|
The Bay Area's Resource For Active, Healthy Living After 50
Issue 127 October 2025
| | |
Check Out Featured
Stories In This Issue
| |
Find Trusted Contractors In The New Home Improvement Guide
Choosing the right contractor or handyman can make all the difference between a dream project and a nightmare. That's why we created the Bay Area Home Improvement Guide.
ASK LARRY: Can a Subcontractor Put a Lien On Your Home?
Yes, they can. It happened to me a few years ago. I paid the contractor in full but one of his subs didn’t get paid. Guess who was threatened with a lien? Me.
The Building Code Of The Wild West. Where Permits Go To Die
--Evelyn Preston
Naively believing that our Palo Alto home was our castle, we decided to remodel—up—to gain some space from the kids and sanity for ourselves. My nightmare began.
Get The Job Done Right Without Regret
--Preston Huston
Looking for a contractor or handyman? Start with referrals and research. Ask friends, neighbors and local community groups for recommendations. Trusted referrals are gold.
Tips On Buying a New Car--Larry Hayes
Buying a new car can be stressful, confusing and expensive. But with good information, persistence and a little AI help, it doesn’t have to be.
Free Bay Area Caregivers Resource Guide
Find help for your loved one in the ActiveOver50 Bay Area Caregivers Resource Guide. Online. Updated frequently. Click Here
Note: Please forward The Scoop to anyone who may be interested. It's free with information and stories on how to live a longer, healthier life. If not already a subscriber, Subscribe Here
| | | | How We Choose "Who's Listed" In The Bay Area Home Improvement Guide | | | |
With more than 55,000 licensed contractors and tradespeople in the Bay Area, we can't list them all. The ones featured here are professionals I've personally worked with or who come highly recommended by trusted readers and community members.
Because the home improvement industry changes constantly--people retire, move or join new companies--some listings may no longer be active. We update this Guide regularly and welcome your input. Have a great contractor or handyman to recommend? Send your suggestions to: larry@activeover50.com.
Click Here to download the Home Improvement Guide.
| | |
IT'S TIME TO RENEW.
WE'VE DESIGNED EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK.
OH, WE CAN DESIGN THAT TOO.
In a world where so many remodeling firms specialize in kitchen and baths, Harrell Design + Build does it all. Wine cellars. Climbing walls. Saunas. Bespoke closets. Display walls that highlight art collections. Living room sanctuaries. Epic outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. And yes--awe inspiring kitchens and baths.
Call today for a free consultation. 650.230.2900.
Visit: harrelldesignbuild.com
| |
|
Get The Job Done Right Without Regret
By Preston Huston
Whether you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom upgrade, replacing your roof or windows, installing new flooring or transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space, choosing the right contractor or handyman can make all the difference between a dream project and a nightmare.
Start With Referrals And Research
Ask friends, neighbors, and local community groups for recommendations. Trusted referrals are gold. You can also check online sources like Yelp, Nextdoor, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau for ratings and complaints. Always verify that the person or company has a valid license and insurance if the work requires it, especially for plumbing, electrical and structural jobs.
Get Multiple Estimates
Obtain at least three written estimates for the same scope of work. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bid. Instead, compare what’s included—materials, timeline, and warranties. A very low bid could mean cheap materials or cutting corners later.
Check References And Past Work
Ask for at least three references from recent clients and actually call them. Visit a completed job site if possible. Ask:
- Was the work completed on time and within budget?
- Did the contractor communicate clearly?
- Would they hire them again?
READ MORE
| |
Come Experience Life At Palo Alto Commons.
A warm, welcoming senior community offering exceptional Assisted Living and Memory Care right in the heart of Palo Alto.
Enjoy private apartments, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and scheduled transportation, all supported by a caring long-term team that knows you by name. Whether you need a little help with daily activities or just want a vibrant, social lifestyle, our 24/7 trained staff and on-site licensed nurses ensure comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Discover why we’re ranked #1 in Assisted Living & Memory Care in Palo Alto.
Call 650-494-0760 to schedule your tour today!
| | |
The Building Code Of The Wild West.
Where Permits Go To Die
By Evelyn Preston, Money Lady
Although most people of my era fondly remembered their first homes from the mortgage rate to rusting swing sets, most couldn’t wait to move on to—bigger and better! Except us.
Home was—and still is—our little corner of suburbia which I long ago dubbed “Cracker-box Corners.” Built in the ‘50s for returning WW II G.I.s, the house was a long-term rental and over-decorated in Paul Revere Americana—no one had ever heard of “staging.”
However, it was perfectly priced for my husband’s income. “I agreed to take a look… and we secured the mortgage and signed the deed in a day and a half.
READ MORE
| |
Why Selling a Home "As-Is" Is The Smart Call For Most Long-Time Bay Area Homeowners
By Seb Frey, Compass
For hundreds of thousands of Bay Area homeowners considering a move, the conventional wisdom suggests they fix up the home before selling to “get top dollar.”
But the research shows this approach usually ends up costing money, not making money, when the home is sold. According to multiple studies, most home improvement projects fail to deliver a full return on investment. Major kitchen and bath remodels, for example, often recoup only 50–70% of their cost. That means a $40,000 upgrade could result in a $12,000–$20,000 loss.
Instead, many savvy homeowners are choosing to sell as-is, with prep work concentrated on “high-ROI” improvements like deep cleaning, yard refreshes, and decluttering.
Not only is this approach faster and less stressful—it usually nets sellers more because they skip costly delays and hit the market at a price point that is in much higher demand.
Local real estate expert Seb Frey specializes in helping long-time local homeowners sell as-is with no repairs, no staging and no drama—just a smart strategy for maximum equity extraction.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call Seb @ (408) 596-1623
## Seb Frey, Compass • Lic. 01369847 Visit: SellSavvy.net
| |
"Can a Subcontractor
Put a Lien On
My Home?"
Believe it or not—yes!
It happened to me a few years ago. I paid the contractor in full but one of his subs didn’t get paid. Guess who got stuck with the lien? Me.
In California, subcontractors and suppliers can legally file a mechanic’s lien even if you’ve already paid the general contractor. It’s not common—less than 0.1% of homes ever get one—but when it happens, it’s a nightmare.
Red flags: no written contract, no lien releases or a contractor pushing for fast payment. Always get signed lien releases from all subs and suppliers before making any payment.
Bottom line: paying the contractor doesn’t guarantee everyone else got paid. Protect yourself. Get it in writing.
Have a question for Larry? Email larry@activeover50.com.
Feel free to forward this monthly newsletter to family and friends who may be interested. Free. If not a subscriber, Subscribe Here.
| | |
Discover Chateau-Cupertino
Senior Independent Living Community With a Flair
Senior living doesn't get any better than living at
Chateau-Cupertino whether you're in retirement or just ready for the next great phase of your life. Enjoy a home-life environment in your own senior apartment with three fresh served home-style meals daily.
Housekeeping and laundry services, all basic utilities, great activity programs, game rooms and transportation--all included starting at $3,400 per month.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Cupertino is one of the best places to live in the San Francisco Bay Area--home to world famous Apple. Come and see for yourself. Chateau-Cupertino.
Call 408.446.4300. Or email: MarieLouise@chateau-cupertino.com.
| | |
Medicare Advantage Vs. Original Medicare
Which is better for you? Get the facts about Medicare Advantage (MA) vs. original Medicare (OM). Read what AARP says. Final enrollment December 7.
| |
Get Up & Go
Trek on nature trails, learn about different cultures, explore historic sites, experience new culinary flavors, connect to people with shared interests and stay healthy. Info:
Bay Area Older Adults.
| |
Find Help Caring For Your Loved One
Check out the Bay Area Resource Guide For Caregivers. Free. And updated frequently.
| | |
You Already Belong To AARP.
Now Belong Where You Live
Make new friends and stay socially connected. Join the Campbell AARP Chapter for monthly programs, speakers, social events, fun trips and community services. Learn more at AARP Campbell Chapter.
| | |
Hand n' Hand Senior Placement
When It's Someone
You Love
By Katie Cooney
Is someone you love struggling to live safely at home alone? Are daily tasks becoming overwhelming or do they need more care than family can provide?
When it's time to explore options for senior living, in-home care
or community resources, I’m here to help.
As a Certified Senior Advisor, I specialize in guiding families through the complex and emotional decisions surrounding senior care.
Whether your loved one has had a medical event, is experiencing memory challenges or simply needs extra support, I provide
concierge-style assistance to match them with the right care and
living arrangements.
From assisted living and memory care to in-home services and local resources, I take the stress out of finding trusted solutions.
My goal is to ensure safety, dignity and peace of mind for your loved one—and for you. Let me help you navigate the next step in their journey with knowledge, compassion and care.
📞 Contact me today for a free consultation. Because when it comes to senior care, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
info@handnhandsp.com | 408-513-7838 handnhandseniorplacement.com
| | | Tips On Buying a New Car
By Larry Hayes, ActiveOver50 publisher
My 86th birthday was one I’ll never forget. My wife and I were involved in a serious car accident that completely totaled our 2024 Subaru Forester.
We were lucky. Although badly shaken and bruised, we walked away without broken bones. After the accident, our insurance agency assessed the damage and declared the vehicle a total loss. A few days later, we received what I considered a fair buyout based on research from ChatGTP.
Then came the next challenge: finding a replacement vehicle in today’s tight car market. And negotiating with sales people to get the best deal possible. That's when ChatGTP really helped us.
READ MORE
| | | | |
Chuckles!
Under Cardiac Arrest is a comic series starring a quirky couple loosely based on John Donaghue's parents. Besides thousands of followers online, UCA has been translated into greeting cards, shirts, mugs and a book.
| | | | |
