AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
“Many people have been relocating to Florida since COVID and for the warmth. Proximity can be key.
If you are coming from far away, you want your REALTOR to consider price point and home accessibility for sure – but you also need to know if you are near a facility with wheelchair basketball, beach accessibility, accessible sailing, a meeting place of support groups,”
said Gabauer, who estimates upwards of one third of the clients he represents
for purchasing or leasing have a physical disability.
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING
AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
With America rapidly aging, figuring out if a
neighborhood is suited for Aging in Place and functions well for people with a
disability – could become one of the biggest value added assets in representing
buyers and sellers.
Ryan Gebauer, leader of the Ryan Realty Group Brokerage
in Coral Springs, understands accessibility from many perspectives.
As an individual, he has used a wheelchair for mobility
and required accessible housing since he became a quadriplegic at 16.
AS THE ACCESSIBLE BOOKLEGGERS LIBRARY MOBILE TRAILER
Ramping both sides of a moving
trailer filled with used books = a huge commitment to accessibility and
inclusion for all.
Kudos to this small nonprofit’s
commitment to people with disabilities.
HELPING HOMELESS CATS BY SELLING PIZZA ARTESANAL
Pizza Gatelier serves some of the best gourmet pies plus Italian goodies — matched with well-priced beer and wine.
Proceeds help homeless cats.
Visit them just south of Medellin’s Floresta Metro Station.
HELPING HOMELESS CATS BY SELLING PIZZA ARTESANAL
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The intimate space is in the Pinos
part of leafy upper middle class Laureles.
The artisanal shop is open 2:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
A gourmet pie + 2 beers = 10 USD.
LA CANDELARIA MEDELLIN COLOMBIA
Basking in the night air in Medellín, la Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera.
Club Colombia Cerveza in my hand for a
set break on the open air balcony overlooking La Candelaria.
El Club del Jazz in the cultural hub.
The house of jazz is open Wednesday to
Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Music starts between 8 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and lasts
2+ hours.
https://elclubdeljazz.com
LA CANDELARIA MEDELLIN COLOMBIA
I have had the privilege of seeing live jazz in 12 world cities on 4 continents — and the year is barely half over.
Fortunate to blend my globetrotting Universal Design work with America’s
contribution to culture.
El Club del Jazz in the gritty but up and coming cultural core of Medellin's La Candelaria stacks up with the best jazz clubs from New York to Paris.
LA CANDELARIA MEDELLIN COLOMBIA
Christian Salgado has worked for years
to find a home for El Club del Jazz — the only jazz venue in Colombia.
With world class musicians and decor
creating a mini jazz hall of fame — his cozy spot is Village Vanguard caliber.
But the prices are decidedly less than
in NYC.
Reserved seat admission is about $7
USD.
A beer with tip is $3 USD.
Gourmet bar snacks are around $6 USD.
LA CANDELARIA MEDELLIN COLOMBIA
El Club del Jazz provides a New
York-worthy, world class jazz experience in the cultural heart of Medellin
Colombia.
I was treated to Stereo Jazz Quartet,
Tomate’s and a jam session over a trio of visits.
The hip Candelaria space has great
drinks delivered by warm, cheerful staff.
COLLEAGUE AND GOOD GUY PASSED AWAY THIS WEEK
Husband, father, friend, disability advocate, project manager at the University of Kentucky – fellow traveler Jason Jones died at age 51 this week.
Jason was a wonderful host when my
former partner and I spoke on Universal Design at the University of Kentucky 10
years ago.
My partner was polished, but I was
more or less a rookie speaker -- full of passion but also nerves, butterflies,
etc. Jason was warm.
He put me at ease. He was not the
official organizer, but he did everything he could think of to make us welcome,
rested, accommodated, ready to wow the crowd.
He was so down to earth.
One of those people who didn't have to
tell you that he was brilliant -- he showed it by deed, gesture and
accomplishment.
A decent man and resourceful
professional.
One of those people that you should
have stayed in closer contact with.
Rest in Power: Jason, you enhanced
more lives in a half century than most would in a century on this earth.
PERFECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH FULL KITCHEN NEAR TRANSIT
Take a waterfall tour of nearby
Barbosa.
Ride a bus from Terminal Norte to the
upscale colonial town of Retiro -- then catch a ride to Tequendamita waterfall.
Walk to all the restaurants and
dessert shops of Premier Parque Laureles and Segundo Parque Laureles.
Go to the historic center for the
world class Museo Antioquia traditional art museum.
Check out Botero Plaza outside it.
Walk among the thousands of street
vendors and mom and pop clothing shops.
Catch live music at El Club Del Jazz -- Colombia's only jazz club.
Take a rideshare home, as the emerging area is sketchy after dark.
Eat bandeja paisa at Hacienda Junin
downtown.
Support homeless cats with a gourmet
pizza at Gatelier near the Floresta Metro Train station.
PERFECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH FULL KITCHEN NEAR TRANSIT
As it is served 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m., I
was unable to take my meal there due to travel plans at dawn.
I contacted the property through WhatsApp,
and it had a breakfast meal tucked into my room’s full-sized fridge the night before.
When I rose well before 6 a.m., I
could re-heat it on the stove or in the microwave, along with the juice from
the restaurant and coffee in the room.
The staff speaks limited English (I
speak pretty good Spanish) so the WhatsApp was a perfect communications means,
because staff could feed my requests and questions into a translate app.
All of my requests, including no maid
service, were honored.
I walked to a half dozen excellent
restaurants in the wonderful and safe Laureles neighborhood.
PERFECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH FULL KITCHEN NEAR TRANSIT
They always try to steer anglos to Poblado.
I think this location is 10 times nicer and more authentic.
I loved walking less than 15 minutes to the inexpensive elevated Metro train.
One electronic card can be used for
the trains, trams, gondola cars to the upper hills and endless city buses.
Firenze Lofts is in a green, leafy
area next to a small waterway.
The staff is amazing at this hotel.
I asked quite a few questions before I
arrived – including my standard request of getting a room farthest from the
elevator (because people are noisy coming off of them, even at upscale
properties) and it was honored.
PERFECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH FULL KITCHEN NEAR TRANSIT
As I travel solo, I am used to a king
or queen bed -- not a pair of twins. A twin bed is somewhat small for a grown-up.
But the property more than made up for
it with a well-equipped room with tons of outlets, lighting options and a
powerful AC unit.
PERFECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH FULL KITCHEN NEAR TRANSIT
Same goes for the bathroom -- clean,
modern, spacious with plenty of hot water in the big shower.
The elevator works fine and I never
heard any noise from guests.
The unit comes with a large, private
balcony.
PERFECT BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH FULL KITCHEN NEAR TRANSIT
It is one of the greatest price points
for quality returned -- that I have ever experienced.
The units are the size of a studio
apartment.
The staff is on duty 24 hours and each
team member works hard to ensure that you have a tranquil and comfortable stay.
FEATURES ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Two pool
lifts and ramped accessibility for people with disabilities.
We trust
every lifeguard and staffer at the pool has been highly trained to safely use
the pool lifts.
Every wheelchair user has had the situation when they have every right to use a facility, but are told to come back the next day – because the only person who knows how to use the lift is off till then.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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Barbosa is a magical place.
With proper restrictions – to control
overdevelopment and ensure there is not overtourism – this area should be unlocked
for those who respect nature and appreciate unique local experiences.
I cannot wait to come back.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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Yes, Pablo Escobar held Medellin and
Colombia hostage for more than a decade.
And certainly, the FARC and other groups
aiming for revolution have done bad things.
But during a week in the center of
Medellin and two days in the countryside – I felt as safe as anywhere in
America.
When you think about how dangerous our
driving is and how we do nothing in the U.S. to curb gun violence – I think
Colombia has rapidly become more safe and tranquil than the nation I was born
in.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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When you are knee deep in cool, pure
water -- looking up at cascades of mountain water -- you will reconnect with
nature.
Like everybody, I have my concerns
about clients, earnings, savings, health and poor local, state and federal
government in the U.S.
Hearing rushing water, then coming out
of the trees and lush greenery to see a unique waterfall – it is a deeply
spiritual and profound experience.
This is one of the most physically and
mentally renewing day trips possible.
In less than an hour, you are driven
from the urban intensity of Medellin into the paradise that is rural Colombia.
The tour passes the quaint center of
the town of Barbosa.
It visits we will visit the Cascada Chorron
plus two other waterfalls that I believe are roughly translated to the
Waterfall of the Wind plus the Cave of Love/Enchantment.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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The lavish local lunch, as well as an
optional brief breakfast, is included in the price along with transportation
and admission to the natural sites.
Expert guide Camilo Escobar helped
keep my camera and wallet dry during my Andean adventure.
The price is a bit more than the
typical Medellin area big group tour -- but it is worth double what is charged.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
Barbosa native Camilo Escobar is a
passionate and brilliant guide who will emphasize safety while taking you to three
hidden waterfalls.
There are three convenient pickup
sites, but because I was the only one who booked the $120 tour that day – Camilo
came directly to my hotel in Laureles that morning.
He quickly shares his expertise about
and love for Barbosa's spectacular nature.
Camilo supplied aqua shoes, a precision
walking stick and a steadying hand over slick rocks during small river
crossings.
THREE BARBOSA WATERFALLS IN ONE DAY TOUR FROM MEDELLIN
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Once a feared place, it is a modern
city with fabulous gastronomy, green spaces, neighborhoods, historic buildings,
transit, music and people.
Colombia is one of the most naturally
beautiful nations on earth.
We very highly recommend a day trip
outside of the hustle and bustle of Medellin – and into the lush green
mountains and cool pure water.
Guatape plus Piedra de Penol are the
most famous day trips – but we say under the radar Barbosa is well worth some of
your time and money.
MUSEU NACIONAL DO AZULEJO
Casamento da Galinha is one of the most enigmatic tile panels at Lisbon’s Museu Nacional do Azulejo.
A chicken is transported in a coach, driven by a monkey, in front of
two elephants.
PRAÇA LUÍS DE CAMÕES
Lisbon’s historic Praça Luís de Camões — named for a great literary figure — plays prominently in another masterpiece:
Jose Saramago’s The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis.
MODERN COMFORT IN HISTORICAL, TRADITIONAL AREA OF MAGICAL LISBON
I never would have found world class
restaurant Estamine and many others in the area -- without their book of prime
suggestions.
Considering that this nearly 400 SF
home is often priced below the cost of a barely more than 100 SF hotel room --
I would say book it every chance you get.
Bedding is super comfy.
They have thought of everything --
including a trio of space heaters for those chilly spring nights on the highest
windswept hill of beautiful Lisboa.
One other thing to note, the apartment
is in an old, traditional building -- but everything is super modern and
updated inside.
Expect warm water in the shower and
appliances that are almost brand new.
MODERN COMFORT IN HISTORICAL, TRADITIONAL AREA OF MAGICAL LISBON
I have not stayed there in June, July or August -- so they may want to put air
conditioning on the list of upgrades.
It is up 15 steps in a super traditional old Lisbon neighborhood apartment complex.
It's not a knock, just a head's up that the unit is not at all suitable for people with disabilities.
And it may not be ideal for those that have trouble doing steps --
though all of Lisbon is
hilly and has alleys that become steep staircases, so if you're up for the
city, you should do fine with Lisbon Nest.
MODERN COMFORT IN HISTORICAL, TRADITIONAL AREA OF MAGICAL LISBON
Valeria is a wonderful point person.
She keeps in touch via text/whatsapp, meets you the second you leave your
rideshare and saves your neck when you misplace the key.
The property is big enough to live in year round.
It has everything including a big kitchen with dishwasher and
clothes washer.
Everything is clean and spotless.
I slept like a baby.
You can hear the
neighbors just a tiny bit, but it's a very quiet property for an increasingly
loud and bustling city.
REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES
She praised the National Association
of REALTORS® for covering 100 percent of
RRF’s administrative costs, so every dollar donated goes directly to disaster
relief efforts.
“For more than 24 years, the RRF has
been a lifeline for communities affected by disasters, providing
housing-related assistance.
Since 2001, the foundation has
distributed more than $43 million in aid, helping more than 25,000 families
nationwide,” according to an NAR statement released when $1 million was granted
to California wildfire relief.
“When a major disaster occurs, RRF
mobilizes its outreach efforts and turns to NAR members and other constituents
for support.”
REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES
“We need to build more affordable
homes. Our lobbying team was just in Washington, D.C., to support the
bipartisan More Homes
on the Market Act (H.R. 1340) which would raise the capital gains tax
exclusion on the sale of a primary residence,” she said, noting that more
people would sell, increasing housing availability if they didn’t face high
capital gains taxes.
“Zoning needs to allow more homes.
We need to revisit constraints that
makes building so costly, so we can create more affordable and attainable
housing.”
CELEBRATING 1.5 MILLION BLOG READERS
Today, it has had more than 1.5 million unique
visitors over its lifetime.
Sometimes I share simple photos of my cats or urban
street photography.
Often, I share my passion for Universal Design
and creating a better built environment for people with disabilities.
This year alone, I have traveled to more than a dozen major cities in eight nations – to work on removing barriers and making design more inclusive and wheelchair accessible.
I have appeared as an expert: in a major book,
on stage at the world’s largest gathering of engineers, in a training video for
the largest state gathering of real estate professionals, on national TV, in
webinars and in countless articles that I have published in influential
planning magazines.
Thanks to everyone who follows and supports my
work.
REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES
“Wildfires are a huge concern
nationally and in California.
The question is how do we help with
fire hardening in the future?
We must find the best ways of
mitigating against disaster for residential and commercial buildings,” she
said, noting that property owners could benefit from government grants to pay
for retrofitting against wildfires.
“The wildfires exacerbated an
insurance crisis that we already had in California. We need to continue to work
with state officials to help alleviate that and ensure that every family can
insure their home,” Ozur said.
She explained that many families in
working- and middle-class parts of Los Angeles County, such as Altadena, may
not have enough of an insurance settlement to rebuild.
The wildfires took away affordable
housing in one of the highest housing cost areas in the nation.
REALTORS® TAKE ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES
“We are working in the Sacramento
Capital with legislators, the governor and the commissioner of insurance to
help extend relief.
We successfully got a price gouging
moratorium extended to July,” she said of disaster-related protections against
price hikes for hotels, motels and rental housing plus prohibitions on
evictions of tenants to relist the rental at a higher rate.
