Time to make a move?

(The Money Pros) - The motivations of 50-plus homebuyers to seek a new home

• Downsizing to a home that is easier to maintain
• Desire for a more active lifestyle; proximity to sports, dining, cultural activities, etc.
• Convenient access to amenities such as healthcare, libraries, shopping, etc., on foot or via public transportation
• A need or wish to move closer to family and friends
• Purchase of a vacation getaway or second home
• Concerns about health issues

Any of the above reasons about moving can spark a potential buyer to begin a search for their next home.

Consider Downsizing

The decision to downsize – to move to a smaller, more manageable home – can mark the beginning of a new, liberated chapter in one's life. In many cases, children have grown and "left the nest," just at the time when many people are seeking to spend less time on home maintenance and repair, and more time to pursue their next career, take up a new hobby or expand their social circle.

For long-time homeowners, downsizing can be an emotional time as well, a time for leaving familiar surroundings and exploring new possibilities.

When should one consider downsizing? Ask these questions:

• Does my home no longer provide the best environment for my physical needs?
• Has my social life been negatively affected by the condition of my home?
• Do I have trouble finding workers to maintain my home?
• Are financial considerations keeping me from enjoying my home?
• Do I feel I have adequate security, and access to care and other amenities in my current home?

Steps to Downsizing Successfully

• Once the decision to downsize has been made, some important considerations include:
• Choosing a community
• Deciding on the type and size of home (e.g. detached single-family, condo, etc.)
• Preparing the current home for sale
• Resizing the contents of the current household to fit the new home
• Planning and coordinating the move

Moving Closer to Family May be the Right Move

According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders and the MetLife Mature Market Institute , many people age 55-plus move to be closer to family and friends. About 40% of people in this group moved into age-restricted active-adult communities. A chief motivator cited by analysts is the desire to be in a more effective caregiver relationship for an even older parent or other loved one.

Many baby boomers are delaying retirement; they want to be nearer to work or need a place that would be suitable for working from home.

Active Adult Communities offer Advantages

The number of 55-plus households living in age-restrictive or age-qualified communities has been increasing steadily since 2001,

For 55-plus buyers who seek recreational and cultural plusses of a resort coupled with the opportunity to live in a community of their peers, a home in an active adult community is worth considering.

Speak to a real estate professional about such communities if your housing and lifestyle goals include:

• Active involvement in an intellectually and culturally diverse community
• A home that's virtually maintenance-free
• Opportunities to participate in both organized and free-form activities
• Organized wellness programs and nutritional guidance
• Convenient access to shopping and other conveniences

Active adult and retirement communities at a wide range of price points serve this growing market segment. Amenities range from modest to luxuriously lavish

Make a "wish list" of desired activities, amenities and social expectations

• Choose the geographic area(s) that are most appealing
• Use the Web and your local library as a research tools
• Work with a trusted real estate professional
• Thoroughly investigate any community before making a decision

Universal Design

Universal Design is about creating an attractive, stylish space that everyone, regardless of age, size, or ability, can live in or visit. A home with Universal Design makes it easier for residents to live in even as everybody's needs and abilities change.

Incorporating them into your home in the pre-construction stage often adds little cost and is usually much cheaper than remodeling a house with traditional design features.

Having Universal Design features and products in a home makes good sense and can be so attractive that no one notices them — except for how easy they are to use.

No-step entry: At least one step-free entrance into your home — either through the front, back, or garage door—lets everyone, even those who use a wheelchair, enter the home easily and safely.

Single-floor living: Having a bedroom, kitchen, full bathroom with plenty of maneuvering room, and an entertainment area on the same floor makes life convenient for all families.

Wide doorways and hallways: With your home's doorways at least 36 inches wide, you can easily move large pieces of furniture or appliances through your home. Similarly, hallways that are 42 inches wide and free of hazards or steps let everyone and everything move