Downsizing During Retirement? Avoid These Stressful Mistakes

Think you’re ready to downsize your home? If you haven’t taken the time to plan properly, you could end up making quite a few mistakes. Downsizing can be a complicated and stressful process, and mishaps can make it worse for seniors. So before you start planning your downsizing move, make sure you can avoid these common missteps.

Not Weighing Pros and Cons of Downsizing

Before you start working on any other downsizing step, you need to decide whether downsizing is right for you. Ask yourself some serious questions to make an informed decision, and be sure to weigh any risks against possible benefits. For example, you could sell your home to buy a smaller one, but you may also need to adjust your profit expectations to account for selling expenses. Those expenses can include, but are not limited to, agent commissions, repair costs and staging fees (which average $2,300 to $3,200 nationally) to help your home sell. Of course, you can also save on utilities and rent or a mortgage with a smaller home or apartment, which may outweigh any potential profit losses from selling your old home.

Not Researching Assisted Living Options

Assisted living can be a scary prospect for many seniors, but it really shouldn’t be. This housing option provides seniors with the extra care they need without any major sacrifices in life quality or independence. So before you put a lot of time and effort into finding a smaller home, think about whether local assisted living may be a better fit for your golden years. With the expenses for assisted living centers in New York City ranging from $1,500 to $17,250 per month, you will want to tour facilities and look for a community that can provide your preferred level of care without any excess costs. While cost shouldn’t be your primary consideration, knowing this information can help you plan for expenses more efficiently.

Not Creating a Financial Plan for Retirement

Saving for retirement is a smart move for adults of all ages, but too many people fail to address two questions when creating their financial plan. In order to enjoy the years ahead and afford your downsizing move, you need to know what age you plan to retire (many people aim for 65, but this doesn’t always happen) and whether you will continue to work during retirement. Answering these two questions will allow seniors to plan out their expenses and adjust spending to cover potential downsizing costs, such as new furniture or storage fees.

Not Asking for Help From Experienced Pros

If you have decided to downsize your home, and know you can afford it, then you need to seek out the right professionals to guide you through the process. Before you make any major financial decisions around retirement, you may want the expert advice of a financial planner. In a single consultation, you should be able to figure out whether retiring and downsizing makes financial sense, and how to begin living off of your retirement savings without major sacrifices. Once you have your finances squared away, reach out to an experienced realtor, who can take the stress out of searching for a smaller home and also help you navigate the homebuying process.

Not Beginning Moving Tasks Early Enough

There’s a lot to think about when planning a move, which means the chances for missing important details is pretty high. To avoid this mistake, take care to create a moving checklist that includes minor tasks, like changing your address, as well as major undertakings, like decluttering your belongings. Decluttering can be especially challenging for older adults, so allow yourself enough time to process related changes and emotions. Look online for decluttering tips to make the work a little easier, and don’t be too shy to ask close friends, family members or neighbors to help you, if needed.

Managing a move can be stressful for anyone, including seniors looking to downsize. Make sure your plan will help you avoid common downsizing mistakes, like the ones mentioned above, so you can avoid additional stress and start enjoying your retirement sooner.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Written by: Suzie Wilson ⎸info@happierhome.net ⎸Happier Home

For: Metropolis Apartments | Contact us for for all your real estate needs.

Top 5 Toddler Activities In NYC

When we think of New York, we think of a town where people go to make dreams happen. We think of young adults starting an acting career, modeling career, and the list goes on.
New York is a great place to raise a family, though and most people don’t  think about that. While it is a place where dreams come true, it’s also a great place full of opportunities for your little tyke to explore. Here are the top 5 toddler activities in NYC.

 

 

1) Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a great place for toddler activities in NYC. A top venue for your child to learn and play at the same time. They have a program specifically designed for children 4 years old and under to prepare them for school. This program lets them explore and discover while learning fundamental lessons for growth. They also have a Dora and Diego exhibit which helps children ages 2-6 years old learn about animals. Not only are these great toddler activities in NYC, but if you have older kids they can have fun too.

 

2) The Playroom NYC

The Playroom provides classes every week to help your child learn valuable lessons as part of their toddler activities in NYC. The classes have different age ranges depending on the content to ensure that your little one is engaged in developmentally appropriate fun! They also have open play hours Monday through Friday, that way your child can take the reins in deciding how to play.

 

3) Kidville


Kidville has various locations offering toddler activities in NYC. They feature a wide variety of classes including art, camp, cooking, dance, enrichment, gym, music, parenting, and Kidville University. Kidville is specifically for children from birth to six years old. They also offer play space hours for members.

 

4) Books of Wonder

For your little bookworms, you can take them to Books of Wonder, where even you can find a little joy. Books of Wonder has events which include book readings and book releases among their toddler activities in NYC. It’s a classic way to educate your child and get them something that they can remember. Books of Wonder also has a rare books section which includes rare children’s books as well. This is another one where the whole family can find happiness.

 

5) Central Park

 

Last but not least, good ol’ Central Park is loaded with toddler activities in NYC. If you want to get your kids outside for some family fun, try Central Park! You could have a picnic or visit Belvedere Castle. You could go to the carousel or the children’s zoo which is located in the Central Park Zoo. Honestly, you could just enjoy the fresh air! This is a great option for families on a budget or families who love getting outside and having a great time.

I hope seeing some of these attractions have inspired you to get out there and do something with your family. There are indoor play areas, museums, bookstores, and Central Park is always an option (as long as it’s warm!) Remember, New York City isn’t just for the young and ambitious. There are plenty of opportunities for the itty-bitty members of the family, too. There are many toddler activities in NYC.

Written by Brittany Spencer

Photography by Tom Ripellino

SIMPLE MAKEOVER FOR YOUR APARTMENT BEDROOM

How to Makeover Your Apartment Bedroom Without Making Major Changes

Tired of dealing with a boring bedroom? It can be tricky to know how to add some personality to your bedroom when you are renting an apartment. You don’t want to commit to any permanent changes, but you also don’t want to lose your personal style. So, how can apartment dwellers find a compromise? By using these tips to create their dream bedroom.

 

Add Some Style to Walls, No Painting Required

A splash of color on your walls can make the biggest difference in your bedroom. When you live in an apartment, however, a new paint job may not make sense, as it’s not easily reversible. So, how can you makeover your bedroom without losing your deposit? Well, you actually have quite a few options! One way to add some personality to apartment walls is with your very own gallery wall, which you can accomplish without damaging walls. You can use a simple tool to hang prints from your favorite local artists or any other decor that compliments your personal style. Want to make an even bigger statement but still don’t want to paint? Modern wallpapers make it easy with soothing prints that cling to your bedroom walls without causing permanent damage. When you’re ready to move, you can simply peel it off.

 

Save Bold Patterns and Colors for Pillows and Curtains

If you want to be able to relax in your bedroom, you need to stick to calming colors for the wallpapers and artwork mentioned above. Earthtones are often the easiest ways to blend your decor with white or off-white apartment walls, and they can also enhance your sleep. When you have your heart set on adding some pops of color to your room, you can do so easily with textiles. As you decorate and refresh your bedroom, be sure to focus on window treatments as a way to liven up the space. In addition to using bold, fun patterns and colors, you can also opt for blackout curtains that will turn your room into a sleep haven. You can also try some DIY throw pillow covers, which require no sewing to update the look of your bedroom.

 

Look for Furniture That Will Serve More Than One Purpose

Living in the city often means dealing with limited space, and your bedroom is no exception. If you plan to makeover your furniture, you need to ensure you choose options that are made for multitasking. That means shopping for a bed that has some space for storage underneath or a bookcase that can also serve as a laptop desk. Still wishing for more room in your bedroom? If space is really tight in your home, you can easily makeover your bedroom with a stylish Murphy bed. This can be a fun DIY project if you’re up to the task and can help you make the most of the square footage you do have in your bedroom. You can use a screen and some pillows to turn that extra space into a meditation zone, for even more relaxation in your bedroom.

 

Find Ways to Save on All of Your Bedroom Makeover Materials

Since you’re making over an apartment bedroom, chances are you will be moving again at some point in the future. So, it may not make sense to splurge on pricey furniture and decor, just to have those items not work in your next home. That’s why it’s smart to stick with budget-friendly retailers when you are buying new items for your bedroom. You can usually find small space-friendly furniture at stores like Target and World Market, and IKEA is always great when it comes to buying items you can easily hack into statement pieces. Another easy way to add unique style to your bedroom without breaking the bank is to shop for flea market finds that you can upcycle into furniture and decor for your makeover project.

 

Don’t settle for a basic bedroom just because you live in an apartment. With some simple changes, you can have a dreamy bedroom you cannot wait to come home to every night. So, have fun making over your bedroom!

 

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Written by: Erin Reynolds of diymama.net | erin@diymama.net

Contact Metropolis Apartments for all your real estate needs.

 

The Upper East Side: A Posh Neighborhood in Uptown Manhattan

The Upper East Side is a Posh Neighborhood in Uptown Manhattan

When we think of the Upper East Side, images of wealthy residents and their purebred dogs come to mind. You also visualize trees lined community with beautiful houses on both sides of the streets. Well, you are not off the mark as this borough of Manhattan is indeed home to some of the wealthiest and influential people of the country. The Upper East Side is indeed a posh locality famous for its affluent residents.

 

High home prices and rents

The Upper East Side is bound by 96th Street, 59th Street, East River, and Fifth Avenue on its north, south, east, and west respectively. Median home prices in this neighborhood are $1.1 million while median monthly rents here are touching $2400. A lot of people are attracted to the Upper East Side, especially Museum Mile which is always buzzing with activities. However, the historic architecture of the buildings and clean sidewalks make it clear that this neighborhood hast a rather relaxed and calm atmosphere.

 

Relaxed and refined living

Central Park is, in many ways, the heart of Upper East Side. This sprawling park is full of greenery and provides an opportunity to the residents to have fun with friends and families, also enjoy its nature. This park will become your playground if you choose to make UES your home. You will find this neighborhood just like Paris. It feels so refined and aloof from the rest of Manhattan that you will feel as if you have come into another city.

 

Paradise for people with artistic leanings

Upper East Side is home to the famous Museum Mile, a mile long stretch that contains some of the finest museums around the world. If you are fond of art and culture, you would love to spend your time in some of these museums like Met, Jewish Museum, and the Guggenheim.

If you are looking for nightlife, you should go to Second Avenue. You will be surprised that there are no clubs here. But the Irish pubs on this street are very welcoming and remain open till late in the night. People enjoy alcoholic drinks, music, and dancing in the Irish pubs.

As far as real estate is concerned, you will find expansive townhouses and luxury apartment buildings with uniformed doorman standing at the front of the gate. Towards the eastern part of the Upper East Side, you will find one and two-bedroom apartments that are surprisingly affordable.

Upper East Side has a beauty and charm that is attracting more and more families. There are a lot of great schools, awesome playgrounds, and many diverse restaurants.

 

 

The Wellesley

 

https://www.metropolisapts.com/top-5-reasons-hire-real-estate-professional/

 

6 Reasons Why You Need a Buyer Broker Representative in New York City

6 Reasons Why You Need a Buyer Broker Representative in New York City

Buying a home, condominium, townhouse, or co-op in New York City can be far more challenging than buying a property elsewhere in the United States. The neighborhoods in NYC were established a century ago and have their own unique stamps on the landscape. Hiring a buyer broker representative or buyer’s agent can shorten your search for the right home in NYC. The legal hoops to jump through and the municipal bureaucracy can make buying a home in NYC an exhaustive process without the help of a buyer’s agent.

1.  Local Expert

A buyer’s agent has thorough knowledge of the neighborhoods in the five boroughs of Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The agent will know about availability, comps, and comparable market values. Want to know which neighborhood is best for families? How about the neighborhood closest to the most popular restaurants and social scenes for singles? The buyer’s agent will be able to tell you all of this and more.

2.  Buyer’s Advocate

When you hire a buyer’s agent, that person is on your side from day one until closing. They work on your behalf, not the seller’s. It’s important to have an agent on your side to advocate for your best interests. This most likely is one of the biggest financial investments of your lifetime, so you would not want to go it alone.

 

Real estate negotiation is an art in and of itself. Trying to negotiate the purchase of a home on your own can cost you thousands of dollars in lost profits. If you’re concerned about paying a buyer agent’s commission, not to worry. The buyer does not pay the buyer’s agent commission, so their services are free to you. The seller’s agent pays the buyer agent’s commission.

3.  Financing Options

A buyer’s agent is aware of all the financing options available in New York City, so they can help you decide what type of mortgage is best or direct you to the best mortgage experts in the city.

4.  Comps

A buyer’s agent should be able to “show you the comps.” Comps is short for comparable sales. It refers to properties similar in size and amenities located in the same neighborhood and seeing how they compare in price with the home you wish to buy. This helps when planning a bid for the house. You wouldn’t want to overbid and lose the home to another buyer.

5.  An Eye for Trouble

A buyer broker representative or buyer’s agent has an eye for spotting problems. Your buyer’s agent has seen many problems occur in the purchasing of homes, so they want to save you from buying a home riddled with future repairs.

Many properties in NYC date back to the 1800s. These antique properties are treasures, but they can also harbor costly and even deadly problems such as asbestos, lead paint, broken sills and foundations. Also, electrical systems from the old days sometimes are unable to work with the new technologies of today. Old knob and tube wiring in old homes can create problems when trying to obtain homeowners insurance. You would not be aware of that if you didn’t have a buyer’s agent to warn you. Buyer’s agents save their clients thousands every day. Other problems that can be spotted by the buyer’s agent are: ungrounded outlets, lack of energy efficiency, pests, roof issues, and potential mold issues.

 

A buyer’s agent should attend the home inspection and take notes. If they don’t, then you need a new one. METROPOLIS APARTMENTS’ agents always attend the home inspection and ask plenty of questions so there aren’t any hidden maintenance surprises for the buyer.

6.  Real Estate Contracts

Real estate contracts can be complex and full of surprises if you are unfamiliar with them. A buyer’s agent knows all about real estate contracts and can recognize problems or issues that may burden the buyer. Contingencies such as a purchase offer as well as important deadlines need to be considered before signing a real estate contract. Your buyer’s agent should have extensive knowledge of these.

 

METROPOLIS APARTMENTS has a team of buyer’s agents well-versed in real estate contract law. We can answer any questions you may have about real estate contracts and the home buying process.

 

Whichever agency you choose, always ask who the agent represents. They must by law have you sign a disclosure form, confirming that you know who they represent in the real estate process (buyer or seller). You will want a buyer’s agent who represents you exclusively, not both you and the seller. That is called dual agency where the agent represents both parties, which is not in the best interest of the buyer.

 

This is the largest investment you’ll make in your lifetime, so why try to handle it alone? A buyer’s agent will be your advocate and can filter the emotional aspects out of the process for you. Often buyers get caught up in the dream of buying a specific type of property and then overlook problems in the home’s structure or in the contract. A buyer’s agent can help you in all aspects of the real estate transaction, and best of all their services are free of charge. The seller pays the commission for both the buyer’s agent and listing agent.

 

METROPOLIS APARTMENTS can help you every step of the way and negotiate the purchase of your next home in New York City. Email us at info@metropolisapts.com to start your home search.

 

 

Buyer Broker in New York City