I'm Not Ready For the Rest Home Yet, Purchasing a Senior Adult Home

Being a Senior Does Not Mean I Give Up a Life

All of us know we are headed into the season of living as a senior adult. Some of us are getting there a bit quicker than others as a matter of fact. Yet for most of us, buying a home that caters to senior adult living can feel like you are being put out to pasture rather than finding the freedom of retirement. However, this does not have to be the case. Still, whether choosing a home for yourself or your aging parents, there are some unique points to consider when looking for a house that meets the needs of seniors.  Here are a few common real estate features for senior adults to look for, when searching for a home that meets your unique needs.

The Four Most Requested Features When Purchasing a Senior Adult House

Location, Location, Location - For many senior adults aging becomes an acceptable part of living the later years however, driving can become a pain. Eyesight may limit night-time driving and fears of being too far from family or home can cause anxiety. For example, I know several seniors who do not wish to be more than a mile or two from the local churches they attend. So, when looking for a home be sure the first decision is the area in which you (or your parents) wish to live.

Also, keep in mind common needs like: doctor appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, veterinarians; even proximity to friends' homes should be considered. Also, do not forget as seniors we are encouraged to stay active for good health; include parks, fitness gyms and malls (for walking) into your equation.

Buy The Ranch - The single most request I hear from senior adults is,"We want a ranch style house (or rambler) with NO steps!" Yes, those knees can be a pain as we age. Keep in mind that
ranch homes with no steps can be a challenge to find. Once thought of as out-dated, these style homes are becoming hot commodities as us baby boomers come of age. Start your search early and plan for a possible wait time to find that perfect home. There are however, a couple other items to keep in mind as well, home maintenance and space needs.  I have had some senior adults who point blank noted that a garage for the husband's hobbies (yard maintenance, car upkeep, woodworking and general tinkering) was a must have to keep the marriage together; also, ladies let's not we forget how crafty and creative we get in our golden years. In addition, you may wish to have a home with an extra room or two for office space (for the engineers, attorneys and ex-professors of our crowd) and when those grand babies spend the night.

Forget Mowing the Lawn, Let's Play Bingo - Household upkeep should be another major consideration. Many senior adults are living on a fixed income and may not be physically fit enough to take on household maintenance. So as an adult child, unless you wish to spend your weekends "at the parents' house, mowing the lawn", you will want to look for a home with little landscaping needs or factor a service into the budget. Also, keep in mind things like large windows and uncovered gutters, items like these will need upkeep and the last thing you wish to be is on a ladder at 70 years old. *In some instances a condo or town home may be a better consideration than a traditional house.

Being a Part of a Community - One of the most exciting features broaching the real estate market are Active Adult Communities. These are communities (or subdivisions) developed for active adults over the age of 55. Housing often features ranch style-one level homes or condos with no stairs. Floor plans are designed to accommodate large entrances (for wheel chairs and walkers), as well as include accessibility minded appliances-fixtures and maintenance services for residents. Many of these communities also offer on-site activities (art classes, game days, seniors-day trips; yoga and tai chi), fitness gyms, pools and social clubs.

Ready for an Adventure?

While being a senior adult may present some unique considerations for your home search, it does not have to make it more stressful and less fun. Making a wish list including your goals for your senior living experience can actually add ease to planning your housing needs. In the end, the common goal is to glean the most enjoyment from your senior years and...to drive your kids crazy wondering where you are now that you have newfound freedom.

If you are looking for a house that enhances your senior living experience and gives you the freedom you have earned, contact me, Pam Santoro. With a heart for senior adults and their families, I am a realtor who is comfortable and experienced with helping you find a home that meets your needs and dreams. Please visit my site at http://www.pamsantoro. com/ or contact me at 678-656-6627. As an experienced member of both the National and Georgia Board of Realtors, I can answer any questions you have about local market conditions, financing or selling your home for the best market value.

Remember, no one sells a home like a Mom (or a Daughter)!