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Health & Fitness

Our Senior Population

by Regina Sauer and John Wareck

America’s senior population is growing larger. Now that the “baby boomers” are reaching retirement age, many of today’s seniors are exploring options as to where to live. The vast majority of seniors are homeowners. AARP estimates that of the 83% of seniors who own their homes, nearly three million of them will change residences in the next two years.

What are some reasons that baby boomers and mature clients are seeking to buy or sell?

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• Looking to downsize or change their lifestyle

• Assistance to move into an active adult community 

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• Finding a "stair-less" living space 

Downsizing?

After raising children and/or caring for a larger home for decades many people are ready to find a smaller living space. Downsizing often has to do with expense and upkeep. Why pay for heating and cooling in a 3500 square foot house if you find you only need or are living in 1500 square feet of a home? Why pay the taxes on a bigger home? 

 

Who should move to a senior community?

Senior communities are perfect for seniors who desire great community living yet want to be completely independent. Activities, classes, and social situations are offered and people are free to take advantage of them. Of course some seniors are more social then others and love the idea of potlucks, card games, coffee groups, and meeting new friends. For those who do, this is the perfect answer to provide meaningful friendships. Some seniors aren’t sure they want to join in, but once they do, they often love what they find. Seniors also often have another reason for selling their home and moving to a senior community: freeing themselves of the burden of caring for a home they own. It is a big plus to not worry about home maintenance, home security, snow shoveling, and yard care. When not caring for an owned home seniors often find they have much more time to travel and be more social with friends.

55+ Communities -

Most people never think of themselves as old, but everyone does age; so it is a good idea to consider what type of living will be the best option in the future. At 55, many people do not consider themselves old enough to move into a senior community, but often that is the perfect time to do it. These well-planned areas are often very tidy, quiet, and full of friendly people. It can make life very enjoyable and no one needs to think of themselves as old to live in one of these amazing areas. Many times it can be similar to living in an upscale area that offers a club house and pool. Everyone is free to live their own life; the senior can feel safe and enjoy a quiet, orderly way of life.

Residents of 55 plus communities have many of the perks of living at home while enjoying the opportunity to take advantage of services and amenities that they might not otherwise have. Such facilities assist seniors in maintaining active lifestyles and help them remain engaged with other people and normal life activities.

 

Navigating Stairs

There may be concern with the few stairs leading up to the front door or the stairs inside the house leading to a second floor or attic. As we age we may want the ease and comfort of living on a single stair-free level. Sometimes homeowners do not want stairs because their knees are aging and aching. Or maybe a few stairs outside the house are covered with snow and ice that we don't want to face every year in our cold New England winter. Whatever the reason many people desire a single-floor home because it is easier to navigate and generally more compact.

 

 

Real Living Wareck D’Ostilio Senior Real Estate Specialist Division.

When seniors are ready to make the move from owning their own home to an active retirement community, our Seniors Team leverages their senior citizen education, experience and network to find properties, determine appropriate offers, and negotiate a sale on your behalf.

When necessary, they can tap into a network of experts, such as senior move managers, home inspectors, movers, attorneys, and CPAs, to ensure that the home transition will proceed smoothly.

If you are a seller, it is now more of a balanced market. With almost as many buyers as sellers, your chances of getting a good price for your home without continued price adjustments and continued time on the market are better.

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