Edmonton Real Estate Blog

What You’ll Need

• Drop cloth
• Stepladder
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Metal straightedge
• Utility knife
• Paste (specific to your paper type)
• Foam paint roller
• Wallpaper brush
• Sponge
• Work surface (such as a dining table)
• Wallpaper (try vinyl-coated with a free match pattern – no design to line up!)

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Make a date: Wallpapering is a two-person job, says Frank Fontana, a designer on HGTV. Measure the length of the wall and multiply that number by the room’s height to determine how many rolls you’ll need. (A standard roll is 15 feet.) Remove everything from the walls and spackle any holes. Then give the entire wall a wipe-down with a damp sponge.

Step 1: Cut

Measure your wall and divide its width by the width of the paper to determine how many strips you’ll need. Cut paper into strips six inches longer than the wall’s height, to allow for shifting to match patterns. Use a level to make a plumb vertical line at the wall’s midpoint – you’ll align the paper with this straight line rather than your likely uneven ceiling.

Step 2: Paste

Lay your paper pattern-side down and use a paint roller to apply a thin, even layer of paste to the back, making sure to completely cover the entire surface, including all edges.

Step 3: Book

Gently fold the strip into thirds by bringing the two ends toward the center (don’t overlap them), being careful not to crease the paper. Allow to set for 10 minutes. This technique, known as booking, will help the paper absorb the paste and make it easier to manipulate on the wall.

Step 4: Hang

Unfold the top half of the booked strip, lining it up with the plumb line and overlapping the edge at the ceiling by about three inches. Smooth the paper outward and downward with a wallpaper brush to remove air bubbles. Once you reach the middle, unfold and smooth down the bottom half.

Step 5: Trim

Paste doesn’t stick immediately, so you can shift the paper until the seams match and the design is straight. Then, trim excess paper at the top and bottom with the utility knife.

Step 6: Dry – and you’re done!

Clean off any visible paste from the seams and surface of the paper using a damp (not wet) sponge. Let dry for at least 48 hours before hanging anything on the wall. Our pick: We used Thibaut’s Julian wallpaper in the cream and metallic color scheme (thibautdesign.com for store info).

Source: Lara Robby of RedbookMag.com

Some homeowners and real estate agents are thinking beyond price, condition and location to get buyers in the door and make a sale. Michael Travis, an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Portsmouth, N.H., equates it to being noticed among potential daters on a dating website. “You have to stand out,” he says.
Here are five offbeat ways to sell a home. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to think outside the box.

1. Let them sleep over

Some builders and sellers are offering prospective buyers a chance to stay in the home for a night. They’re even welcoming folks with bottles of wine and other goodies to make their stay comfortable.

The tactic has been featured on TV, with shows such as HGTV’s “Sleep On It,” which depicts buyers spending the night in homes and even throwing dinner parties.

“This is a pretty ‘out there’ concept,” says Benita Carswell, principal and broker with Atlanta-based Bo Bridgeport Brokers.

Atlanta buyers Tim and Kimberly Miller were considering a new home but wanted to know if the street in front of it was too noisy. The builders let them bring air mattresses, and the couple set up camp for the night.

The Millers woke up the next morning, satisfied with what they didn’t hear, and put a contract on the new home, which they moved into in December 2008.

“It was really what kind of helped close the deal,” Tim Miller says.
Carswell, who was the Millers’ agent, says the sleepover gave them “the experience of that home.”

“It was like being out on the front porch in the evening and being able to see how the traffic was or the noise level in the neighbourhood,” she says. “That final thing really confirmed it for them.”

On second thought: Set some rules for what potential buyers can do in the house. If they decide to have a party, it could get out of hand and possibly damage the home or furniture, says Dorcas Helfant-Browning, past president of the National Association of Realtors. Also, it’s not a risk-free move because the more time a potential buyer stays in a home, the more things they could question or dislike, Carswell says.

2. Hire house-sitters

Staging is becoming more common, but some absent owners are taking it to the next level by hiring house-sitters. Buyers also get the chance to buy the home fully furnished.

Getting a house-sitter is something to consider in areas where there have been many vacancies and where you want buyers to have a sense of the neighbourhood and someone occupying the home for security, Helfant-Browning says.

“People want to live in neighbourhoods because there are people there,” she says. “Not only does it help the property that’s being sold, it really is a benefit to the neighbourhood.”

Professional stager Barb Schwarz, chairwoman of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals and CEO of StagedHomes.com, says having someone live in the home adds another challenge to the staging process. She says another gimmick she heard being used in Florida involved hiring actors to “live” in a community during open houses.

“When the buyer comes in, you want the buyer doing one thing: to mentally move into a space. That’s what staging does,” says Schwarz, author of Home Staging: The Winning Way to Sell Your House for More Money. “What we don’t want are people in the way. It’s about setting the scene and doing it in a way that features the space.”

On second thought: Choose the house-sitter wisely. You want someone who lives neatly and who will allow buyers into the home whenever they want to visit.

3. Offer incentives, incentives and more incentives

Builders continue to chip away at prices with special deals, some of which have taken $100,000 or more off the price of a home. But individual sellers also should consider price and other incentives that could entice a buyer to take a look.

“You have to attract their attention somehow,” Travis says. “You want to create the buzz.”

Travis’ sellers have offered gas cards when prices skyrocketed or offered to pay for a year’s worth of propane for an old house. He’s sold condos in which the seller has paid for a year’s worth of expensive homeowners’ fees.

Travis’ most unusual sale happened when he advertised a free lakefront house with the purchase of a $405,000 pontoon boat that he says was “beat to hell.” Travis says he was having a hard time selling the home, even though it was lakefront on a 300-acre New Hampshire lake, because it was on a cove lot without any beachfront.

When he advertised the house as free with the purchase of the boat, potential buyers came out just to see what was going on. The house eventually was sold, but the boat was turned down.

These and other incentives – some sellers have offered free vacations and spa trips and boat and car leases for a year – can get traffic through your door, Travis says.

Sometimes people see the concessions and realize the sellers are willing to work with them. “They realize they have a little more negotiating room,” he says.

On second thought: Don’t include items, such as lawn or recreational equipment, in the ad for the home. But during negotiations, you might want to throw in the pool table or lawn mower to help seal the deal.

4. Swap lives

Finding strangers with the same housing preferences and the desire to change homes might seem difficult, but it’s happening, with some transactions aided by websites such as goswap.org and onlinehousetrading.com.

The chances are slim that you’ll find a match of two perfectly equal homes in different locations, says Helfant-Browning, principal broker with Coldwell Banker Professional Realtors in Virginia Beach, Va. But, she says, the idea often works when one person with a lot of equity in a home wants to move up and the homeowner in the biggest house is willing to downsize.

“It’s sound for someone with a large home who may be looking to move down and the move down isn’t the home of their dreams, but it might make economic [sense],” she says.

On second thought: This could be the chance for an investment. Some people improve the smaller residence to sell when the market rebounds, or to rent it to generate extra income.

5. Sell to a builder

This is a version of the swapping idea, with the builder willing to buy your residence if you put a contract on one of the builder’s new homes.

It’s an investment decision on the part of a builder, who must decide how much it will cost the company to renovate and pay the mortgage, Helfant-Browning says.

Sellers shouldn’t expect to make a hefty profit with this strategy. The builder typically will take it below the asking price because of the risk involved.

On second thought: If the buyer is “upside down” in the home – they owe more than the home is worth – it’s more difficult to trade, Helfant-Browning says.

By Lori Johnston, Bankrate.com

You don’t have to renovate your entire pad to experiment with some of this year’s hottest trends in home décor. Jennifer Brouwer of Décor by Jennifer reveals some simple ways to add a fresh – and stylish – splash to your humble abode.

Grey is the new beige

“Grey is the new beige” says Brouwer, whether it’ paint, furniture or accessories for your home. “In the past honey tones were designed with a very monochromatic approach with calm spa-like qualities,” she says. “Greys can be used in the same way; however you often see them with pops of colour and bold patterns to have fun with an otherwise calm quiet palette.”

Bohemian is back

“Bohemian is bright, bold and funky and adds interest, colour and flavour to a room,” says Brouwer of 2010’s comeback trend. She suggests channeling this bold style by using flavoured fabrics, eccentric accent pieces, wall hanging tapestries, jewel-toned accessories that add a bright pop of colour, chaise lounges with contrasting throw pillows or painted mirrors, which help also to reflect light in a room.

Wallpaper should be dancing on the ceiling

“Wallpaper continues to be huge,” says Brouwer of the trend that recently made a comeback after years of exile. “Big, bold, fun patterns are used often in design plans but the big difference for 2010 is wallpapered ceilings,” she says. While Brouwer notes that many people are scared to take the wallpaper plunge because there is a misconception that it’s going to ruin your walls, she suggests clients start in a powder room to get some inspiration before papering a larger room. “Be brave in 2% of the space of your house,” she says.

Less is more

“Space savvy, modular furnishings, or multi-purpose furniture is a trend that’s here to stay,” says Brouwer. “We now live in smaller spaces so investments need to be versatile. Less is more.” She points to coffee tables, ottomans and storage benches which can be used for extra seating, storage cubes which can be used as foot rests, or sofas that can be converted to beds when entertaining overnight guests.

By Jackie Burns Msn.com

Is your closet an overflowing disaster? Clothes packed tight, shoes in a hodgepodge on the floor, purses, scarves and sweaters piled high on the shelves?

Some tips for organizing your closet in 10-minute chunks:

1. Plan. Decide what sizes you are going to keep, what is going to be stored in the closet, where you are going to take things that you no longer want, said Standolyn Robertson, certified professional organizer in Waltham, Mass.

2. Take the dry-cleaning bags off, said Lisa Zaslow of Gotham Organizers in New York. “It takes up space, makes it harder to see your clothes and is actually bad for fabric,” she said in an email. Remove empty hangers.

3. Organize clothing by type – blouses, pants, skirts, jackets, suits, etc., said Zaslow. Then spend another 10 minutes arranging by colour. As you go, get rid of anything that is worn or stained, that doesn’t fit, that isn’t flattering or that you just don’t like. Store the things you wear most often in the most accessible parts of your closet.

4. If you have a lot of short-hanging items, use a closet doubler that hangs from the top rod to increase your hanging space, said Zaslow. Put your slacks, blouses, jackets and skirts on the bottom rung.

5. Hang all of your fall clothes backward, said Ecker. As you wear them, put the hanger back on the rod the traditional way. At the end of winter, if an item is still hanging backward, it’s probably something you should get rid of.

6. Tackle the shelves. Use dividers to create cubicles, said professional organizer Erica Ecker of The Specialist in New York. “They slide right in a shelf and make perpendicular barriers so your piles of sweaters, shirts and jeans don’t avalanche into each other.”

7. Put like with like in terms of shoes, said Robertson, immediate past president of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Stick all the tennis shoes together, the sandals together and so forth. Put a magazine in the boots to get them to stand up. Remove shoes that are too small or need to be repaired.

8. Take advantage of unused space. The dead air between the floor and the bottom of a skirt or dress can hold clear plastic bins on wheels for shoes, belts and other accessories. The back of the door can have hooks or over-the-door pocket-type organizers.

Source: Megan K. Scott     YourHome.ca

Tools You’ll Use

• Empty laundry basket, bin, or bag
• Plastic grocery bag
• Microfiber cloth
• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol

Biggest Challenges

1. Cluttered entryway
2. Dishevelled living room
3. Not-quite-spotless bathroom

Fastest Fixes

1. Overhaul the front hall. Grab a laundry basket, storage bin, or large shopping bag to serve as a junk receptacle, plus a plastic grocery bag and microfiber cloth. Load up your bin with any shoes, gloves, or hats that litter the foyer. Stash hall-table clutter that could get lost (mail, keys) in the plastic bag; put the bag into the bin. While you’re near the door, shake doormats outside. Flip on the light for an indoor cobweb check; flick webs off with the cloth (don’t worry about ones too high up – chances are, visitors won’t notice them once they see your smiling face). Take your bin, and keep moving. (3 minutes)

2. Put the living room in order. Next stop: where guests will hang out most. Keep filling the bin with kids’ toys, newspapers, and anything else that doesn’t need to be here. Run your microfiber cloth over the coffee table and other dusty surfaces, like the TV screen. Pile magazines or books into neat stacks on the end tables; gather all of the stray remotes in one place. Plump up throw pillows and chair cushions (even easier: flip the latter, if possible). Use a clean corner of the microfiber cloth to nab any obvious clumps of pet hair or dust stuck to upholstery or carpeting. Drape throws to hide dingy chair arms or furniture stains. Drop off the bin in the laundry room or a nearby bedroom, or hide it in a closet; swap the cloth for a few paper towels. Move on to the bathroom. (4 minutes)

3. Fake a super-clean bathroom. Tuck stuff from the vanity into the cabinet or drawers, and close the shower door or stretch out the curtain (sure, nosy guests may still snoop inside, but at least you’ve cut down on visual clutter). Wet a paper towel with rubbing alcohol to both clean and shine, and wipe down the mirror, faucet, sink, and countertop. Use a new alcohol-dipped towel to go over the toilet’s seat and rim. Clean up spots and hair from the floor with a third water-dampened paper towel. Finally, put out fresh hand towels. Make a round-trip to the kitchen with the wastebasket to dump it into the larger trash can. (5 minutes)

Make It Easier Next Time

• Add a shoe bag to the inside of your entryway closet door: It makes a great stash spot for hats and gloves, unopened mail, and (yep) shoes when you’re picking up in a hurry.
• Store a pet-hair-removal tool, like GHRI fave Scotch Fur Fighter ($10; furfighter.com), in a living room drawer or cabinet, so it’s handy.
• Save seconds with premoistened disinfecting wipes like those from Clorox, which are ready for cleaning right out of the canister.

Source: Carolyn Forte for www.GoodHouseKeeping.com

It is a recipe for a do-it-yourself disaster.

Oxmoor House Inc. is recalling more than 52,000 copies of nine home improvement books sold in Canada containing directions that could lead buyers to incorrectly install and repair electrical wiring.

Errors in diagrams and instructions could lead to an “electrical shock or fire hazard,” according to release sent out Wednesday by the U.S. publisher. The release said there have not been any reported, “incidents, injuries, or property damage,” associated with the faulty instructions. Some of the books have been in circulation for more than 30 years.

“If you connect electrical installation incorrectly you have risk of fire,” said Ted Olechna, provincial code engineer with the Electrical Safety Authority.

He said the ESA was informed of the recall by Health Canada last Friday and has requested more specific information on the incorrect information from the publisher but has yet to receive it.

In an email, a spokesperson for Oxmoor House said the books were sold in “home and garden stores, retailers and (by) booksellers,” but did not provide specific locations.

Three of the books were sold at Lowe’s Canada stores; Lowe’s Complete Home Wiring, Sunset You Can Build – Wiring and Lowe’s Complete Home Improvement and Repair.

Lowe’s said Oxmoor House requested the books be pulled off the shelves in late November and early December last year.

Home Depot confirmed the books were not sold at the popular home renovation store.

Rona did carry one of the recalled books, but said no copies had been sold and the book was no longer on the shelves.

Olechna said everyone undertaking electrical work in Ontario, save for a few minor exemptions, needs to apply to the ESA for a permit no more than two days after they begin the work. Licensed electrical contractors are allowed to replace certain types of outlets in residential dwellings without a permit, he said.

On Friday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall for more than 950,000 copies of the books across the U.S. The consumer safety website said the books were sold across the U.S. from January 1975 through December 2009 and cost between $13 (U.S.) and $35.

The title of the books containing the faulty instructions are, AmeriSpec Home Repair Handbook, Lowe’s Complete Home Improvement and Repair, Lowe’s Complete Home Wiring, Sunset Basic Home Repairs, Sunset Complete Home Wiring, Sunset Complete Patio Book, Sunset Home Repair Handbook, Sunset Water Gardens, and Sunset You Can Build – Wiring.

Olechna said if the ESA receives information that demonstrates the installation or repair suggestions in the books could pose a serious risk to Canadian consumers they would issue further warnings to the public.

Oxmoor House is instructing people to stop using the books and return them to the publisher for a full refund.

For more details contact Oxmoor House at 1-866-696-7602 or go to www.sunsetrecall.com.

Source: Emily Mathieu,  YourHome.ca

Transitioning from renter to homeowner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout your lifetime. It can also be a stressful experience if you don’t plan ahead by building a budget and saving prior to embarking upon homeownership.

Budgeting is a core ingredient that helps alleviate the stress associated with money issues that can sometimes arise if you purchase a home without knowing all of the associated costs – including down payment, closing expenses, ongoing maintenance, taxes and utilities.

The trouble is, many first-time homeowners fail to carefully think about their finances, plan a budget or set savings aside. And in this society of instant gratification, money problems can quickly escalate.

The key is to create a realistic budget based on your goals. Track your spending and make your dollars go further by sticking to your budget once it’s in place. Budgeting offers a step-by-step formula for figuring out how to best save your hard-earned money to invest in homeownership.

Start by listing your household income, then your household expenses, and review your spending habits. All of this can be done on a pad of paper or on a computer spreadsheet.

Keeping receipts for everything that you purchase will enable you to accurately keep track of where your money is going each month so that you can review and make necessary changes to your plan on an ongoing basis.

Examine all areas of your life from entertainment to the type of food you buy, where you buy your food and clothes, and how and where you travel. Also look at your spending personality and make necessary adjustments. Are you a saver, a splurger, a spontaneous shopper or a hoarder? Become smarter with your money and avoid impulse buying.

If you find you’re spending a lot of money in one area, such as entertainment for instance, set aside a reasonable amount each month and prepare to stop spending money in this area once your budget has been exhausted.

Budgeting provides you with the opportunity to re-evaluate your needs and wants. Do you really need the magazine subscriptions, the gym membership and all the other things you may spend money on each month? Although everyone needs some “me time” to wind down, could you not get that by taking a walk or reading a good book you borrowed from the library?

If you can set your budget solidly in place before you head out home or mortgage shopping, you will be far more prepared to purchase your first home.

Following are three top tips to help you prepare for the purchase of your first home:

1. Set up a savings account. You can deposit a predetermined amount into this account each pay period that you will not touch unless it’s absolutely necessary. This will enable you to put money aside for a down payment and cover closing costs, as well as address ongoing homeownership expenses such as maintenance, taxes and utilities.

2. Save up for big-ticket items. As you accumulate money in your savings account, you will be able to also save for specific purchases to help furnish your home – avoiding the buy now, pay later mentality, which can have a negative impact on your credit when you’re seeking mortgage financing.

3. Surround yourself with a team of professionals. When you’re getting ready to make your first home purchase, enlist my services as a licensed mortgage professional and find a trusted real estate agent. Experts are invaluable to you as you set out on the road to homeownership because we help first-time buyers through the home purchase and financing processes every day. Experts can answer all of your questions and set your mind at ease. I have access to multiple lenders, and can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know exactly what you can afford to spend on a home before you head out house hunting, while a real estate agent will be able to match your needs with a house you can afford. Both parties will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. And, best of all, these services are typically free. Experts will also be able to refer you to other reputable professionals you may need for your home purchase, including a real estate lawyer and home appraiser.

Source: Souchita Rattanarasy of Dominion Lending Centres Optimum (780) 932-2225

With interest rates at an all-time low, many Canadians are taking advantage of the savings by refinancing their mortgages to consolidate debt, make home renovations, invest in real estate or other ventures, or moving up the property ladder.

Following are ways to take even further advantage of this excellent rate environment by paying down your mortgage faster.

Tip #1

Prepay early in the mortgage

Make extra payments as early as you can after getting a mortgage because the loans are interest-heavy upfront and the faster you pay down your principal, the more interest savings you will accumulate over the long run. Within the first five to seven years of your mortgage is where the largest portions of interest payments are contained. This not only will save you thousands of dollars in interest payments, but it will also increase the speed at which you are accumulating equity in your property. Many mortgage products allow you to make up to 20% more in payments per year.

Tip #2

Make an annual lump sum payment

Whether you use your tax refund, receive an inheritance or get a Christmas bonus, you should apply as much as possible directly to your principal. Most lenders allow you to pay 20% in lump sum payments per year without penalty. I can help you determine exactly how much you can prepay and what maximum percentage of your principal you are allowed to pay without penalty each year.

Tip #3

If your payments go down, don’t lower the payment amount

If you are on a variable-rate mortgage and the rates go down your payment will also often go down. Instead of making the lower mortgage payments, however, it’s best to call your lender and let them know that you would like tocontinue making payments for the original amount. I can help you determine if there is a charge for making the extra payment. Even with the charge, in most cases, it is still worth it and will help you pay down your principal faster.

Tip #4

Round up your payments even if it’s just a little

If your monthly mortgage payment is $776.22 and you were to round up your payment an extra $23.78 a month to $800 – that’s less than a dollar a day – you would effectively reduce your mortgage amortization from 35 years to just over 32 years right away or from 25 years to just over 23 years.

TIP #5

Increase your payments with your pay increases

If your income increases, try not to keep your mortgage payments the same. Although the disposable income is a joy to spend on unnecessary luxuries in the short-term, the long-term benefits of being mortgage free faster and saving those interest payments will far outweigh the short-term joys. Pretend that your income did not increase and maintain the lifestyle that you are currently living.

Tip #6

Increase the frequency of your payments

You can also change the way you make your payments by opting for accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments. Not to be confused with semi-monthly mortgage payments (24 payments per year), accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments (26 payments per year) will not only pay your mortgage off quicker, but it’s guaranteed to save you a significant amount of money over the term of your mortgage. Basically, with accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments, you’re making one additional monthly payment per year.

As always, if you have any questions about paying your mortgage down faster, I’m here to help!

Source: Souchita Rattanarasy of Dominion Lending Centres Optimum (780) 932-2225

7 Steps to Plan Your Dream Bathroom

For all but seasoned professionals, the idea of renovating a bathroom can trigger nightmares. With thoughts of spiraling budgets and out-of-stock faucets, I chatted with RONA’s handy how-to guy, Chuck LeCouter, to develop seven, stress-free tips to plan the bathroom of your dreams.

Fetch-a-sketch

To start, you need to draw your proposed bathroom on paper. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an architect-it doesn’t even need to be to scale. Still, basic bathroom blueprint will help you make decisions upfront. Changing your mind during construction can dramatically boost final costs.

Set a budget

And stick to it. It’s very easy to get caught up in the magic of modernization and forget that everything comes with a price tag. Unless you’re handy enough to tackle the work yourself, anticipate a starting price of about $8,000 to hire a contractor and purchase all the fixtures, fittings and finishes needed to get the job done. (If this is a bit rich for you, consider cheaper decor boosts such as new paint or towels.)

Go the mile for style

Play it smart and get your inspiration for the whole room from your most expensive purchase. Is it tiles, a tub or lighting fixtures? Choosing your splurge first means you won’t have headaches trying to match tiles to a paint swatch (when it should be the other way around!).

Understand your long-term needs

Plan for the future-is your family growing, or are you planning on selling your home in a few years? Typically you can expect to get close to a 70 per cent return on investment from a bathroom reno at resale.

Measure up

To misquote an old adage, “Measure twice, then order once.” No one wants the pain of trying to return a soaker tub that was ordered and arrived surprisingly too large. Get the specs from the manufacturer, then try taping out the measurements on the floor before you take the plunge.

Don’t jump the gun

Have all the major fixtures in your possession before scheduling a contractor. Some things may need to be special ordered with long lead times. So, check your calendar and make sure you’ll have everything on hand before your contractor is scheduled to start.

Take a vacation, of sorts

If this is your only bathroom, you won’t have access to the loo during the renovation. Check with the contractor to find out how long you’ll be without proper plumbing and make arrangements to stay with friends or family.

Source: Arren Williams Chatelaine.com

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19 – A survey of consumers and builders, conducted in 2009 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the MetLife Mature Market Institute, has yielded a new round of data revealing the housing preferences of the 55+ consumer. This analysis of data – the third in a series – compared the preferences of the 55-to-64 year old age group to those of the 65+ group.

The data uncovered a strong similarity in housing preferences between the two groups, with a few exceptions. The younger age group showed more interest in technology-heavy features, while the older group expressed a stronger preference for a single-story floor plan or one with a first-floor master bedroom, and a variety of universal design features.

One striking difference, according to John Migliaccio, director of research at MetLife’s Mature Market Institute, related to the desire for home services and community services.

“Very telling, said Migliaccio, “is that the younger group of mature consumers reported enthusiastically that they want services like home maintenance and repair as part of their next home purchase, along with services typically connected to older homeowners, such as housekeeping, onsite health care and transportation,” noted Migliaccio.

According to Migliaccio, all of the aforementioned were ranked higher than the desire for organized social activities – a surprise, inasmuch as social activities and amenities have been thought to be valued quite highly by this group. This finding, he said, supports an emerging trend among builders to look for ways to partner with providers of such services to the residents of their active adult/lifestyle communities.

According to Mike McGowan, a 50+ builder from Binghamton, N.Y. and chair of NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council, “Most buyers in this market are looking for an easy-living lifestyle. They would like access to services that will free up their time from maintenance both inside and outside their homes. This data tells builders that the homes we build for older active adults will remain attractive to the consumers who will be entering that market for the foreseeable future.”

Paul Emrath, NAHB’s vice president for survey and housing policy research, pointed out that the share of households that will want lower-maintenance housing is large, and growing larger as Baby Boomers age into that segment of the market. He cautioned that the current financial situation has led to sharply decreased construction of communities that serve the mature market. Without a change in the availability of capital for development and construction, there could well be a shortage of such housing when it is most needed.

For more information on the MetLife/NAHB research, including the first two reports on the age group and consumer preferences, visit: nahb.org.

Source: HGTVpro.com