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Gita Bantwal, REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel (RE/MAX Centre Realtors)

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Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I'm thinking lose the steps, lose the maintenance and lose the mortgage payment.  One thing we have issues with downsizers here in DC is they think they can move to a condo in the city for less than their home in the suburbs.  And they go into shock when the prices and the amount of space they'll get sink in. 

Dec 27, 2014 11:34 PM
Rainmaker
4,333,550
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Here on Long Island they mostly request Ranch Style Condos with easy access throughout the units!

Dec 27, 2014 10:48 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Gita, like everyone, the first is NO STAIRS.    The seniors I have worked with also want to live in an area with other seniors, amenities they will use, and be close to their medical providers. 

Dec 27, 2014 11:44 PM
Rainmaker
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Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Oh gosh...duh...so obvious (at least in our area)...lower taxes.  In our area, we have high taxes, esp in the areas w/ great school districts.  One of the major reasons people sell their houses here (even when there is no mortgage left) is to avoid the super high taxes.  So after the kids graduate (or maybe after they graduate college for some), there is a big desire to eliminate the $30,000 - $40,000 (or more if you have an expensive home) of taxes.

Dec 27, 2014 10:33 PM
Rainer
80,193
RVA HomePRO Michael Hottman
RVA HomePRO Realtor with Keller Williams serving Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfiled and Richmond, Virginia - Glen Allen, VA
Helping you achieve goals in life & real estate

They often want a smaller home, but still want the storage space.

Dec 27, 2014 10:17 PM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

I would think no steps would be important.  Could mean MBR on 1st floor, one floor only or a condo w/ elevator. (I've also seen a few condos w/ elevators).

I would think low maintenance, too...another benefit for condos and/or other places where they take care of snow plowing, mowing lawn, taking care of leaves, etc.

Warmer climate also seems to be important, but that is not something you can impact in an our area...many will move down south due to that.

 

Dec 27, 2014 09:35 PM
Rainmaker
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Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

1. Single Story, but more than that like of steps period.  Walk ways with no steps and so forth.

2.  Community.  Gated 55+ communities are popular around here.

3.  They don't often think of it, but they appreciate door handles that are not knobs (turning a knob can be hard when you get older) and hand bars and such in bathrooms.  

I work with lots of older buyers who do not realize what they will need in 5 to 10 years and when I point out these features they appreciate them.

Dec 30, 2014 03:54 AM
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Anna Valencia Tillery
White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery - Vero Beach, FL
"Moving Made Easy at Prices that Make it Possible"

We do a number of senior moves and no stairs or first floor is almost always a request.  Depending on the age and abilities, a clubhouse with activiities is also a big asset. Lastly, close to medical facilities is a huge decision maker. 

Know of anyone moving in Florida along the Atlantic Coastline that needs a quality, trustworthy mover for their senior downsizing client look no further than White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery!

Dec 29, 2014 10:27 PM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

I can tell you from first hand experience

  • ADA compliance
  • single story
  • security
Dec 29, 2014 06:00 AM
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Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

I agree with Steffy, #22. Seniors want simple, easy, efficient, maintenance free and an affordable Lifestyle, however, instead of Arizona, Orange County in southern California would be my destination.

Dec 29, 2014 05:55 AM
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Annelle Tubb
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN

1. An easy way to get from your car to the back door...no steps!  Helps with unloading groceries etc.

2. All necessities located on one  level...including washer, dryer

3. Easy to maintain, small yard!

Dec 29, 2014 03:21 AM
Rainer
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Kelly Goodrich
Glendale, AZ

Here in the Sun City area of the Greater Phoenix Area seniors are looking for: 1) Easy access, no steps.  2) Little to no exterior maintenance.  3) Easy access to activities (golf, crafts, swimming).  Sun City can provide all of this at a lower cost of living.  The only thing we don't have is an ocean.  

Dec 29, 2014 01:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,767,597
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Your question gave me pause for thought. I don't actually know anyone who has moved for the purpose of downsizing. 

Dec 29, 2014 01:22 AM
Rainmaker
660,806
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

1. Single story

2. Proximity to relatives, children, medical providers, activities.

3. Great climate - a lot of people move to AZ when they retire for the weather, combined with man-made amenities in both active-adult and non-restricted communities.

Dec 29, 2014 01:07 AM
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Gita

I'd say no steps, single story and minimal work needed, preferably turn-key. Access to amenities (e.g., shopping, medical care) is important. Many, but certainly not all, want to live in a seniors community

Jeff

Dec 29, 2014 12:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

No stairs, help is close by if needed, low maintenance or effortless maintenance.

 

Dec 29, 2014 12:37 AM
Rainmaker
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Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Single level, screened patios, activities.

Dec 29, 2014 12:20 AM
Rainmaker
216,556
The Brewer Team - Benchmark Realty
Benchmark Realty - Franklin, TN

1. Close to family members

2. no stairs

3. Low taxes

Dec 29, 2014 12:06 AM
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168,750
Becky Kolb
The Kolb Team - Sun Lakes AZ Specialists - Sun Lakes, AZ
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty

In our active adult community most are looking for single level or at least main floor living, upgrades so they don't have to do anything and security (gated communities).

Dec 29, 2014 12:05 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for all the comments. I have noticed that most people want the main bedroom on first floor. They like to live in communities where they do not have to shovel snow or mow the lawn and close to medical facilities. 

Dec 28, 2014 08:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,449,860
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

Ok, my wild guess is one level living, convenient amenities, grab bars and ramps. Oh, that's four.

Dec 28, 2014 03:21 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

At least one I know of - single level of living and preferred at street level.

Dec 28, 2014 02:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I would think they want a handicapped accessible bathroon, large hall ways and a convenient kitchen.

Dec 28, 2014 06:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Living on one floor (no stairs or an elevator), easy access to stores and entertainment and last being in an area where other people in a similar situation are living to be friends with.

Dec 28, 2014 04:41 AM
Rainmaker
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

one story living, yard maintenance, sun room or screened porch.

Dec 28, 2014 04:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

1.)  No stairs.

2.)  Close to medical facilities.

3.)  Low maintenance fees.

Dec 28, 2014 03:24 AM
Rainmaker
797,457
Liz Wallace
Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY
Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

I forgot the most important.  Close to excellent medical facilities.

Dec 28, 2014 03:03 AM
Rainmaker
797,457
Liz Wallace
Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY
Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

Master bedroom on main level.  

Walk in shower

No outside maintenance

Dec 28, 2014 03:01 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,260
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

A master bedroom on the main level is a primary request. Many Maryland seniors are moving south for more affordable housing and lower real estate taxes.

Dec 28, 2014 01:10 AM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Single story

handicap accessible baths

no stairs.

Aug 27, 2019 10:31 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

parked and reading

Jun 25, 2018 06:17 AM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

One level living, or master bath on level 1. Cozy. No cleaning snow.

Oct 07, 2017 11:11 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Steffy, You are lucky to be living in Arizona. I know many seniors from our area move to AZ.

Jan 01, 2015 09:53 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Jeff, I agree. Some do not want to live in a senior community . They prefer to be around people of all ages. 

Jan 01, 2015 09:17 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Lyn, I agree . It is important for us to have help close by if needed. That is one resong seniors move close to their children.

Jan 01, 2015 09:16 PM
Rainmaker
90,543
Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

The washer and dryer needs to be on the main floor, no stairs and access to someone who can help maintain their yard and shovel snow.

Jan 01, 2015 09:10 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Close to hospital, main level bdr w full bath, as few steps as possible.

Dec 30, 2014 09:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,577,943
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

1) single story home
2) low maintenance property and community amenities
3) closet and storage space and room for cars. 

Dec 30, 2014 01:57 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Elyse, many seniors look for activities in the community that they move to. There are some wonderful communities in our area which are popular because of the activities.

Dec 29, 2014 10:45 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Brewers, I agree all these 3 things are important.

Dec 29, 2014 10:44 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Becky, I agree many seniors like to live in gated communities.

Dec 29, 2014 10:43 PM