DreamHome
Baby Boomers (people born between the years of 1946 and 1964) make up a
huge sector of the population when it comes to home buyers and those who are looking to build a home. After all, Baby Boomers do make up nearly half of the work force and control the most income in the entire country. Some Boomers are getting ready for retirement or are retired, while others are looking towards retirement within the next decade or so. Most Baby Boomer inspired house plans have a huge master bedroom suite, flexible living spaces and floor plans, and bonus rooms that are perfect for those with empty nests. And because Baby Boomers are often charged with caring for their elderly parents, these home additions are ideal in the "here and now" as well as in the not-so-far-away future. Let's look at the features of a Baby Boomer house plan that you should consider in order to get more comfort out of your home.
- No step entryway. Even if you are completely healthy and able to climb up a few steps to get into your home now, you want a home that allows for the future possibility that you might not be able to traverse steps like before.
- One story living space. While some well-to-do baby boomers go for chair lifts and elevators (very costly), the typical Baby Boomer plan will feature one story living with a large number of square foot options, features, floor plans, styles and benefits for being comfortable at home. By using one story space efficiently, you will have as much room as a two story home (with the added advantage of costing you less).
- Wide hallways and doorways allow you to get through the home easily, even as you grow older and may need to use a walker or wheelchair. Modifying the size of your entryways, hallways, doorways, etc., for any house plan is not that much of an expense and most contractors can easily accommodate that request.
- Open floor spaces allow you to easily change your room layout without any problems.
- Look for flooring in the bathroom that is non-slip and safe for you as you grow older. The same goes for the bathtub. Consider a bathtub that is easy to get into and out of. Many people invest in a walk-in bathtub at this point in their lives, which is a bit more expensive but well worth it.
- Thresholds are designed to avoid tripping, slips and falls.
- Light fixtures that are placed optimally throughout the home are important, especially in areas where natural light is at a minimum, like basements and stairwells. Energy efficient lighting is important to, not just to save money on energy costs, but also so that you don't need to change your light bulbs as often.
- Lever door handles and sliding doors provide for easiest entry, even as we age.
- A highly functional kitchen that features cabinetry that is not too far of a reach is important to the Baby Boomer generation and should be incorporated into the design of your home and your house plans.
Mark Mathis runs the popular House Plan Gallery house plans design firm specializing in the development of unique small house plans with flexible floor plan layouts and all the most-popular home design features. Shop online today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marc_Mathis
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Baby Boomers Downsizing To Smaller Homes
Author: Real Estate AdvisorThere is an interesting trend happening with the Baby Boomers. According to an article in the Christian Science Monitor by Marilyn Gardner, Boomers are moving to smaller living quarters and are increasingly prepared to pare down possessions in the process.
For those of you who need to know who these 'Baby boomers' are, they are the people who were born just after the World War II and are called so because of the boom in the number of babies during that period.
According to a study by FH Boom, a group that studies this generation, Boomers have an adventurous spirit. They love to travel and are known to prefer a 'lock and leave' kind of housing. They are ready to move to smaller quarters much earlier in life, say 50's while they are still working, when compared to their parents who often waited to the later part of their lives to do the same.
Baby Boomers are moving to favor housing such as condos, active adult communities and city apartments. According to the Over-50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), about 6 percent of people, between the age bracket of 55 and 64, move every year. The reasons usually vary from empty nests, to unexpected job offers, and early retirement plans. Whatever the reason for moving, Baby Boomers seem to do so with a fair amount of alacrity.
Most experts agree that for the Baby Boomer generation, it is easier to part with their belongings as they grew up during times when most of the things were disposable. Baby Boomers are more in tune with the changing times than their parents were, who were weighed down by precious possessions such heirlooms and large furniture. Therefore, Baby Boomers do not hesitate to shift to homes that offer less spacious living than they are used to.
Baby Boomers are more adaptable to change and are willing to make compromises in the process of downsizing their homes. Besides reducing their living spaces and giving up their long-term belongings that they have no use for anymore, Baby Boomers also have a flexible approach toward modifying their home space to make it more user-friendly, sometimes radically too.
Nevertheless, Baby Boomers seem to have limits to how much they can downsize their homes. According to one real estate broker, while the older generation preferred 900 to 1200 sq. feet, Baby Boomers want 1800 to 2400 sq. feet even after the nest has emptied.
A simpler lifestyle and the thrill of moving are some aspects that seem to counter any hard feelings that result while downsizing their quarters or reducing their possessions.
San Diego Condos, Rancho Penasquitos Homes and Sabre Springs Homes
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Baby Boomers Downsizing To Smaller Homes
Exposed: the Truth About Baby Boomers' Second Homes
Author: Carolyn CapalboContrary to the common belief that baby boomers are the richest amongst us, up to date
statistics are now telling us that, in this generation, only the same percentage owns second homes as was the case with their parents. And this could even just be because they inherited!
So why do we all think that the baby boomers have it all together? Is it because we think they can economize so well? They were raised by parents who went through the war and grew accustomed to a frugal way of life. Is it because we read that they are going to be the last generation to have a big fat private pension?
In fact, we may have this assumption because of a misunderstanding or skew in the reporting of such facts. There is some truth in the fact that baby boomers have caused the second homes market to increase considerably, but this is only because the baby boomers form such a large portion of the population.
Therefore, more second homes have been bought, but only the same percentage of the whole population of baby boomers have actually managed to buy a second home. It is the aging population that has swelled, not the desire for a second home.
A recent survey, "Housing Trends Among Baby Boomers", has thrown up some interesting facts. The research was conducted by the Research Institute for Housing America: a section of the Mortgage Bankers Association. Perhaps the most surprising fact unearthed was that only 15
% of homeowners over 50 own a second home. This is about the same percentage as in their parents' generation.
However, this does not imply that the other 85% stick at home all the time. An extremely popular 'getaway' for the baby boomers and other older cohorts is taking the RV to a resort and spending several months in the warm. This is commonly known as 'snow birding'. It is also a popular past-time when retired to drive the car to an RV resort and rent an RV for a few months.
The survey on second homes and baby boomers turned up another interesting fact that any prospective second-home-owners should mull over. It seems that half of second home owners spend only two weeks or less at their second home, and one third spend four weeks or less - quite an eye opener. Perhaps this explains why 45% of second home owners in the survey sold their homes after six years.
This could indicate that a vacation home nearer to home may get more use. It may also mean that your extended family could afford to use it more often (either with or without you) if it were reachable by car.
Most baby boomers who are downsizing or looking for a second home do not seek out urban areas. Demand for second homes is strongest in California, Florida and New England as well as desert, mountain and coastal regions all over the country.
The demand for mortgages on second homes only accounts for 6% of the mortgage market. However, the report also noted that many second homes are inherited by baby boomers or bought with cash.
Reasons for choosing to buy a second home seem to be very varied. The idea of having a vacation home that will eventually become a permanent retirement home seems to exist only in our fantasies! However, the survey tells us that it does still happen; 12% of all baby boomers owning second homes eventually sell their first home and retire to the second home.
Carolyn Capalbo is an expert military relocation specialist and real estate agent serving Prince William County VA real estate. Visit Just4Real.com to find updated market information about areas in Prince William, including Loudoun County real estate.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Exposed: the Truth About Baby Boomers' Second Homes
Investing in a Golf Community Dream Home Or Risk Deal?
By Rob A Thomson
With literally thousands of golf communities around the country - most of which have homes
butted up to the courses - is investing in a golf community home a good deal or a potential risk?
For those interested in living on the greens, there are several points in favor of this investment choice. Many communities are set up for the 55-plus age range, but some developments are family friendly with activities and play areas for children. There are even courses next to marinas so boating enthusiasts can have a dual-sport day whenever they desire.
Being associated with a golf course can raise the price of bordering homes significantly, particularly if a world-class golfer's name is behind the design - such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. With the baby boomers looking for retirement communities that will provide year-round activities and a built-in social life without a long commute, the market for homes in golf communities is still strong.
However, the golf industry has not been immune to the economic downturn, and a number of courses have had to close due to falling memberships or daily green fee sales. Even the famed Myrtle Beach strip of prestigious golf courses has taken a hit, leaving surrounding homeowners with devalued properties.
This slow growth, or stall, in golf's player retention rates, has had a ripple effect across the industry. Operating a golf course has always been financially challenging, and can be even harder in these crunch times. Golf club owners who are trying to weather the economic storm are often being forced to lower their fees, while still enduring the increasing costs of maintaining the greens. That takes a huge bite out of their profit margin.
So when course owners see the potential of great profits in selling their open land to a real estate developer, the temptation may be hard to resist. If that sale occurs, the "living on a golf course" prestige aspect of a home's value will no longer exist.
Like any aspect of real estate, however, the mantra 'location, location, location' still reigns, and golf communities are prime examples of that quote. While some regions are suffering, one California developer recently sold several luxury homes on a 700-acre development, many of which have been listed for $2 to $3 million. Lots alone in this community range from $276,000 to $900,000.
Other courses are still at a high-end level and are not affected as greatly by the woes of the financial world. Purchasing a home surrounding these courses may still be a viable investment as it will likely increase in value over the next few years.
View listings for Palm Beach FL properties at Waterfront-Properties.com. Our market specialists will show you the many Loxahatchee waterfront homes and answer any questions you may have about this popular oceanfront community.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_A_Thomson
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Julie and I drove to West Village to have a peek of the latest development in this subdivision which we visited in early 2008. It is situated inside of the Angus Glen Golf Course at the intersection of Major McKenzie Drive East and Warden Avenue. There are already plenty of houses all over the beautiful landscape of the golf course. As part of the acclaimed Angus Glen East Village Community, West Village brings a new sense of living to this prestigious landscape of golf courses and fine luxury homes. West Village offers luxury designer ready singles, executives, custom and Victorian inspired townhomes. Boasting stately elevations of stone, stucco and brick, these spectacular spacious homes range in size from 2075 sq.ft to 6000+ sq.ft.
Both of us simply fall in love with this village. Our hearts would go for it yet our minds tell us to be cautious. It is best that we simply take a wait and see approach in the coming months. I am not optimistic at all for the economy ahead. The second wave of the Swine Flu would further dampen the already fragile market which has been artificially bumped up. We have had three consecutive quarters of national deficit in a row before economy entered into recession. Therefore, to get out of recession, we need to have three quarters of national surplus in a row. We are still in the midst of recession.
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