A recent study of 150 Coldwell Banker brokers around the country reveals that more empty-nester baby boomers are eager to leave their current homes for active adult communities once their children have moved out. The primary motivator for making this change is the desire to downsize.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported a 2.9 percent increase in the number of homes sold in February over January's total. The total brings the seasonally adjusted pace of sales to 5.03 million, up from January's rate of 4.89 million.

As Americans reach the age for retirement communities, many are already planning the next phase of their lives, although a recent study by Transamerica reveals that many Americans are not quite ready for retirement.

Anyone watching the real estate market over the last several years knows that the media has not exactly been painting a very promising picture on the thought of home ownership. With a real estate market that has seen its worst performance in several decades, this certainly comes as no surprise. A recent article on Time.com, however, considers this idea: ignore the headlines.

Even though golf is no longer the main attraction at most active retirement communities, it still remains a popular past time for much of the 55+ crowd. For those 55+ golfers who want to live in an active adult community and have access to a golf course, we have compiled a list of Chicago active adult golf communities.

Should I buy or rent? It is a question that many potential home buyers are asking themselves right now. On one hand, there are many compelling reasons to purchase at this time. On the other hand, there are many reasons buyers are afraid to take the leap when the market is so uncertain.

For people seeking active adult communities in Chicago's southwest suburbs, names like Carillon, Grand Haven and Carillon Lakes often come to mind. Yet, just a little further down I-55 there is Shorewood Glen by Del Webb. This up and coming community has people talking.

For years, studies have analyzed the effects of pets on human health. While the results are still regarded as inconclusive by some, many point to obvious signs that pets can make their owners happier and healthier people. Here are just a few of the ways pets can improve the well-being of their owners.

As Boomers grow older, the desire to stay physically fit is a top priority. Many 55+ aged adults are finding the ability to reinvent themselves and stay more physically fit by moving to active retirement communities. Nearly every active adult community offers some type of fitness center. Some communities are now offering mega workout facilities complete with fitness instructors, plenty of cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights and flat screen televisions. Other communities, however, may only offer a hapless attempt at a fitness center by designating a small room in their recreation lodge as the fitness room and adding a few machines. One thing seems for sure though, no matter how big or small the fitness center is, the community will surely promote the fact that they offer "state-of-the-art" fitness facilities.

The NAHB estimates that in the next year over a quarter of a million people will buy homes in age-restricted communities specifically designated for people 55 and older. New home builders will build over 100,000 units in active adult and retirement communities in order to meet this demand.