Are you a senior who has decided to make modifications to your home in order to age in place—but you’re short on funds to make those modifications? Here are some resources that may provide assistance:

Minor improvements and repairs can cost between $150 and $2,000. Many home remodeling contractors offer reduced rates or sliding-scale fees based on income and ability to pay. Public and private financing options may also be available. Sources of support include the following.

• Modification and repair funds provided by the Older Americans Act are distributed by Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). To contact your local AAA, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov.

• Rebuilding Together, Inc., a national volunteer organization, is able to assist some low-income seniors through its local affiliates. Visit http://rebuildingtogether.org to learn more.

• Local energy and social service departments can assist through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). You can also search for state-specific tax credits, rebates, and savings at http://energy.gov/savings.

• Many cities and towns make grant funds available through their local departments of community development.

• Lenders may offer home equity conversion mortgages or reverse mortgages that allow homeowners to utilize home equity to pay for improvements. Learn more by visiting https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/home-equity/.

• Search for additional resources in your state by visiting www.Homemods.org.

(This information care of: https://eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/factsheets/home_modifications.aspx)

HOWEVER,

If you decide that you’d rather move than make these changes—either to assisted living or to a one-level home or condo, I can help you with both. And the great news is that Century 21 Full Service Realty has a program called RealVitalize that will cover the upfront costs of many non-structural improvements at no upfront cost to you. You just pay at the closing table out of the profits of your sale. This program isn’t right for everyone however, and conditions do apply. So, is it right for you? Let’s talk. Just email me at dawnbarclayrealtor@gmail.com or call me at 845-893-0173 so we can set up a convenient time to meet and have me tour your home.