upkeep can I handle? A lifelong family home may be well-loved, but chances are it requires significant upkeep and repairs. Empty nesters may choose to move on to a home that offers lifestyle benefits like less maintenance. Homes in lifestyle communities or those overseen by a homeowners’ association tend to have certain maintenance built into a monthly fee.

2. Is this layout still a fit? Many empty nesters may not immediately feel the effects of aging, but before selecting a next home, individuals should think about aging in place and any unique

needs they may have. Opting for a single-level home, or at least one with the owner’s suite on the main level, can be advantageous.

3. Can I make due with less square footage? A cavernous home with many rooms often isn’t desirable for empty nesters. All of that square footage requires heating, cooling and maintenance. Rattling around inside a big, empty house may precipitate the decision to downsize. Downsizing also can free up home equity, which can be used to fund retirement needs.

4. Which features do you desire? Many empty nesters want the next home to focus on some luxury items they may have bypassed in the first home when priorities lay elsewhere. Upscale environments like gourmet kitchens, spalike bathrooms and outdoor living spaces may be in the budget when moving into a home with a smaller footprint.

5. Will my home be secure while I travel? Empty nesters might want to choose homes in gated communities or condominium complexes for safety reasons. Should they opt to spend a portion of time at a vacation rental or second home as snowbirds, secure communities enable residents to leave their primary residence with the peace of mind that those homes will be less vulnerable to thieves.

6. Does this home have enough light?

The American Optometric Association says many adults start to have problems seeing clearly beginning at age 40. Homes with more light from large windows and artificial lighting can reduce accident risk.

Moving to a smaller home is a consideration for many empty nesters. Various features offer benefits to adults who want to age in place.

Improve your landscape with trees, plants

By METRO CREATIVE

Spring is home renovation season, and no area of a home is off limits. That includes home exteriors, particularly in regard to landscaping.

Lawn and garden centers draw crowds on spring weekends, as homeowners are anxious to get out in the yard after spending more time indoors over the winter. Plants and trees provide a simple and unique way to transform the look and feel of a property. As homeowners ponder what can be done to freshen up their landscapes, they can consider these benefits of incorporating new plants and trees into their properties.

Add some pops of color

There’s no shortage of colorful plants to add some pops of color to a

property. Azaleas, lilacs, pansies, and, of course, rose bushes can add a wide range of colors to a landscape, providing undeniable and awe-inspiring curb appeal when the plants bloom.

Native plants won’t compromise their neighbors

When choosing plants for a landscape, it’s important to pick those accustomed to the local climate. A non-native plant might be able to withstand local conditions, but it also might compromise other trees and plants on a property. When choosing new plants and trees for a landscape, work with professionals at a local lawn and garden center to identify native plants that can handle local weather conditions and do so without putting existing plants on the property in jeopardy.

Trees can add considerable privacy

Homeowners who don’t want fencing, or those whose towns or homeowners’ associations won’t allow fencing, may look to trees to add the privacy typically provided by fences. The growth rates of trees vary by species, so homeowners who want instant privacy should look for trees that are already tall and/or fast-growing. Needlepoint holly (which reach an average height of 10 to 15 feet) and sweet viburnum (25 to 30 feet at maturity) are fast-growing species to consider when planting for privacy. Green giant arborvitae are a popular privacy tree, as they can reach significant heights and widths within a few years of being planted. And while it’s always good to consult a lawn and garden center for advice on the compatability of a given tree with the local climate, green giant

arborvitae are known to thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones five through eight, which cover a significant portion of the United States.

Evergreens keep a property green throughout the year

Homeowners who lament the loss of color each fall when their existing trees shed their leaves can keep a property green throughout the winter by choosing evergreen trees for landscapes. The New Jersey Conservation Foundation notes that evergreen trees excel at conserving moisture, which allows them to keep their leaves and maintain that distinct and appealing green color throughout the winter.

Various plants and trees can help homeowners change the look of their landscapes without busting homeowners’ budgets.

Exceptional Space, Style & Setting in Briarcliff!

with natural light. Expansive kitchen with a center island, walk-in pantry, double ovens, and full appliance package. Adjacent is a casual dining nook that leads to a circular, window lined all seasons room.

• Office with custom built-ins, a full bath, half bath, and spacious laundry room. Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite features double doors, two walk in closets, dual vanities, whirlpool tub, separate shower, and a private water closet. A second ensuite bedroom offers its own full bath, while bedrooms 3 and 4 are connected by a Jack and Jill bath. An additional study or flex room completes the upper level. Finished basement with two additional bedrooms, a full bath, a second family room with brick fireplace, and a full second kitchen plus multiple bonus rooms.

• Oversized deck and mature, tree lined yard. Whole house generator, central vac, lightning rods, and an extra storage room in the 3 car garage. MLS# 12410701

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Well-maintained, All Brick Ranch

• 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 1,156 sq ft of comfortable living space.

• The kitchen was thoughtfully updated with granite countertops, SS appliances and soft close cabinet doors.

• The bedrooms and bathroom all feature nice sized closets.

• Outside, enjoy the large fencedbackyard with patio & shed, perfect for entertaining, pets, or relaxing outdoors.

• Additional highlights include an attached 1 car garage, upgraded attic insulation, a professionally encapsulated crawl space with drainage tile/sump pit (Permaseal 2022) and battery back-up sump pump (Permaseal 2023).

• Smart updates and a convenient location make this home a great opportunity.

• Schedule your showing today!

• Furnace & WH 2013. Roof & AC unknown.

• MLS# 12554819

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The basics of 3 popular siding materials

By METRO CREATIVE

Few home renovation projects can change the look of a home as significantly as new siding. New siding can make a home look brand new, and a new color can dramatically change the perception of a home.

As homeowners begin to consider siding replacement projects, they might be surprised to learn their options in relation to materials are so numerous. Though it’s great to have options, it also can be difficult to pick a material when there are so many products to choose from. Vinyl, fiber cement and wood are three popular siding materials, and understanding the characteristics of each can help homeowners make more informed decisions.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding has long been among the most popular siding materials. The National Association of Home Builders notes that popularity has declined in recent years, with the market share of vinyl siding dropping 5% over the last decade and nearly 13% over the last 20 years. Despite that declining popularity, vinyl remains a strong option for many homeowners due to its affordability and minimal maintenance requirements. Consumer Reports also notes that vinyl siding is impervious to insects and water, an attribute that’s highly appealing to many homeowners.

Fiber cement

Consumer Reports notes that fiber

cement siding blends cement, sand and cellulose. Many homeowners like fiber cement siding because of its aesthetic appeal, as it looks like real wood without the vulnerabilities associated with wood (see below). The home renovation experts at This Old House report that fiber cement siding has exceptional durability and offers great resistance to environmental factors like harsh weather, UV rays and moisture. Fiber cement siding also is a low-maintenance, insect-resistant option that won’t warp or rot. Fiber cement siding is not easily installed, which contributes to a higher overall cost.

Wood

Siding materials don’t get much more traditional than wood. It shouldn’t surprise homeowners to learn that wood siding can warp or rot, and anything made from wood can be vulnerable to insects. However, well-maintained wood siding can be very durable and certain types are less vulnerable to rot than others. Local climate will affect which wood siding options are best for a given area. Many see wood siding as characteristic of a high-end home, making the somewhat higher price tag compared to vinyl siding easier to justify.

There’s no right or wrong decision when choosing siding materials for a home. Homeowners are urged to do their homework, including studying cost and the local climate, before choosing a material for their home.

Cost-effective curb appeal boosters

By METRO CREATIVE

One shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. However, that often is hard to do, particularly when it comes to homes. Curb appeal bears significant influence regarding how a property is perceived. A property that is neat and aesthetically appealing probably will be preferable to one that looks like the homeowners did not maintain it.

Boosting curb appeal is a common focus of sellers before listing a property. But what can those who don’t have big budgets for major overhauls do to improve their curb appeal? Plenty of projects can offer maximum output with minimal investment.

Refresh the front door

Painting the front door can add brightness and improve the look of a home’s entryway. Most exterior paint costs between $30 and $40 per gallon, so this is undeniably a budget-friendly improvement. If money allows, replacing the door altogether will generate bang for your buck.

Improve or add landscaping elements

Landscaping should be designed to highlight the home’s best features. It should look symmetrical and feel manicured. If it’s not possible to plant new flowers or bushes, simply cleaning up debris and weeds, and trim-

ming existing greenery can make it feel neater and more polished.

Clean up

Power-washing the siding, cement walkways and garage door can create instant impact. It’s amazing how much dirt and mildew can reduce the luster of a home. Cleaning off years of grime can be a fast and inexpensive refresh.

Reseal the driveway

Make sure the driveway is clean and tidy. If it has cracks or discoloration, filling in cracks and applying a new coat of sealer will make a big difference. Homeowners can hire someone to reseal the driveway or do the work on their own.

Add more lighting

Updating front porch lights and accent lights around the property will cast a more positive glow on a home, both literally and figuratively.

Add a seating area

If space by the front door allows, add a bench or some chairs to create a welcoming seating area. A potted plant or two nearby will help the area seem intentional.

Improving curb appeal doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. A few easy touches can boost the look of any property.

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A guide to survive lengthy home renovations

By METRO CREATIVE

Renovations can transform homes into spaces that mirror homeowners’ dreams. Regardless of the scope of a project, a home renovation will involve some level of disruption to residents’ daily lives. Lengthy, more involved projects may impact daily life considerably.

Renovation timelines vary depending on the scale of the project. Painting may take a week or two, while a kitchen or bathroom remodel may last anywhere from four to 16 weeks. Larger projects like adding a room can take between three and six months, say the experts at John Merrill Homes. Projects also often take longer than expected, as surprises may be in store once homeowners begin peeling back the layers in homes. Homeowners about to embark on lengthy renovation projects can embrace these tips to come through on the other side relatively unscathed.

Choose your timing

The timing of a renovation may have to coincide with contractor availability or having the budget to fund the project. But homeowners should consider life circumstances and season before starting a project. You might not have the energy to take on a project right before the holidays. If kids play on sports teams that require a lot of travel, it might be better to wait until the season winds down. Figure out what you can realistically take on to reduce the likelihood that you’ll feel overwhelmed.

Plan accordingly

Creating and sticking to a daily schedule, and knowing what is happening each day, can keep a project on track. It also allows you to determine which days will be the most chaotic. Demolition days can be noisy and messy, and maybe those are days when you plan to be away from the house for a few hours.

Store items out of harm’s way

Invest in a storage solution for the duration of the renovation. Decluttering and removing items before the

project is in full force will make it easier to work and maneuver, and it also means fewer items will need to be cleaned afterwards. Renovations tend to kick up a lot of construction dust, after all.

Designate a safe zone

Establish a room or rooms as workfree areas to which residents can retreat. If multiple rooms are being renovated, you might consider spending time with a family member or friend, or getting a hotel for a short duration until the bulk of disruption dies down.

Lower

your standards

Homecooked meals may be your standard most days of the week, but it’s alright to be a bit lax when remodeling projects begin. Relying on frozen foods or takeout might be necessary for a little while.

Remodeling projects can be disruptive and stressful, but certain strategies can make it easier to get through projects without too much disruption.

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