It’s A Matter Of Our Health

Thanksgiving Day was fun – good food, great guests. In fact, no surprise, the people made the day a great one and once more I was reminded of the importance of spending time with family and friends and building new friendships.

The experts and surveys have all sorts of data, but is that really necessary to confirm what our mind, heart, even our body tells us after an enjoyable time interacting with others? We just feel better after social times.

For those of us over age 50 who enjoy hosting, to continue hosting opportunities in our home we may need to check our vanity and sense of pride at the door. That’s right. I’m talking about our self-imposed “standards” of hosting that may not match our changing levels of energy and physical stamina. There was a time when I would spend most of the week preparing for a few friends or family we had invited for dinner, and the big day was a marathon, followed by 1-2 days of sheer exhaustion.　

Never being a fast learner, this pattern continued until just a few years ago when I had my “aha” moment.　 What badge of honor did I receive for being the perfect hostess (assuming I succeeded)? Who really cared but me?　 　　

While clean houses are important and enjoyable, I doubt anyone is going to going to give the tops of my door jams the dust test. Most of us enjoy good food but these are not state dinners we are talking about, and I have learned that some of us feel more included when we have participated in the preparations. So now guests are often involved in meal preparation. That may not be the style for your friends, but ours feel included and appreciated, and I actually get to enjoy the group without needing to be resuscitated the next day.

How hard was that?  Now on to Christmas Day!

Becky Hopkins is a Realtor® with
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Co. in the
Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex

www.50andholding.com

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Reverse Mortgages Could Help Older Adults Weather Economic Storm

Almost everyone is being effected by the nation’s troubled economy – especially those living on fixed incomes and trying to manage with diminished retirement savings.  What’s more, it is also difficult to acquire credit. Options such as home equity loans or lines of credit that seniors might have used in the past to supplement their finances may no longer be viable options these days.  Even when these types of loans were easier to obtain, the borrower still had to make  monthly payments, and this can be difficult on a fixed income, no matter what the economic environment.

Fortunately, there’s one option that could make sense for homeowners 62 or older and who have paid off or mostly paid off their mortgages:   a reverse mortgage. For most people, homes are their #1 asset.  However, the equity that has been building for years doesn’t provide a ready source of funds to pay things like living expenses and health care cost.  A reverse mortgage allows people the ability to use their equity to fulfill a variety of needs.

Also important during recession times:  A reverse mortgage does not require credit approval, and there are no monthly payments – the loan is not repaid until the last surviving borrower permanently leaves or sells the home.  Of course, this doesn’t mean that a reverse mortgage is free.  There are closing costs, interest accrues on the loan to be paid at the time it becomes due; and the principal amount is also repaid at that time.  And, other fees and cost may apply. Best of all, borrowers continue to own and live in their homes with greater financial flexibility.

Reverse mortgages have allowed many seniors to live a better life.  The key to getting the most out of this financial option is getting all the facts to make an educated decision.  And, you want to do business with a strong and reputable company like MetLife Bank, which is a MetLife company.  Those interested in obtaining more information and a free, no-obligation educational video about reverse mortgages from MetLife Bank can contact Walter Edler at 827-714-3732.

All loans are subject to property approval.  Certain conditions and fees apply.

Article provided by

Walter Edler

Reverse Mortgage Consultant

Mobile:  (817) 714-3732

FAX:     (518) 953-1618

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