This is my third go-round with being the long-distance sibling and I’ve learned quite a bit. Frankly, I made every mistake you could possibly make. And I know most of the experts!  So here are my personal tips on how to navigate the waters when you visit. Some of these may seem silly, but with family members – particularly your siblings – little things can turn into big issues really quickly.

Arnie calls her home “my accordion house” and laughs.

It’s a huge Victorian building in the center of Concord, New Hampshire. She inherited it from an aunt who lived on the second floor until her death. When her husband died at an early age, she was suddenly a widow of very limited means. Committed to keeping the home she loves, she got creative, renting every single bit of it in a number of innovative ways. She loves living with home-mates.

Beginnings of a homesharing experience are important. They hold the potential to form a solid foundation for a great relationship. It’s important to treat your new housemate relationship with tenderness and care, while also setting the tone for the future you’d like to create. In other words, start off on the right foot in order to lay the tracks for a successful and sustainable living situation!

In cities across the US, affordable housing is a major challenge. It's no secret that older adults on a fixed income struggle to contend with rising housing prices and property taxes, but plenty of other groups are impacted as well—including teachers, civil servants, veterans, and others. With its concentrated population and demographics, the city of Washington, DC is particularly hard-hit by these housing-related issues. What makes Silvernest and DC a good match? Let’s explore the benefits of homesharing for our nation’s capital.

Great relationships are built on solid foundations. This is especially true when it comes to homesharing. Do you want a great housemate? Start by being a great housemate!

There is no better time to make your intentions known than on move-in day. If you are welcoming someone into your home, take a moment to consider the combination of uncertainty and excitement that person is likely feeling. Creating a space that invites warmth and connection will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth transition. Here are some tips for making the most of move-in day.

We are in the age of the Silver Wave, with 4 million Americans turning 65 every year and living longer than ever. These seniors (and those approaching senior status) are grappling with unprecedented housing questions: Should I stay in my house or sell it? Should I downsize? How can I age in place? Can I afford to stay in my home? Can I afford not to?

Do you have your own homesharing story? Complete the form below to become a featured Silvernester!

Are You... Respected as an expert in your field? Involved in your community? Trusted by friends and neighbors? Excited to be part of a larger movement? Someone who loves to help others? 

Did you hear? Silvernest has a podcast! Welcome to Share Your Story, a series of conversations with expert guests about issues affecting those over 50: retirement, housing, personal finance, friendships, activities and much more. Join Silvernest CEO Wendi Burkhardt and lifestyle and aging expert Patricia Raskin as they dive into topics that help boomers make smart decisions and live their best lives. Tune in for a non-technical look at these topics that touch us at every stage in life—and have fun and learn something new while you’re at it!

Home is a very important, personal place. It’s where you feel secure enough to be yourself, unwind, and sleep at night. Sharing this space with another person can be a life-changing experience, but it’s not without complexity. Homesharing is about much more than finding a stranger to rent out a spare room—it’s about creating a living arrangement with a compatible housemate that offers financial, social, health, and many other kinds of benefits.