Real Estate

Real Estate

Downsize or Right-Size?

Find Your Housing Fit

By Dianna Hosta-Stickney

Adult “boomerang” children. Aging parents. Grandkids.

We may want to downsize as we get older, but a better choice may be “right-sizing” — finding a home that suits not only the way we live but also new family configurations.

Who’s Living with You?

A sprawling home and spacious backyard that was perfect for active toddlers and teens may not have the features that someone in their 50s, 60s or 70s needs or wants. Those who are thinking about how they live today don’t necessary want less space — they want better space.

Housing needs often are determined by who’s living with you. That’s why smaller isn’t always better. If an older loved one is moving in, then maybe you want an in-law suite or two master suites. Accessibility is vital; keep steps to a minimum or eliminate them.

If an adult child needs temporary housing — a job interruption or divorce are two common reasons — then an extra bedroom and bathroom or two may be on your must-have list when house hunting.

And if you find yourself raising grandkids, then space that works for you (easy upkeep, plenty of first-floor living space) and for kids adds another dimension to right-sizing as we age. Sometimes, renovating an existing home can accommodate a variety of ages and needs.

How Do You Live?

In other situations, finding a new home is the best choice. Here’s what is on many house hunters’ lists:

• No “dead space” rooms. Forget the hands-off living room, or overdone media theaters. Rooms have to suit the way you live today.
• Open floor plans are great for entertaining extended family and friends, and allow for better access and movement.

Spring Forward

Boost Home Value with Curb Appeal Fixups

By Dianna Hosta-Stickney

If you’re thinking about selling your house, spring is prime season — especially in climates like ours in Northeast Ohio.

The good news is that it’s a seller’s market. Home prices throughout the region are holding steady or gaining ground. Plenty of financing options are getting more people into buying mode and providing a deep pool of potential buyers.

Winter can make even the best maintained house look a bit worn. Money and time spent on the outside can pay off big when you sell your house. A home only gets one chance to make the best first impression.

Look at the outside of your home the way a new home buyer would. Does the trim need repainted? Is the siding dirty? Power washing decks, siding, porches and the driveway can bring them back to life with a well-maintained, sparkling look.

Give the entryways an especially critical look. Fresh paint, shiny brass kick plates and exterior lights that match (and work) make a home look welcoming and cared for.

Other tips:

• Wash windows
• Make sure the garage door is clean and operates smoothly
• Sweep leaves and brush from entryways
• Spread fresh mulch in flower beds
• Double check that address numbers are visible and easy to read
• Trim overgrown shrubs
• Tack up drooping gutters that may have ice damage
• Reseal the driveway

If you’re working with a budget (and who isn’t?), talk to a Realtor before spending money on expensive exterior fix-ups this spring. Maybe your money would be better spent on window repairs than power washing or landscaping. A Realtor can tell you what exterior features are a selling point in your neighborhood and can guide you on the best use of your pre-sale dollars.

Dianna Hosta-Stickney works in Middleburg Heights and Strongsville, where she is a real estate consultant with Cutler Real Estate.