(1)  the regulatory body writing the Dodd-Frank rules need to hurry & complete their task.  The uncertainty creates lenders to be risk averse, especially toward mortgage borrowers.  (2)  Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac need to make home loans to buyers with less available cash & not require 20% down.  (3)  the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency can relax its tough guidelines that discourage banks from making loans for new subdivision developments.  In some markets lack of building lots is acute.  (4)  There is a serious labor shortage in many parts of the home construction industry.  The guest worker program must be enhanced to provide much-needed craftsmen, such as carpenters.  All this according to Dr. Mark Dotzour, chief economist for the Real Estate Center Texas A&M University.

FOYER/FRONT YARD:  (1) do steps have proper handrails?  (2)  Are steps to steep, cracked or uneven?  (3)  Are driveways or walkways snow or ice covered?  (4)  Is there adequate lighting at night?  (5)  is our senior loved one at risk of wandering?  (6)  Can your Senior hear the doorbell?  LAUNDRY ROOM/ BASEMENT.  (1) Is there adequate light on basement stairways?  (2)  Are handrails sturdy?  (3)  Are steps too steep or slippery?  (4)  Does the last step blend in with the floor?  (4) are pathways cluttered?  (5)  Is laundry detergent in bottles of boxes too heavy to life and has detergent spilled on the floor?  (6)  Does the senior have to carry baskets of laundry up and down stairs?  THESE ARE ALL SOME HINTS, BUT GO TO  MAKINGHOMESAFEFORSENIORS.COM

KITCHEN – (1)  Are cabinets too high or low?  (2)  Is there clutter on countertops & throughout the kitchen?  Are pathways obstructed?  (3)  Adequate lighting for cooking?  (4)  Dangerous chemicals & cleaning materials secure?  (5)  Is the floor slippery?  (6)  Is there spoiled food in the frig?  (7)  Is emergency contact information within easy access?  (8)  Is the senior at risk of  harming herself with sharp utensil or by causing a fire?  GARAGE (1)  Do the stairs into the garage have secure railings?  (2)  Is trash piling up?  (3)  Are power tools and lawn chemicals secure?  (4)  Is the garage secure?  FINISH WITH PART 4 IN A DAY OR 2.

LIVING ROOM – (1)  too much clutter and not enough space to move around furniture?  (2)  can the senior reach the light switch to turn it off or on?  (3)  is there adequate lighting?  (4) do throw rugs and electrical cords pose a tripping hazard?  (4)  is the floor uneven or carpet torn?  (5)  is the room temperature too hot or cold?  (6)  does glare from the windows make it difficult for a senior to see?  (7)  do the conditions of aging make it difficult for a senior to get out of a chair?  HALLWAY  (1) is there a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in place?  (2)  is there adequate light at night?  (3)  does the senior have trouble finding the bathroom at night?  MORE TO COME!!

BEDROOM – (1)  do throw rugs create a tripping hazard?  Or torn carpet?  (2)  too much furniture and clutter such as clothing, magazines, newspaper,  etc?  (3)  does the senior lack access to a phone or ce

ll phone, especially at night?  (4)  Is there enough light?  (5)  is the bed too high or low?  (6) do tangled electric cords obstruct pathways?  (6) does the furniture provide proper support, if needed?  BATHROOM & SHOWER – (1)  are there grab bars near tub, shower, & toilet?  (2)  Is the floor slippery?  Lack of bath mats?  (3)  Is the bathtub too high? And the toilet the right height?  (4)  Is there the potential for bath water to be too hot?  (5)  Are medications stored properly – not too high or too low for senior to reach?  (6)  Are mobility and joint problems making it difficult for the senior to reach into overhead cabinets, come his hair or lift her leg to get into the tub.  TO BE CONTINUED

The AGING REVOLUTION!  In 1958 the population 50+ years of age was 41.7 million and in 2014 now 108.7 million.  Average monthly Social Security benefit in 1958 was $74 and now it is $1,252.  Life expectancy at age 65 is 78 for men and 82 for women and now in 2014 it is 84 years for men and now 86 for women.  Median household income for persons over 65+ in 1958 was $2,666 and now $38,848.  The 1st aging revolution was about FREEDOM FROM WORK and now we are in the 2nd on FREEDOM TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT or THE AGE OF POSSIBILITIES.  We need to add more life to our years!!

Smart products are already in homes, such as WASHERS, DRYERS, REFRIGERAORS and DISHWASHERS.  Owners can monitor the temp on the fridge, get an alert when dishes are washed and receive updates on how long the laundry will take.  Smart WINDOWS & DOORS have wireless sensors that let owners know through their home-security systems when they are opened or unlocked.  Some WINDOWS can close themselves when they detect rain.  HOME SECURITY systems send a message to your smart phones, if anything unusual.  LIGHT BULBS provide a wide range of light ambience that can be adjusted through an app.  WELL, ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

Most smart tech products require an Internet connection to send Wi-Fi signals to remote devices.  Users can manipulate the device in person or use their phone, tablet or computer to turn things on or off or adjust settings.  These apps may also track other data about your technology, such as frequency and history of use and potential energy savings.  A 1940s bungalow can be upgraded by installing smart products on any age or type of property.  Just make sure your products are compatible with your home.  Most product websites will offer information on compatibility issues.  Well, here we are with the JETSONS!!

In 1910 Tyler’s population was 10,400 and now it is 100,223 and Smith County’s was 50,000 and now 216,080.  This is important as some companies will not consider doing business in a city till it is over 100,000.  The Federal Government also considers population in certain programs.  In 2010 29% of the population have a bachelor’s degree or higher and 16% have no high school diploma.  The median age is 33 and 24% are under 18 years with 14% over 65 years of age.  47% are male and 53% are female.  Still, according to Heather Nick, planning director for the City of Tyler, a population of more then 100,000 sounds different that a number under 100,000.

The VISUAL TOUR program for pictures and videos of our listings has been named one of MOST VALUABLE TECHNOLOGY TOOLS in the  2013-2014 Realtor Technology Survey.  Visual Tour has and is most helpful in going through the IT changes throughout the 5+ years we have used the service.  Our tours are now on YOUTUBE and of course, Realtor.com and other on- line services.  They have kept the same president.  These tours are just one of many marketing tools we use to get the Bain Real Estate listings sold as quickly as possible and at the best price the market will bear.  We agree with this designation!!