Warning - New Active Adult Communities

It's going on 3 months now that my home has been FOR SALE and frankly, it's been an exhausting process to keep it "show ready". I continually get positive feedback from prospective buyers, with the only complaint being 'no basement'.

The main lesson I've learned from buying in a new Active Adult Community is to make sure your contract doesn't include the clause "subject to builder's discretion, product line make-up of community can change".

In their lingo, 'product line' means the type of homes built in your community - like attached villas versus single family homes. That was my biggest mistake in buying in this community as the builder significantly deviated from the original plan for 4-plex homes with no basements by reducing the number from 200 down to 20! That makes my home without a basement seem like an oddity, when in fact it's a perfect home for a single Boomer or snowbird couple.

So, as many of my friends here in Colorado have thanked me for being able to learn from my mistake....you can too! I'd highly recommend buying a re-sale property in a completely sold out community. While buying in a built out subdivision, you might pay a little more than if you got in on the ground floor; at least you'll know what the completed project looks like and can better determine what homes in that area will resell the quickest.

Snow Birds Wanted!!

I've had my home on the market for 6 weeks now and feel like I'm living in a museum as I've got to constantly keep it "show ready"!

I could have sold it at least 3 times but then usually the husband asks "Honey, where's the steps to the basement?"

I don't have a basement and never realized it was such a big deal as I get along fine without one.

I keep hearing things like - "I can't give up that antique bed as my mother was born in it." or "Where will I put the boxes of my kid's schoolwork?" And it doesn't even matter that those kids are now in their 40s!

It's been extremely frustrating as I can fix or offer a discount for almost any other problem area, but I can't dig a basement so I need your help!

At 1240 sq ft, my home is considered small nowadays, which to me is ridiculous as the first home we bought when I got married was only 1100 st ft and that was plenty of room for 2 people. BUT, we've all gotten accustomed to McMansions that would house 8 people (even though there's just 2 or 3 in the family) and most people don't want to downsize even in retirement.

So, if you live in Florida, Arizona or anywhere else that's just too damn hot in the summer or have a friend who'd like to live in a beautiful, Active Adult Community in Colorado, please check out my listing! (I'd even sell it fully furnished!) It's a HOA maintained villa in Heritage Todd Creek with gorgeous views of the golf course and mountains! It's the perfect home for a single person or snow bird couple!http://www.cohomefinder.com/p/80602/1050701.htm

It's listed!

I did it!

I listed my home last week.....so no turning back now. I really love my home, but my adventurous spirit yearns for a new, freer lifestyle divided between St. Louis, the beach and the mountains.

Thank God though I'm retired because keeping a home 'show ready' is almost a full time job. I feel like I'm living in a museum.............and when the real estate agent started staging my home, well, I felt like I was being stripped naked!

She took down about 25 pictures leaving me with a mess of nail holes to putty over and then paint. Her words "it's got to be neutralized so people can visualize their "STUFF" in it". See, it's always about someone's "STUFF"! I already tamed it down by painting my bright purple wall back to it's original off white. At one point I had to tell her to just STOP!! It got to be almost too much for me because I'm not going to live in a half-empty home until it sells.

It's hard though, because when someone rejects your home, it feels like they are rejecting you........after all, I picked it. The #1 feedback complaint I get is that "it doesn't have a basement". Well, guess what...........there's nothing I can do about that. But with the spectacular golf course and mountain views, I'm hoping it's a quick sell.

So, if you know anyone who would love to live in a Resort-Style Active Adult community near Denver, then I've got the perfect home for them so pls send them this link:
http://www.cohomefinder.com/ps?&city=Thornton&sub=Heritage-Todd-Creek&lst=for-sale&sm=-3&sm=-3&dt=&md=false&ml=&sort=sortOrder&sortd=ASC#property-1050701

Relocation Tips

With home prices still at an all time low, it’s the perfect time to make your retirement move. Many of the Active Adult Communities have “quick, move-in” specials with prices discounted by 20 to 30%. You can also negotiate for them to pay all closing costs and get a low interest loan.

If you haven’t picked out the perfect location, then suggest you visit your top 3 places for at least a month before taking the plunge. An Active Adult Community is a great place to live……easy to make new friends, lots of activities and the homes are user-friendly for Boomers…one level, wide doorways, higher counter tops. While moving closer to your grandchildren sounds like a great idea, don’t depend on your kids to build your social life when you get there! For every one's sake, you'll want to make new friends and build a life outside of the family.

A cross-country move can get quite expensive, so prior to moving either pitch or donate everything you don’t need or want. Remember to get that receipt for tax purposes. Moving in retirement is a great opportunity to re-think how you want to live. It's a chance for you to downsize and create more discretionary income for travel or other fun hobbies.

College towns have also become a hot spot for Boomers who are relocating. With lower living expenses and many leisure and entertainment activities, Boomers are flocking to them!

For more info on Active Adult Communities: http://www.activeadultliving.com/

Del Webb Communities: http://www.delwebb.com/

HOAs

If you're thinking about moving into an Active Adult Community (AAC), suggest you thoroughly research the HOAs and CCRs of that community. I just found out at tonight's business meeting that we have 3 HOAs in my community as well as a Metro District.

I have to pay 3 separate dues for the HOAs. Because of the Metro District I have to pay almost 50% more in real estate taxes than the people who live across the street in another subdivision. So it's critical that you do your homework as many sales people will not provide you with factual information regarding real estate taxes or special tax districts. And when you're moving into a new community you can't get that information from tax records.

Many new AACs will create a Metro District to pay for the infrastructure (roads, sewer lines, etc.) that must be put in prior to home construction. In our case, I found out that the builder spent over $27 million which accounts for the much higher real estate taxes.

Spending extra time upfront researching your new community may save you a lot in unexpected monthly expenses! For some info on Active Adult Communities, go to: http://www.topretirements.com/tips/Choosing_a_Community/Is_an_Active_Adult_Community_Right_for_You.html

Have a Heart!

Are you a Boomer, living alone, sick and need some help? Who do you turn to?

Finding someone to help you at a moment's notice is one of the most difficult aspects of aging, especially if you don't live near your family.

I'm fortunate because some of the ladies in my Active Adult Community have started a community outreach program called Have a Heart. They have several groups that will help out with everything from delivering homemade meals to driving you to the doctor.

If you can't find a group in your subdivision or church to help you out, then just go to the Internet and type in: Senior Outreach + your city,state (like Senior Outreach + Denver, CO)

That should give you a listing of several organizations in your area.

Active Adult Communities

Living in an Active Adult Community has become one of the most popular housing choices for retirees.

These communities often offer a small town atmosphere combined with the convenience of living near a large city. They provide social contacts galore through many of their activities -- book clubs, card groups, stock clubs -- just to name a few.

While most people wait until they're 55 to move into an Active Adult Community, one experimental guy, Steve Gurney, decided to give it a shot at 43!

For an interesting account of his adventures, check out his Blog at http://www.retirement-living.com/publisher/

You can also order a free copy of his Guide To Retirement Living Source Book which is a is a publication that helps you locate housing options, aging in place and expert resources . Each issue is packed with articles and real-life stories. Currently, it's published in DC Metro, Maryland, and Delaware Valley.

Moving to a Retirement Community?

Upon retiring, you might consider moving into an Active Adult Community -- the MECCA of retirement communities -- for the amenities and social activities they offer. If you do, you'll pay a hefty premium of $30,000 to $40,000 more for the same style/square footage home just for the privilege of living in that type of community.

I live in an Active Adult Community and just got home from an exhausting meeting over on-going homeowner issues, so, here's some important issues you should consider before buying:

1. What is the builder's warranty policy?

2. Will be there be an on-site customer service rep to help you resolve problems with your home?

3. How long will it take for the amenities to be put in -- clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and golf course?

4. Has the builder posted a completion bond to ensure the amenities will be completed?

5. How long will the builder subsidize the monthly clubhouse dues?
6. If you pay for a view (golf course, mountain, lake) GET IT IN WRITING that your view is protected and will not be taken away from you by high grass or other homes being built.

7. Make them give you a copy of the covenants upfront (usually at least a foot high and written in a foreign language - legalese)!

Let's face it, for many of us retirees, that home probably will be our FRP (Final Resting Place), so, those are but a few of the many questions you should get answered by the builder before you sign on the dotted line. For additional info, go to http://www.wheretoretire.com/?source=google where you can request a free copy of the magazine.

Wellness Seminars

One of the joys of living in an Active Adult community is the variety of workshops and activities offered. This week we had a seminar presented by Kim Kirmmse-Toth of Positive Aging, Inc. (see links). She gave an energetic, fun-filled presentation on staying happy and positive in retirement. Some of her tips on Planning for Play are to: energetically pursue new hobbies and interests; volunteer your time and talents; explore outside activities like hiking and biking; and expand your horizons by investigating areas outsize your comfort zone. For example, you might want to consider volunteering out of state when a national disaster hits or take a trip to another country to explore the local culture. It's critical to both your social and mental well being that you stay involved -- so if you don't live in an Active Adult Community, try your local library, churches or Senior Rec Centers for classes. In many areas, there is a Free University which offers classes for a very reasonable fee. To me, the KEY to finding happiness in your retirement years is to stay involved and be enthusiastic about pursuing new adventures!