From the category archives:

Homebuilder & Industry News

Active Adult Communities – Shrinking in Size, Growing in Popularity

by Bill Ness on January 30, 2012

After 55+ communities first hit the scene in the 1960s, the trend often seemed to be based on the notion that bigger is better. These early resort-style communities paved the way for sprawling developments with well over 5,000, or even 10,000 residences. The last decade or so has shown more intimate age-restricted communities springing up all over the country.

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Everything You Need to Know about Land-Lease Communities

by Bill Ness on December 23, 2011

When searching for their ideal retirement homes, active adults can choose from many different home styles. Some popular options include condos, townhomes, attached villas and single-family homes. Retirees who decide to relocate to a community with manufactured homes may also have the option of leasing the land instead of buying their own lot.

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When it Comes to Home Sites, Does Size Matter?

by Bill Ness on November 11, 2011

When it’s time to retire, many active adults want to downsize. A smaller home is easier to maintain and that means more time to enjoy life. But does downsizing the family home have to mean giving up a spacious yard? And does the size of your home site even matter?

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10 Great New Construction 55+ Communities in Central Florida

by Bill Ness on October 21, 2011

As a semi-tropical peninsula, Florida is often recognized for its beautiful beaches. However, Florida’s central region should not be overlooked by relocating retirees. This popular area offers scenic beauty with numerous lakes and sprawling golf courses. The Orlando area is also home to many exciting attractions such as theme parks, shopping centers and diverse restaurants.

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Sun City Mesquite Unveils 3 New Affordable Models

by Susan Quilty on October 6, 2011

Situated just 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada’s city of Mesquite is a beautiful area which has become even more popular with active adult retirees since Del Webb opened Sun City Mesquite in 2007. This luxurious community features many resort-style amenities, including a world-class golf course and a spacious clubhouse.

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Del Webb Proposes New Community in Durham, NC

by Bill Ness on August 29, 2011

The Durham News recently reported that PulteGroup has won City Council approval for a new active adult community in Durham County. While the plans are in their early stages, the new Del Webb community has been zoned for 1,314 units. This is great news for active adults in North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham area, and another step in the right direction for the recovering housing market.

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What Happened to All the Included Features?

by Susan Quilty on July 4, 2011

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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Buy Now, Build Later

by Susan Quilty on May 30, 2011

Many soon-to-be retirees are watching the home prices in our current buyers’ market and wishing that they were just a bit closer to buying their next dream home. However, homebuyers don’t necessarily have to be ready to move the moment they start the home buying process.

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Does Your Retirement Home Need a Basement?

by Susan Quilty on May 4, 2011

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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New Beginnings in Bankrupt Levitt & Sons Communities

by Susan Quilty on February 25, 2011

In November of 2007, Levitt & Sons filed for bankruptcy. This action devastated the plans of many active adults who were in the process of building or purchasing homes. Many would-be homebuyers lost large sums of money. Those who had already sold their previous homes suddenly found themselves stranded without a new home. The situation also left many current residents without their promised amenities, and uncertain about the future of their fledgling communities.

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New Versus Resale Homes: Which is Better?

by Susan Quilty on January 5, 2011

When it comes to buying a home, some buyers have definite opinions about whether it’s better to buy a new construction or a resale home. Others are more open to what is available at the time they want to buy, and some buyers haven’t given the matter much thought at all.

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Are Custom Homes Worth the Cost?

by Susan Quilty on December 22, 2010

In theory, a custom home sounds like a great idea to many active adults. It conjures up thoughts of a perfect retreat made specifically to their needs and desires. But are custom homes truly better than production homes? What are some of the features which might make production homes a better fit for many homeowners?

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Solar Power Heats Up In 55+ Communities

by Susan Quilty on August 16, 2010

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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