Home Improvements for Seniors

According to an AARP survey (May, 2000), the overwhelming majority of mid-life and older Americans want to remain living independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The new survey found that seven in ten of those who are able to make changes to their homes have made at least one modification to make it easier for them to get around. Two thirds of those who made home modifications believe those improvements will allow them to live in their homes longer than they would have been able otherwise, most for another ten years or more. The survey is the fifth in a series of AARP senior housing studies. Based on telephone interviews of 2,000 persons aged 45 and over, it examines the opinions and behavior of mid-life and older Americans regarding their current and future housing situations.

Eighty five percent of those polled said they have already made simple changes to their homes, such as placing non-skid strips in bathtubs or safety bars in showers and handrails on both side of the stairwells. The reasons most often cited by respondents for not making home improvements were the inability to make the changes themselves (37%) and not being able to afford the modifications (37%). HUD's HECM program (Reverse Mortgage) can turn the built-up wealth in your home to cash without having to move or repay a loan each month. Financing needed home repairs or improvements is one of the many good uses for funds received from a HECM.

The top 10 home improvements reported were:

1. Levered doorknobs.

2. Grab bars in bathrooms.

3. Levered faucets in kitchen sinks.

4. Handrails on both sides of stairwells and on front and rear steps.

5. Grab bars in showers; removal of any door threshold.

6. Movable shower heads for those who must sit.

7. Portable shower seats.

8. A bathroom with a bath/shower as well as a bedroom on the first floor.

9. Widened doors to accommodate wheelchairs.

10. Ramps for those using walkers and wheelchairs.

Seniors spend billions of dollars each year on home improvements. If you are planning on making repairs or improvements to your home it is important to know how to pick the best contractor, and choose the financing that's right for you. AARP has developed extensive resources on home modifications, to obtain this information visit AARP.

 

 

 

About Three Palms Real Estate – Your Professional Guides to Paradise
With so many choices it’s hard to navigate the volume of information available to you. Three Palms Professional Realtors will do the work for you. From beachfront Gulf Shores Condos to secluded family homes in Orange Beach, we know the best properties and we know the market. It’s important to us to educate our clients about the activities and amenities available in the area, as well as the types of properties we have to offer and financing options to help you make an informed decision that is right for you. Our mission is to determine your specific needs, desires and goals and to find the property and investment that is right for you.

Whether your dream is living on the water or just minutes from it, our Professional Guides to Paradise can get you here!

Call us at 1.866.980.PALM (7256) or Email Us to discuss the possibilities. Check out our favorite picks, or perform a custom search for Gulf Shores real estate or Orange Beach Real Estate.

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Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Area Info

Climate
The Gulf Coast Area has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average temperature in January is 51.4 degrees. The average temperature in July is 81.8 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days.

Education
Education is a fundamental block in building a bright future. The Gulf Coast Area opened a brand new high school during 1999 in Gulf Shores (ph. 251.968.4747). The area has two elementary schools; they are Gulf Shores Elementary (ph. 251.968.7375) and Orange Beach Elementary (ph. 251.981.5662). Gulf Shores Middle School (ph. 251.968.8719) offers an excellent curriculum in preparation for high school. All public schools are part of the Baldwin County school system. If you are interested in private education, you also have the option of Bayside Academy (ph. 251.955.5211), which includes age 3yrs – Grade 4.

Healthcare
The nearest hospital is South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (ph. 800.580.3627) located in Foley. South Baldwin Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency services (ph. 251.952.3400). Numerous medical professionals practice in the area providing both family practice and specialized care.

Airports
Corporate and Private air service is available in Gulf Shores from the Jack Edwards Municipal Airport, with a full Instrument Landing System and the longest paved runway being 7000 feet. The closest commercial air service is available in Pensacola, roughly 30 miles away, at the Pensacola Regional Airport (ph. 850.435.1746). Major carriers serving the airport are Continental, US Airways, Delta, Northwest, and American. Other commercial airports are located in Mobile (ph. 251.633.0313) and Gulf Port, Mississippi (ph. 228.863.5951).

Shopping
The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques. If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory outlet stores in Foley.

Parks and Recreation
The nearest state park is the Gulf State Park (ph. 251.948.7275). The 6,000-acre park area offers campsites, picnic areas, 18-hole golf course, 825 foot fishing pier, 144 room hotel and convention center. Other parks in the area include Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge (ph. 251.540.7720), Meyer Park (ph. 251.968.4420), Johnnie Sims Park and Kids Park (ph. 251.968.4420), and Wade Ward Nature Park (ph. 251.968.4420).

State/Local Income Tax
For detailed information about Alabama income tax, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual and Corporate Tax Division (ph. 251.242.1000). In most instances, local governments in Alabama do not levy city, town, or county income taxes.

Property Taxes
Property (Ad Valorem) taxes are taxes on real business and/or personal property. “Ad Valorem” means “according to value”. For details, call the Revenue Commissioner’s office (ph. 251.943.5061, ext. 2840).