Real or Staged- Fake or Famous?

Last night I watched the new HBO MAX movie titled "Fake Famous".  The premise of the movie was to highlight the role of influencers on our social media and the steps taken to achieve this status.  Those who desire to become influencers generally want to grandularize their own fame and recognition.  This is achieved by getting an increased number of likes and followers.  

As I watched the development of the documentary it became clearly apparent how significant image is in adding value to what we perceive as superiority. Many of the influencers highlighted were selected to represent the face of a physical product or tangible idea.  These individuals were shown in carefully procured photos to convey the actual location or setting mode when in fact, often this is a total snow job. 

(spoiler alert- watch the film to see what a coach seat on an airplane and a toilet seat have in common)

As a Realtor we are taught the importance of Curb Appeal when we prepare a new property listing.  The ideal photos will portray a home that looks picture perfect both when seen online and in person to potential buyers in the marketplace.  Increasingly there are Real Estate sights that promote no-show online listing abilities.  In addition there are companies that do virtual staging.  Virtual staging allows a buyer to visualize how a space may look but should not be allowed to create a false reality of the in-person viewing.  How would a consumer know if the property actually has the same physical presence as the online image?  Although the convenience of doing the entire process virtually may sound appealing I encourage all buyers to find the proper professionals including a Realtor and Legal Counsel to guide one through the process.  

As I watched the documentary I became more skeptical about what I see online in media posts. I believe we can observe images online but if one is a serious consumer it is important to make an informed decision based on true due diligence.  Don't just look at the pretty pictures.  Do your research.  

As a Realtor part of my job is to help and educate my clients.  I have been working virtually since the start of the pandemic.  During this time I recently earned the NAR e-Pro Designation. I took courses to develop my skills for the latest technologies and security tools. I have learned that what you see isn't always what you get.  In real estate, in particular one cannot rely on online images alone. I am always encouraging my clients to learn as much as they can about their intended purchase.   

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys coffee, walking her dog, theater/arts, reading, writing, travel and meeting new people.  She always welcomes the opportunity to have a virtual coffee now that we are amidst the “new normal”.  Check out her website at www.wendybcb.com or her FB page @wendybcb as she posts up to date content to meet the ever changing marketplace.  

At Home With Diversity: How to Create An Accessible Bedroom Without Breaking The Bank

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  Her greatest passion is to connecting people with the right resources.  As part of this goal she is excited to share this guest blog post by Patrick Young.

How To Create An Accessible Bedroom Without Breaking The Bank

As far as rooms are concerned, the bedroom is one area of the home that’s non-negotiable. Beyond just being an area for rest, the bedroom is also a space for healing. There’s simply no place for stress in the bedroom, which is why it’s crucial to adapt it for accessibility, like the rest of your home. At the very least, it must fully support your mobility needs, while at most, your bedroom can be your personal sanctuary. Here’s how you can achieve this, and more.

Don’t scrimp on space.

Space is a huge factor in any accessible home, and this is no less true for your bedroom. Fundamentally, there must be ample room to maneuver a wheelchair or walker with ease (usually a floor space of about 5’ x 5’), as well as enough clearance (ideally 3’ to 5’) between furniture and fixtures. Per Accessible University, 10’ x 12’ is a good-sized bedroom for accessibility modifications, but this varies with personal circumstances, too.

The doorway is one feature that’s also worth considering. Again, it needs to be able to accommodate mobility aids, and while a 36-inch frame is usually enough for such a purpose, you can go as wide as 42 inches for a more seamless entry. Additionally, your door should be fitted with swing clear hinges to completely clear the entryway, as well as a lever-style handle for easier opening.

Devote more attention to your bed setup.

As the focal point of the bedroom, your bed deserves a great deal of thought. You want to be able to get in and out of bed as easily as possible, which means you’ll need to make a few key adjustments. Ideally, the top of your mattress should be roughly the same level as your wheelchair seat, which is approximately 20 to 23 inches from the floor. This is the optimum height that makes it relatively easy to go from bed to wheelchair (and vice versa), with or without assistance.

One thing that’s also worth investing in is adjustable beds. This is especially good for those who spend most of their time supine. Essentially, an adjustable bed can be adjusted in a number of ways so you can comfortably—and with little effort or assistance—adopt different positions. This is a fantastic way to reduce body pain and address circulatory issues.

The Sleep Judge notes there are more bedding and sleep solutions that you can consider, as well, such as overbed lifting poles, grab handles, and wedge supports. Some may be more appropriate for your specific disability than others, so take the time to consider your mobility needs to determine which tools work best for you.

Don’t break the bank.

Lastly, cost can be a real concern when remodeling your bedroom or home for accessibility. However, you should know that there are several financing options you can explore as your eligibility can help you easily cover the expense.

Home refinancing is one such solution, and with today’s lower interest rates, this might be your most viable option. You can also consider a VA streamline refinance if you’re a veteran with an existing VA loan. As a bonus, these loans are easy to apply for and have shorter closing periods. You could even lower your mortgage payment in the process.

In conclusion, your bedroom must be a space you can truly call your own, so take measures into making it as accessible as you need it to be. Start by acknowledging your need for sufficient space. To help with this, you should hire real estate professional Wendy Bornstein with Coldwell Banker, who recently earned her AHWD (At Home with Diversity) certification and has expertise in helping clients find the appropriate space to fit their needs. From there, it’s just a matter of fitting it with the right features and solutions. Ultimately, it’s an investment for your quality of life that simply can’t be beaten.

Thank you to Patrick for sharing his expertise and knowledge.  Since I have earned my AHWD Certification it is an honor to be able to share the blog of experts providing resources in areas beyond my knowledge base,

Fair Housing and Diversity

When I wrote this post I was watching the funeral of Congressman John Lewis.  Before watching it I briefly saw a recording on tweet by the current occupant of the White House highlighting an earlier speech saying he was restoring "the suburbs". This is clearly a racist message to a base of voters and something that I have zero respect for.  

In the words of the Late Congressman “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.” 
--John Lewis

As a Realtor I have pledged to provide Fair Housing to all clients and just this past week I completed a 6 hour course on Diversity Training.  I will be earning a Certificate in the next few weeks from the National Association of Realtors specializing in "At Home with Diversity".  I care greatly for all of my clients and work hard to make anyone I engage feel respected and on equal par.  

Fair Housing extends beyond Race and Gender.  It also extends to those with Disabilities and Patrick Young is someone who is familiar with this subject.  He had recently asked me if he could write a guest post about finding accessible homes.  I am honored to be able to share this now.   I hope you find it informative and look forward to any comments after reading this.  

Tips for Finding the Right Accessible Home for You

 

Accessible homes are one of the most difficult types of homes to find. Not only are there relatively few of them on the market, but the needs of each person who needs an accessible home are different. Whether you’re a senior who is losing mobility or a younger person with a disability, you likely face unique challenges in your everyday life, which means that hunting for the perfect home can be overwhelming if not fruitless. 

However, if you take certain steps, such as broadening your search to homes that can be modified for accessibility, then you are likely to reduce your stress and get much better results. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you look for a home that meets your needs.

Come Up with a Plan 

First of all, you’ll want to research and develop a plan. This is especially important if it’s your first time through the process. The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you’ll be buying a home or building a new one. If you’re going to construct a new home, costs can vary widely based on your location, size and shape of the home, number of stories, and if any excavation is necessary. 

If you’re purchasing a home, you will want to get three  free credit reports — one each from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You will also want to research the paperwork you should prepare for lenders and keep it organized, as well as determine how much house you can afford. Moreover, be sure to look into assistance programs,  that can help you with a home purchase and/or modifications. 

Estimate the Home’s Value

If you’re trying to sell your current home, you can get a ballpark idea of what it’s worth on such sights as Zillow but when serious it is best to consult a professional realtor to create a CMA.  It’s important to remember that online estimations will not be as accurate as an appraisal or one created by someone who has been inside your property and understands the local market.  Nonetheless, it can help you determine how to market your home. 

Hire a Good Real Estate Agent 

Next, you will want to find and hire a reliable real estate agent like Wendy Bornstein to help you through the process of buying a home. It’s imperative that they know the ins and outs of the local housing market. Along with consulting your agent about any houses they might know of, you can use online listings sites to put together a lineup of houses to tour. Further, look for an agent who, like Wendy, has their  SRES designation. This ensures they have an intimate knowledge of senior housing needs, including how to choose a home for mobility and convenience. 

Draw Up a Budget for Renovations 

In most cases with accessible homes, you will need to make modifications to accommodate your lifestyle. Be sure to factor in these costs when choosing your home; the key is to find a home within your budget that needs as few changes as possible. Generally speaking, you want a home that is  structurally sound, and one-story homes with ample open space inside are ideal. 

Here are some common modifications to consider when drawing up your budget:

● Lowering cabinets and vanities

● Widening doorways and hallways

● Adding grab bars and railings throughout the home

● Adding ramps at the entrance and over thresholds ((installing an entrance ramp will typically cost $1,000 - $2,800)

● Installing a step-in tub tub

● Replacing high-pile carpet with hardwood, laminate, or linoleum floors

Consider Current and Future Needs

During your house hunt, be sure to think about the needs you have now as well as the needs you might have later on. For instance, if you suspect that your limited mobility could evolve over the years, make sure to take that into account when choosing between a one-story and two-story home or between hardwood floors and high-pile carpet. 

Knowing what to look for and implementing a few strategies can help you find the right home for your needs. Remember to start with a plan, and estimate the value of your current home so that you know how to market it.  Also, find an experienced real estate agent, include any necessary modifications in your budget, and make sure you think about any potential needs you may have in the future. Before you know it, you’ll be in the perfect accessible home!

Image via Unsplash