Housing needs change throughout our lives. Here are five things to consider if you have reached the point where a move might be the best strategy for you:
Portland Real Estate 5 Reasons For Seniors And Boomers To Move
- Are you over housed? Are you rattling around in your “empty nest”, paying more than you want for taxes, utilities and maintenance?
- Do you need equity from your home? Sometimes a move is needed to convert equity into cash and income to be secure for the years to come.
- Does your home style match your physical ability? Are there too many steps or steps down to rooms you don’t use in your current home?
- Has the neighborhood changed? If friends, relatives, neighbors and your doctors have moved away, maybe it’s time to consider moving as well.
- Would a move improve your lifestyle? If extensive traveling appeals to you, you may want to relocate to a more economical lower-maintenance home. You may want to be more conveniently located near activities such as golf, bridge clubs, walking trails or walkable neighborhoods.
I truly believe the larger homes will become less desirable. With Baby Boomers reaching large numbers, I think the 4++ bedroom homes will slowly become those “unsold” listings we always refer to. In many places of our country, the only alternative to a scaled down life-style is a condo or townhouse. You know from reading my past posts I have been urging builders to build smaller, affordable, quality homes. I was surprised, as I indicated the other day, to read on the National Association of Home Builders’ website that the association is urging builders to start building smaller homes geared towards Baby Boomers.
Lake Oswego Patio Homes
In Lake Oswego about 10 years ago, Polygon Homes built what they referred to as “patio homes” in Lake Oswego off Carman Drive. Each home has its own albeit small lot but the legal description refers to the houses as being condominiums since the entire neighborhood share the common spaces. That subdivision was sold out quickly and there hasn’t been anything else like it built since then. They were smaller, affordable, quality homes close to amenities, bus and shopping. Granted, however, many of them were still two-story houses.
How Planning Of Lake Oswego Communities Help Seniors
There was a college course I still remember that explained how Colonial American towns were defined and developed. They were all formed around schools, railroads, churches, town centers, etc. Main St.’s, the downtown core of small town America, are disappearing from our landscape. Instead of the 1960s suburban sprawl, we once again want those same amenities and conveniences close to our neighborhoods.
Thinking of downsizing?
Give me a call at 503-804-9685 and let me help.
ALL ABOUT…..Seniors.Boomers And Small Houses. © Copyright 2011. Betty Jung. All Rights Reserved. Use of this article, photos and images without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
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