Buying a home that works for both seniors and young children can be complicated, if not impossible. When searching for a new home, it’s important to keep in mind the special requirements for every member of your family both now, and as they continue to age.
Parents or other older relatives may need assistance getting upstairs or in and out of a tub. Even if they are fine now, aging is a tricky thing and mobility issues can crop up at any time. Planning for them now can save you money and stress in the future.
At the other end of the spectrum, child-proofing a home is important for small children or new infants, so keep an eye out for sharp edges and remember you’ll have to bring strollers, high-chairs, car seats and more so plan for easy-to-open doors. Don’t forget that as your kids get older, their needs will change as well: plan for privacy and personal space where you can to save on upgrading your home in the future.
For the best home search, make sure to let your real estate agent know who all will be living with you. He or she can assist in finding homes with the features you need and can provide advice about what things are feasible to change yourself, and what will make a house cost more than your budget in the long run.
Some important features to look for include:
That’s the easy part. The hardest room for both the very young and the elderly is the bathroom. It’s a good idea to ensure that your home has a minimum of 2 full bathrooms to allow you to accommodate the needs of all members of your family. Seniors need ADA toilets (also called comfort height) and grab bars, while your small child would need an extra-tall stool to use the taller toilet. Large showers with floor level entrances, seats and grab bars are best for the elderly, but its often easier to wash your kids in a tub, especially when they’re young. With two bathrooms, you can satisfy the needs of everyone in the family.
Last, but not least, pay attention to faucets, handles, and knobs. Rounded ones can be difficult for both the old and young members of your family. Look for a single handle, lever and touchless options for the best results all around. Don’t forget to test cabinets and drawers for weight or friction pull closers since those are more difficult than soft close or magnetic options. It’s okay if the home doesn’t come pre-fitted with the knobs, handles, etc. you want, a quick trip to your local hardware store will solve it.
Need help affording a home that meets all your needs? What if you just want to upgrade your existing home? Government agencies offer financial grants and assistance to retrofit your home for the elderly. Check with your agent to see what you might qualify for.
Ready to find the forever home for your entire family? Talk to your agent about the best way to search for your new home.
Welcome to Long Island Living at its best! The South Shore of Suffolk County is a suburban area that runs along the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Homes in this area consist of primarily residential properties. This area tends to be diverse in culture and income as it varies by hamlet, village or town. Residents along the South Shore have access to many beaches, parks and recreational activities. I pride myself on my honesty, integrity, hard work and personal service. My first career was in education, starting as a teacher then finishing as a guidance counselor and achieving my Master’s and two PD's. In 1986, I began my real estate career. In a sense, I am still an educator and offering guidance; this time I am outside of the classroom educating my clients on the selling and purchasing processes; which have become so complicated recently and guiding them safely through the confusing and ever-changing real estate market. It is very satisfying to me to help people with not only the greatest financial asset in their lives but their greatest emotional asset; where they celebrate holidays, raise their families and live their lives. I take the needs of my clients very seriously and as a result, I am proud to say, over 90% of my sales are the result of referrals and recommendations. Primarily, my areas of service are the Townships of Babylon and Islip on Long Island’s beautiful South Shore, near pristine beaches and wonderful boating, yet only 55 minutes from Manhattan; truly the best of both worlds. I'm a graduate of the Real Estate Institute and am certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. I also hold a license as a Notary Public. Please feel free to call or visit so I can help you fulfill your real estate dreams. I am a Full Service Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker and provide the following: Free appraisal Rental Mortgages International relocation services Sales Home warranty new homes Free school report Waterfront specialist Notary public Please feel free to call or visit so I can help you fulfill your real estate dreams.
For every sales transaction, a a portion of my commission will be donated to Pronto of Long Island, a nonprofit community outreach center who feed the hungry, clothe the needy and provide hope for our neighbors.
Top Agent Award Fast Expert-Click Here <script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.fastexpert.com/badge/city-badge.js?bs=145&u=NjAyOTE=&ur=L3RvcC1yZWFsLWVzdGF0ZS1hZ2VudHMvd2VzdC1pc2xpcC1ueS8jYWdlbnRfaWQ9NjAyOTEmYWM9dHJrJnR5PWNi&c=V2VzdCBJc2xpcA==&s=Tlk=&ty=city"></script>
SOP - https://files.erealtymedia.com/GetFile.ashx?FileId=27385454