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by: Carol Fena
Most articles about active adult retirement communities state
this important fact: Baby boomers have turned 60. Some will
choose to sell their homes for a variety of reasons: financial,
to downsize, to be closer to children. As homebuilders are
building more retirement communities and discovering what
features boomers want making them more appealing, more boomers
are considering retirement at active adult retirement communities.
Here are ten things you should know when you begin your research
into active adult retirement communities:
1) Choose an Area: First thing decide where you would like
to live by region, state and then city. A variety of websites
now cover this subject thoroughly and are very helpful. My
website also gives descriptions of the areas if you are wondering
what it would be like to live in California, for instance.
Find the communities listed under that area or city. The type
of community we are talking about here will be categorized
as Active Adult and sometimes Independent Living. Make a list
of the active adult communities you want to consider further.
There are many types of active-adult communities so notice
what kind it is. For instance, some communities only have
rental apartments. There are some that are manufactured homes
only or RV. Some have assisted living available. The most
common type is the outright purchase plus homeowners fee.
2) Make a list of your wants and needs: Is a golfcourse necessary?
What are your hobbies and can you pursue them there. What
other activities are there that you may wish to try in the
future. Do you want a resort-type active adult community.
Is having a college nearby important or your favorite medical
facilities. How about scenery. Is a view important to you.
Make a list putting your highest priorities first.
3) Decide on your budget: Do you wish to purchase or rent.
What is the homeowner's fee and what does it cover. Are there
any other fees. Make a list of your total expenses. What is
the policy regarding raising fees. Are there other active
adult community plans that you find more desirable than outright
purchase. There are many types of financial plans, however,
the most typical is purchase plus a fee. My fee covers property
tax and insurance, utilities, basic cable TV, security services,
Clubhouse, and amenities such as fitness center and tennis.
My tai chi class is an additional small fee. Usually there
is an extra fee for golf and outdoor pool. For the greatest
security, make sure you can cover your monthly expenses for
the rest of your life.
4) Make appointments to Visit: A good plan is to contact
the community or homebuilder and let them know you are interested.
I find the retirement community will then send a generous
packet of information. Sometimes they may have a visitor's
program offering a tour of the property and sometimes an overnight
stay at reasonable rates. Visiting gives you more detailed
information.
5) During your visit, be observant: Notice if the seniors
appear happy and active and sometimes greeting you. Ask them
if they like living there. Notice if the landscaping is well
kept and beautiful. What amenities are offered. Where do you
put out your trash and do your laundry. Seriously, both of
these are conveniently right outside my door. My trash shute
makes my life a lot easier. The building is cleaned every
week. Sometimes, of course, you will have your own machines
in your home. Make sure the floorplan makes your life easier.
Are there any unique health programs for seniors such as restaurants
serving a menu that is lower in fat, salt and sugar. Get the
newspaper or activities calendar and ask if there are resales,
check out the local real estate office. They can also give
you an objective opinion on the community.
6) Is there transportation for residents? Is there a shuttle
bus? This is wonderful if you take the one car to work and
your spouse stays home all day. You may not want the expense
of two cars anymore or any car at all. You don't want to be
stuck in your home and no way to get around. How far is the
shopping center. Can you walk?
7) Where are the grocery store and major shopping: Is there
a shopping center located nearby and where is the major shopping
mall. Ours is conveniently next to the community and we can
walk if we want to.
8) Emergency Services and Hospitals: Fortunately, most active
adult communities are located near these facilities since
adult community homebuilders know it is important. However,
some that are in more remote areas may not be near enough
and you may have to weigh this in your decision.
9) Security Services: What does this consist of? Is it an
electronic gate only, a 24-hour manned gate, or manned gate
and patrol. The manned gate plus 24-hour patrol is best. Our
security service also handles just about anything that may
come up that we need assistance with or are concerned about.
It is wonderful and gives so much peace of mind.
10) Now choose which communities you like best: Once you
are in a community, you will only then know how important
having all these conveniences will be to you. Get the names
of persons you came in contact with for any questions you
may have later. Narrow your list down to only one or two.
Get more details on the community and maybe try to rent there
first to try it out. Retirement communities usually have short-term
rentals available. You may wish to do a follow-up visit.
Choosing which adult community you will reside in will be
easier than you think. The people you come in contact with
at retirement communities are very gracious and helpful. Soon
you will enjoy the new sense of freedom and pleasure that
only a great active adult retirement community can offer.
Carol Fena http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com
(c)2006
About The Author
Carol Fena, after many years of real estate employment, resides
in an active adult retirement community and enjoys writing
articles about them for her website http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com
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