Try Mahalo For Online Travel Research

Online travel research can be pretty frustrating, especially if you've never been to the destination your headed and don't know much about the area.

For example, try searching "Las Vegas hotels" in Google. Now, some of what comes up for you may be relevant, but a lot of it is not. This is simply because this search engine result page (serp) is based on an algorithm, with little to no human attention paid to what is displayed.

Mahalo is a new human-powered search engine that uses...you guessed it...ACTUAL people to create their serps.

This is great for the baby boomer who just doesn't have the time or patience to sift through spam search results mixed in with relevant content. If you search for "Las Vegas hotels" in Mahalo, you actually get listings of Las Vegas hotels as well as websites for further research (ie: Frommers, Fodor's, etc.). What a concept!


Check out Mahalo's Travel page today. And who knows, you might just get hooked and start using it for all your web searches. Plus, if you happen to search for a topic not in their results (remember, Mahalo's results are being built by hand and not every possible destination or search term is covered yet) you will be shown results from various other search engines.

Baby Boomer Jobs

Forbes.com has an article/slideshow featuring seven "ideal" jobs for Baby Boomers.

Obviously not all of them will appeal, but you might get some good ideas. I especially like the prospects of "Move Specialist" Wellness Coach", and "Travel Coordinator".

Some Florida Banks to Avoid

TheStreet.com just ran an article about some Florida banks that are feeling the squeeze due to not only bad mortgages (as you've heard by now Florida has a lot of) but also bad construction loans that developers are defaulting on.

I'm all for the local bank. I believe in supporting the little guy. And I know my money would be safe (FDIC insured, etc.). But for now my money is with one of the big boys, at least until we learn a little more about this mortgage/construction loan fallout.

Luxury RV Parks - Home is Where You're Parked

Despite gas being over $3 a gallon in most parts of the country, many boomers are shunning the once popular idea of choosing one great place to retire and making it their life to travel (in style mind you) to wherever they feel like.

The luxury RV travel market is on fire in recent years with luxury rv parks popping up all over Florida and other Sunbelt states.

The nomadic lifestyle that rv-ing affords used to be for the budget conscious. But not anymore. Fancy RV's these days cost more than most houses. And getting a space at one of the premier luxury rv parks can be quite an expense as well.
(Image Credit: Aaron Jack on Flickr)

But then again, we're not talking about a simple concrete pad with power and water hookups. We're talking about championship golf courses, clubhouses, swimming pools, all the amenities you could want or need.

So where should you set out finding information about the luxury RV lifestyle? Here are a few links to start with:

• Go RVing
• Go Camping America
• Google Directory Listings by State
  

Wireless and Internet Security Systems Great for 2nd Homes

A recent broad daylight break-in and robbery in my gated Florida community reminds me that everyone needs to be careful and vigilant when it comes to keeping you, your loved ones, and your property safe. As I've said before, crime doesn't discriminate based on location. Just because you live in a gated community doesn't necessarily mean you're safe.

I recommend having a security system installed (make sure you are given a yard sign and window stickers which can act as an added deterrent). Most people only set it when they are away from the home or when they go to bed at night, but now we'll be keeping ours on during the day as well, and you should too.

Security systems are available through companies like Brinks and ADT. Personally I use a system through Alarm.com that uses wireless signals (much like a pager) so that if a phone line is cut, it will still notify the authorities in case of emergency.

This type of wireless security system can also be controlled through the internet, which is great for a second homeowner. Through an online interface you can see system activity, arm and disarm if necessary, and more. Check it out if you're looking for a great wireless internet security system.

Be safe!

Boomers version of "Born to be W-i-i-i-ld"

Sort of off topic but who could resist. The best laugh you'll have today. Enjoy:

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Trip

Boomers on the Move took a trip last month to the annual Balloon Fiesta in ABQ New Mexico.

What a trip! Here are some pics and the low-down on what to do and where to stay if you ever decide to go.

Try to go on the weekends (Thursday through Sunday) because this is when most of the events are held like the Mass Ascension or launch of all participating balloons (held early in the morning), and the Balloon Glows and Fireworks (at night). The early and middle part of the week is more for competitions.


We stayed at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. It was very close to the balloon fiesta and near everything we wanted to see and do. We paid $169 per night for a Junior suite which was very nice, and we thought the rate was reasonable considering all the people in town.

BUT, next time, we will stay at the Sandia Resort and Casino. We were very impressed by how modern and clean it was. Just as nice and spectacular as the finest casino/hotels in Vegas. It's a little further away from all the Balloon action, but we think the few extra minutes of drive time will be worth it for us if we ever go back.

There is lots to see and do besides the Balloon Fiesta...here is a good guide from the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Plenty of authentic Mexican food to choose from in Albuquerque, so you won't go without some great meals. Ask your hotel or locals you meet for recommendations as there are just so many to choose from. Whatever you order be sure to ask for "Christmas on the side". We'd tell you what it is, but it'll be more fun for you to see for yourself. Live a little!

The best part was the balloon ride we took with Rainbow Ryders (the official flyers for city) which cost $170 per person. One thing that surprised us was that there are 12 people in the balloon (11 passengers and 1 pilot). We went early in the morning, which is recommended because the winds tend to pick up later in the day. The balloon co. picked us up at the hotel and dropped us back off afterwards.

Floating is just too cool (and we are scared of heights!). You hardly feel like you're off the ground and moving. The basket is extremely sturdy.


You pretty much land where you land. There is a chase truck that follows you wherever the wind takes you. We landed on a dirt road, but we saw one balloon that found its way onto a football field.

North Carolina Transfer Tax Goes Down...in flames

A few months back I blogged about the proposed North Carolina transfer tax and what it would mean to buyers and sellers in North Carolina.

Yesterday the people had their say in 16 North Carolina Counties and unanimously defeated the measure.

This paves the way for North Carolina to continue to be a lower cost alternative to baby boomers thinking about where to hang their hats for their glory years.

Spot the bad neighbors before you buy in a retirement community

The saying has always been..."You can pick your house, but you can't pick your neighbors." Well not anymore.

A new real estate search site has emerged and you can find it at rottenneighbors.com

You start by entering either the name of a city, and exact address or street name, even a zip code, then hit search and you'll be shown a google maps mashup with reports of "bad neighbors" in the area you searched for.

I did a quick search of a couple areas, and most had little to no activity yet, but where there were complaints they were often pretty amusing. You'll have the best luck in and around bigger cities.

But as more and more people find out about the site, it might become another important information site for those wanting to get the lowdown on a retirement community before they buy.

E-Book for The Villages Florida is ready now

Just got done with an e-book about The Villages Florida.

It's 117 pages, and is available for instant download. Some of the content is similar to Florida for Boomers, but I really went through section by section and tailored it to folks considering moving to The Villages.

Check it out...hope you enjoy it and learn a lot...I promise you will!

Florida Double Homestead Exemption is really Double-ish

After months of back and forth like they do best, the Florida House and Senate came to a compromise on a new property tax plan to send to voters on January 29th.

And there's nothing like waiting until the last minute. The plan had to be approved by both the House and Senate by the end of October 29 (90 days out from the special election). They made it by a couple of hours.

Here are the basics that could impact homeowners if the bill passes in January:

(Not Quite) Double homestead exemption: Homestead property owners will get a second $25,000 exemption on the assessed value on the value of their homes over $50,000. BUT, because this doesn't apply to school taxes (and because school taxes account for nearly 1/3 of the tax bill) the net result is closer to an additional $16,000 exemption.

Every politician I've heard touting this plan keeps saying "double" because it sounds so good...but its NOT double! Not saying voters should reject it, just calling a spade a spade.

Portability: This was one of the key issues that politicians and real estate agents *think* is really going to spark the Florida housing market. Homesteaders will be able to take up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes protections to a new home purchase. If you are downsizing you can take a pro-rated portion of the tax protections.

While some folks will now be able to downsize their homes as well as their tax bill, I don't see this being the boost to the housing market that some would hope.

Assessment cap for non-homestead property: Assessments would increase no more than 10 percent each year on non-homestead property.

This could have been the boost the Florida housing market needed. The original plan was to cap this at 5% but that didn't get accomplished. The fact that people who buy homes in Florida to enjoy as second homes, not primary residences and therefore unable to Homestead, don't have better protection than this, simply means that places like the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee will continue to siphon off lots of the boomers that originally had their sights set on Florida.

Retirement Communities Holding Nintendo Wii Tourneys

I covered the retirement community nintendo wii phenomenon before in another post, but this video I saw on youtube was just too good to pass up.




These people are obviously older than baby boomers, but I think its cool for boomers to see where the future of retirement communities is headed. Hang up the tennis rackets...sell the golf clubs...pick up the controller.

We're on the lookout to bring you articles about any wii related injuries.

I'm going to kick some serious butt in Halo 39 in the year 2045 when I hit the RC (retirement community). Watch out!

Everyone's Leaving Florida?

Have a nice weekend?

Maybe you read the most viewed AND most emailed story from The Wall Street Journal this weekend, "Is Florida Over?"

Now, I'm not here to yell "agree" or "disagree", as the author made some valid points. But I do think everyone thinking of Florida as a place to move to and retire or buy real estate should read it.

However, do not forget the fact that:

1) The WSJ is in the biz of selling newspapers. The link bait title of the article did exactly what it was intended to do...get people reading...and talking.

2) If you agree with the article's premise, that Florida is "out" as a destination, just remember an important lesson learned from just about every boom and bust cycle this country has ever seen:

The people who usually make out the best are the ones doing the OPPOSITE of what everyone else is doing.

How to estimate Florida real estate taxes video

Just put a quick video up on Florida for Boomers about how to figure out what your Florida real estate taxes might be.

The tax calculations are based on certain criteria that you input such as sales price, and whether or not you qualify for the homestead exemption.

Not all Florida counties have this feature on their website, but I'd say most do by now.

• Start at the Florida Information page of FloridaforBoomers.com
• Click on "List of County Property Appraiser's Websites
• Select the county you are interested in
• Look for a link to "property tax calculator"
  
• Fill in the required data like price, millage rate, homestead and click calculate
  

Boomer Alert: $1.35 to call 411?

This post is a Boomer Alert!

Wow. This just shows how busy I am. I just discovered that 411 isn't free anymore from my house phone. Where have I been? And how long has AT&T been charging me for this?

AT&T charged me $1.35 EACH for 3 calls to directory assistance. I didn't even really have to use 411. I could have got off my lazy duff and went to the computer, or even pulled out the 'ol phone book. I'll think twice next time!

Recently saw a few posts in the blogosphere about Google's 411 service. 1-800-GOOG-411.



Tried it. Works great. Connects you directly AT NO CHARGE. Has some neat features such as ability to receive a text message about the business you selected (address, phone number etc.)

Best of all is the price...FREE. Put it on speed dial and also program it into your cell phone for use while on the road.

A reason to HATE Construction Loans

When you are having a new home built, ideally what will happen is that you'll pay a deposit (usually 10-20%) of what the price of the house is, and when the house is complete, you'll pay the rest of the price at closing.

Sometimes, usually with smaller builders who don't have large enough credit lines at their banks, you'll have to get a construction loan. This means you'll be paying out the entire time your home is being built, with payments coming due at different points of the construction process.

Here is a perfect illustration of why I hate this concept. Having to get a construction loan will sometimes be unavoidable, but you should try!

Casa Monica in St. Augustine a great choice for a late summer trip

The Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine is a "can't miss" for baby boomers thinking of heading to Florida soon. The hotel, while on the expensive side, is worth every penny. Located in Florida's most historic city, The Casa Monica is part of the Kessler Collection and a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

There's plenty of walking around, trolley tours, and sightseeing to do in St. Augustine, but whatever you do, DON'T MISS this... right inside the hotel. 95 Cordova has one of the best filet mignons on the east coast of Florida...trust me.

Your key to first class low cost airline tickets

School is back in session in most parts of the country and that can only mean one thing...boomers like you who have been hibernating all summer to avoid the crowds are ready to take that long awaited and much needed trip. Maybe you even want to do it right...so why not fly first class but dirt cheap this time!



FareCompare.com is a site my wife has been playing with for a while. We read about it in this article in Fast Company and we've been hooked ever since.

FareCompare.com will help you find little known airfare option known as the "Y-up fare". Besides the silly name, these fares can save you hundreds off of normal first class fares. While they won't be as low fare as coach, we've found them to be a happy medium. Give it a try!

Insuring Your Second Home

Here is an article from The New York Times Online that reiterates some of the main themes of the Homeowners Insurance chapter of my "for Boomers" books.

The main tips:
1) Start shopping for insurance early in the home buying process.
2) Do plenty of research.
3) Don't forget about flood insurance.

Continue reading:
Insuring Second Homes - New York Times

Thinking Florida? Be sure to check out On Top of the World

Wanted to let all Boomers on the Move readers know about this great community in Central Florida...

When you’re On Top of the World you’ll discover truly unsurpassed, active adult living in scenic Ocala, Florida. Amid gently rolling hills, magnificent horse farms, majestic oak hammocks and crystal clear springs, On Top of the World Communities brings every homeowner Excellence Above All...conveniently located in central Florida near Tampa and Orlando. We have choices and amenities you won’t find anywhere else.
Keep reading... or Visit Community Website