Reverse Mortgages for Seniors

Reverse mortgages are becoming popular in America. In the last few years, some of our mortgage lenders have been promoting this product locally to folks who are approaching or already enjoying, their retirement years. Reverse mortgages are a special type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert the equity in his/her home into cash. They can give older Americans greater financial security to supplement social security, meet unexpected medical expenses, make home improvements, and more.

If you are interested in a reverse mortgage, beware of scam artists that charge thousands of dollars for information that is free from HUD!
To report fraud or abuse in the reverse mortgage program, contact your local homeownership center.

Since your home is probably your largest single investment, it's smart to know more about reverse mortgages, and decide if one is right for you!

I will sharing some FAQ about reverse mortgages in upcoming posts and welcome your questions in the meantime. If you would like a list of local mortgage lenders specializing in reverse mortgages, please contact me and I will give them to you.

What You Want, When You Want It!

Have you ever asked yourself these questions?

• What is the supply of unsold homes in my neighborhood?
• How fast are homes selling right now?
• How do actual selling prices compare to listing prices in my area?
• How do I get more for the money in a changing market?

I have recently discovered a new program-Market Snapshot, that can provide you "real-time" MLS market updates and trends analysis. Oh, by the way...if you are thinking about BUYING a home in the Charlottesville area, you will also find this program helpful. Click here to see an example:

Market Snapshot Sample

Are you interested in local community and school information? Interactive MLS Charts and Reports? You will find this here too! To sign up for a Market Snapshot, sign up here:

Sign up for Market Snapshot!

Let me know your thoughts on this program..I have some great information in the next post about Reverse Mortgages...Stay tuned!

Senior Center Yard Sale Coming Soon!

The Senior Center’s Spring Yard Sale is here and they are looking for your support!

It all kicks off with a Preview Sale on Thursday, March 6th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Admission is $5 at the door. This is a great opportunity to buy that collectible you’ve been searching for or that dish just like the one that recently was broken, all while enjoying some fresh-popped popcorn and supporting the Center.

On Friday, March 7th, the doors will open at 8:00 am for those early morning shoppers and will close at 5:30 pm for those who aren’t early risers. If you’re not able to shop on Thursday or Friday, you are in luck as the sale will resume on Saturday, March 8th at 8:00 am for a half-price sale, winding down at 1:30 pm.

Items include books, collectables, electronics, house wares, linens, paintings/pictures,
small appliances, select furnishings, and much, much more. You are sure to find something you just can’t do without.

The Spring Yard Sale is sponsored by The Colonnades, a Sunrise Senior Living Community, and is one of a series of sales held throughout the year constituting the Senior Center’s largest fundraising event – generating over $38,000 this last fiscal year alone! Without the Sales, membership could cost an additional $17 per member. The success of the Sales helps ensure the success of the Center.

You can help this sale succeed by donating gently used treasures, signing up to volunteer (sheets are in the lobby), and planning to shop!

Want to know more about these important events, how to donate items, or how you can volunteer? Contact Phyllis Jackson at 973-5130 or Phyllis Jackson or Sarah Althoff at 974-7756, who is Deputy Director.

Seniors New Favorite Pastime!

What's the hot new leisure activity for Seniors? According to a recent Associated Press article published by MSNBC, it's senior blogs!

If you are reading this post, then you might be part of the 22% of Americans aged 65 and older who are now using the internet. This number represents a 47% increase since 2004 and many of you are now reading and even WRITING your own blogs.

Bloggers in this age category are enjoying a number of benefits from their blogging practice.

• Senior blogs are helping older adults keep their mind sharp.
• Senior bloggers are staying up on current events.
• Senior blogs are a great way to meet people from around the world.
• It's easy to share life experiences, wisdom and information through senior blogs.

If you are interested in creating your own blog, give me a call and I will send you a list of blogging basics for beginner bloggers!

Regional Housing Conference in Charlottesville

A conference entitled, "Finding Common Ground" will help to answer questions and concerns about critical area housing issues. The conference is scheduled for March 13th. from 8:30-4:30 at Charlottesville's Covenant Church located on 1025 E. Rio Road. Area Realtors, developers and other area experts will discuss topics such as affordability, density and sprawl, community design, proffers, lending and finance and mixed use/mixed income.

Who should attend? Realtors, business people, public officials, lenders, builders, developers, architects, site planners, consumers, community leaders and concerned citizens! For additional information, visit www.HousingConference08.org .