From the category archives:
While active adult communities commonly feature single-family homes or attached villas, some developers also include the option of apartment-style condominiums. Designed as mid-rise or high-rise buildings, with features like elevators and underground parking, these thoughtfully-designed condos provide benefits which appeal to many active adults. Yet, condos in age-restricted communities also come with some drawbacks.
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A few weeks ago we did a post on “If A Woman Designed the Perfect Home, It Would Include…” We got an overwhelming response from our female readers, and even had some great comments about other attractions our aspiring female architects would put in their ideal retirement homes. Well, men, it is your turn. What home features do you want most?
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Homebuyers who are venturing into the housing market after years in their traditional family homes may be surprised to discover the popularity of open floor plans. This is particularly true in active adult communities where there are many benefits to offering homes with these open, flowing designs.
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During the height of the real estate boom, it was not unusual to find active adult communities advertising a wide range of high-end features which would be included as part of their new homes’ standard pricing. However, the market has changed and many communities appear to be switching back to their previous “everything is an option” mentality.
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Retirees often relocate to areas that have beautiful climates with sunny summers and mild winters. This saves them from the drudgery of shoveling snow, and offers ample opportunities to pursue outdoor activities. To make the most of this fabulous weather, retirees are developing their outdoor living space in creative new ways.
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Homebuyers who are accustomed to having a basement may be afraid that they won’t be able to get used to living in a home without this extra underground space. Yet when building a basement can potentially add $20,000 to $40,000 to the total home price, it is certainly an option that is worth careful consideration.
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Not that long ago, potential homebuyers expected to view homes with both a formal living room and a more casual family room. Today, retirees may be surprised to see that many newer homes are designed with a larger great room instead of these two separate rooms. This trend is popular with homebuyers of all ages, but it can be particularly useful for active adult retirees.
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Active adults who are looking to buy a new (or resale) home, are likely to hear builders touting the benefits of green building. While green building practices bring many benefits for both homeowners and the environment, these features often come at a higher price. But are these benefits worth the high price tag?
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Many retirees or empty nesters move into active adult communities for their active, yet low-maintenance lifestyles. They like the idea of living in a thriving community of their peers and frequently plan to stay in the community for many years to come. However, there is more to making a plan to age in place than simply buying a ranch-style home.
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Low-maintenance homes are often a key selling point in 55+ communities. By choosing low-maintenance, single-story homes, active adults free up more of their time to enjoy social activities and recreations. One level living is also easier on the body, since homeowners are saved the hassle of running up and down stairs daily. Yet, despite the demand for ranch homes, second-story lofts have been gaining popularity in active adult communities.
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When shopping for a new home, active adults often come across the same buzz words over and over again. However, these catchy phrases may mean different things to different people. One feature that is commonly mentioned is the “gourmet kitchen.” Just what is it about a kitchen that makes it “gourmet” and how is it different from a regular or a “designer” kitchen?
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For many active adults, Green building practices are an important part of choosing an age-restricted community. These environmentally-friendly practices often reduce energy consumption, which is good for the environment and good for the household budget. In recent years, developers have offered an increasing number of energy-saving options, including the very recent addition of solar power roof tiles.
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When choosing a new home many active adults opt for a single-story, low-maintenance home. Yet years of living in a detached single-family home may cause them to shy away from attached home options. There are several perceived disadvantages, many of which are rooted in a fear of annoying neighbors. However, there are also enough advantages that can make an attached home an attractive living option.
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The American dream of homeownership is alive and well, although smaller in square footage than years past. The U.S. Census recently found the average square footage of an American single-family home dropped from 2,541 square feet in 2007 to 2,343 square feet at the end of 2008. In addition, a January survey by the National Association of Home Builders found 88 percent of its members plan to build smaller homes this year.
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Many active adults choose to downsize once their nests are empty. The homes in active adult communities are often a great fit, as they are designed to optimize low-maintenance living, yet some buyers wonder if they can be comfortable in a house that is much smaller than their current family home. With a few interior design tricks, a smaller home can reflect the owner’s personality and design aesthetic while also taking on a more spacious feel.
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