From the yearly archives:
According to the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, 16.6 percent of retirees who move out of state will ultimately settle on Florida as their preferred retirement destination. Even though sales in Florida have slowed in recent years, there are still thousands of retirees who are looking to take advantage of great prices offered by the oversupply of homes in Florida.
{ 0 comments }
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that as a growing number of 55 years old and older age-restricted communities find their inventory of unsold homes increasing, a trend is emerging that was once considered unthinkable in age-restricted communities: lowering or even dropping the age limit. Active adult communities have seen a tremendous growth in recent years as the popularity of these communities continues to spread among the retiring Baby Boomer generation. In this depressed real estate market, a number of 55+ communities have sought new ways to sell their unsold properties and, for some, that means lowering or abandoning the age limit to attract a broader market
{ 4 comments }
It is no secret that the Baby Boomers are changing the concept of retirement living. Whereas older generations flocked to Florida or moved to nursing homes, Boomers are redefining the retirement living landscape. Many retirees will pick up and move to a new home or a new state. But the fact is a majority of Baby Boomers will stay put right in their existing homes. A study conducted by the AARP noted that 71 percent of people 45 and older “strongly agree” that they wanted to remain in their current home when they retire.
{ 0 comments }
In the past year, real estate prices have continued to fall and a record number of bargain-priced foreclosures have popped up on the market. As a result, many sellers are giving up on going it alone and instead are using the help of professional real estate agents. Last year, just 12 percent of homes were sold by the owners (FSBO). That number is down from a high of 18 percent in 1997.
{ 0 comments }
As the price of oil and gas reached record levels this summer, the nation cringed at the thought of pumping $4 a gallon into their oversized cars and SUVs. Americans everywhere are looking for relief from high gas prices. Many people are turning to alternative vehicles, such as hybrids and more fuel efficient cars. Still, others are cutting back on their travel altogether, combining errands or taking public transportation. While many financially strapped Americans look for solutions, many people feel a viable solution already exists in the use of golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs).
{ 1 comment }
For many retirees, proximity to the ocean and beaches is a top requirement. Whether your motivation is surfing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing or just relaxing, beaches are a necessity that some retirees just cannot escape. While most retirees can recount a vast number of beaches to call their favorites, there is one source many have relied on to find the most pristine beaches around the country. For the past 18 years, Doctor Stephen P. Leatherman (aka “Dr. Beach”), a noted environmental scientist and director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, has published his list of the top 10 beaches across the U.S.
{ 0 comments }
The Las Vegas Review-Journal recently reported that declining home prices have some investors looking for bargains. As prices have dropped 25 percent in the last year and foreclosed properties have flooded the market, a growing, new breed of investors are hitting the streets trying to snatch up deals. Many of these new waves of investors are people from other countries looking to take advantage of the weak dollar. The mentality among these investors seems to be that there is a growing sense of urgency to buy while prices are low.
{ 0 comments }
Living a healthy lifestyle during retirement is becoming increasingly popular with today’s retirees. The physical and emotional well-being of retirees is among one of the top concerns facing the retirement age population. More than ever, active adult and retirement communities are promoting the affects of a healthy lifestyle. While most adults are well aware of the key aspects of healthy living – eating well, physical activity and social stimulation – many are finding it difficult to maintain these attributes in their older age.
{ 0 comments }
Trilogy by Shea Homes ranks highest in customer satisfaction among the largest active adult community home builders for a second consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study released last week.
{ 0 comments }
With almost 3 million baby boomers turning 62 this year, they enter into a life transition that has almost become a rite of passage — planning their ideal dream retirement. With that, usually comes planning a physical move toward a new lifestyle, which generally leads to moving to a new home or location. All of this can be an exciting opportunity in terms of the real estate market, both for the early retiree and for the real estate market builders and investors.
{ 0 comments }
What do you get when you mix a smidgeon of badminton, a pinch of ping-pong and a slice of tennis? Answer: The latest craze at active adult communities, Pickleball. Originally designed as a backyard lawn game for the whole family, Pickleball was created over 40 years ago by U.S. Representative Joel Pritchard and friends. Pickles, Pritchard’s family dog, had an obsession with chasing errant balls during play and would hide with them in the bushes. Hence the name: Pickleball.
{ 0 comments }
The National Association of Home Builders predicts that dual master bedroom suites will be in 60% of custom homes by 2015. (Some of these builders claim that more than a quarter of their new projects already have two master suites.)
Not since the Victorian era have there been so many requests for dual master bedrooms. The trend is growing especially fast for older Americans, who may need the extra room to accommodate a multi-generational family, from aging parents to grandchildren. His-and-her wings can also provide a sense of relief from a marriage, as privacy is a precious commodity in a long-term relationship.
{ 0 comments }
2012 (122)
2011 (313)
2010 (165)
2009 (71)
2008 (69)
2007 (22)
©2007-2012 55Places.com