real estate: If a Man Designed the Perfect Home, It Would Include… - 01/19/12 06:18 AM
A few weeks ago we did a post on “If A Woman Designed the Perfect Home, It Would Include…” We got an overwhelming response from our female readers, and even had some great comments about other attractions our aspiring female architects would put in their ideal retirement homes. Well, men, it is your turn. What home features do you want most?
We gave the matter some thought and came up with some ideas for a man’s approach to the perfect retirement home:
A Man Cave
The idea of a “man cave” has caught on in recent years, but the term means … (0 comments)

real estate: Want to Buy a Short Sale? Better Be Patient. - 01/01/12 08:21 AM
With the recent housing market turmoil, many potential homebuyers have begun to wonder if short sales are a good way to make the most of the current buyers’ market. While a short sale can sometimes lead to a great deal, the process is far from simple. It’s also less likely to be an option in active adult communities, where short sales are often harder to find.
In real estate, a home listed for short sale means that the lender has agreed to take a discounted payoff to release the mortgage. There are many reasons why a home may be listed as … (0 comments)

real estate: One Couple, Two Master Bedrooms: Trends in Active Adult Living - 11/04/11 08:28 AM
When looking at new construction homes, it’s not uncommon to find many floor plans that offer two master bedroom suites. While you might assume that the second master bedroom is for overnight guests, it’s likely that the design was created to give the option of “his and hers” owner suites.
Though some are reluctant to discuss it, many happily married couples have found that sleeping in separate bedrooms has many benefits. Separate bedrooms are not necessarily a sign of a marital rift or the end of intimacy. In fact, many couples report having a better sex life after moving into their … (1 comments)

real estate: 5 Secrets to Buying Your Retirement Home for Cheap - 10/19/11 06:50 AM
For retirees—or those who have retirement in sight—now is a great time to buy a retirement home. Prices are down in most communities and there are many fabulous homes on the market. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should run out and buy without a plan. Just a few simple tips will help you find a great deal and make the most of this buyers’ market.
1. Do Your Homework
By now, you have enough experience to understand that buying a home is a major investment. Perhaps you’ve owned a home (or many homes) before. While you may know more than … (5 comments)

real estate: What Happened to All the Included Features - 09/21/11 03:54 AM
During the height of the real estate boom, it was not unusual to find active adult communities advertising a wide range of high-end features which would be included as part of their new homes’ standard pricing. However, the market has changed and many communities appear to be switching back to their previous “everything is an option” mentality.
While it might seem like homebuyers are getting less features in today’s standard homes, this change may actually benefit many potential buyers by making new homes much more affordable.
Years ago, long before the housing bubble and its inevitable burst, new homebuyers expected to … (4 comments)

real estate: 8 Items to Check During a Home Inspection - 08/31/11 04:01 AM
When purchasing a home, having a professional home inspection is one of the most important steps that buyers can take to protect their investment. Even when a house appears to be in good condition, it may have expensive problems lurking beneath the surface. A detailed home inspection lets homebuyers make an informed decision about their purchase.
Homebuyers who want to save some money do have the options of performing their own home inspection or asking the seller to pay for a professional inspection. However, homebuyers will often get better results if they hire a professional and pay for the service themselves.
… (0 comments)

real estate: 8 Reasons to Use a REALTOR When Buying a New Home - 08/24/11 03:32 AM
When it comes to new construction homes, many buyers think that they can save some money by not using a real estate agent and, instead, buying directly from the builder’s sales agent. This is a myth, and one that can lead to costly mistakes.
If you are planning on buying a new construction home, do not talk to a builder’s sales agent—or sign anything!—until you have considered the following reasons for being represented by a Realtor:
1. The builder’s sales agents represent the builder, not you.
The sales agents who work for home builders can be very pleasant, friendly people. They … (2 comments)

real estate: Do Lower Home Prices Equal Lower Property Taxes? - 06/01/11 04:25 AM
As home values have fallen, most homeowners think that they will be paying less on property taxes. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, even in active adult communities. In fact, some homeowners have found that their property tax rates have gone up, despite the fact that their homes are worth less. How does this happen, and is there anything homeowners can do about it?
In most states, funds from property taxes are mainly given to local governments. They are then used to pay for schools, roads, police departments, fire departments and other community services. Local governments depend on the revenue … (5 comments)

real estate: Princeton Manor by Toll Brothers, Kendall Park, New Jersey - 05/27/11 02:30 AM

Princeton Manor is an exclusive gated community for adults age 55 and better. This elegant Toll Brothers community is located in the town of Kendall Park, New Jersey within Middlesex County. With just 349 single family ranch style homes, Princeton Manor has a private and prestigious feeling.
Kendall Park, NJ is just minutes from fantastic shopping and dining, golf courses, world-class healthcare facilities and beautiful state parks. Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing or biking will find a number of options at the areas parks such as the Washington Crossing Park, Brunswick Acres Park, Mercer County Park and more. Just … (0 comments)

real estate: City, Country or Suburbia – Where to Retire? - 05/22/11 08:49 AM
Arid deserts and sunny beaches are still popular retirement destinations, but there are no limits on the retirement dreams of today’s active adults. City, country or suburbia are all becoming accessible retirement locations, complete with active adult communities. This freedom lets retirees find the destination that is best for them, but it can sometimes make it more difficult to narrow down a new place to live.
There are a lot of differences between living in the city, country or suburbia. Each type of area has its own distinct style and environment. Which you choose depends mostly on the kind of lifestyle … (1 comments)

real estate: Is a New Home a Better Home? - 05/18/11 09:18 AM
When shopping for an active adult community, retirees are frequently drawn to the idea of buying a newly built home. However, for many active adults, choosing an available resale home ends up being a great alternative. There are pros and cons to either option, so it’s often best to learn more about each when looking for your next home.
Buying a new home, and being involved throughout the building process, gives you more control over many home design features. You can choose such basics as the lot, the floor plan and the exterior elevation. Many builders let you semi-customize your home … (0 comments)

real estate: Owning 2 Homes – Twice the Fun & Twice the Headaches - 05/04/11 08:37 AM
In theory, owning a second home, or “summer home,” sounds like the American Dream. Retirees can stay in the same residential area for most of the year, then whisk away when winter weather threatens. But does owning two homes live up to the hype?
Home ownership is a large investment and a major responsibility. Every house requires a certain amount of maintenance year-round. That maintenance needs to be completed whether you are currently living in the home or not. If you plan to leave each home empty while spending time in the other, your maintenance responsibilities will have to include securing … (0 comments)

real estate: 7 Awesome Tips to Sell Your Home Fast - 04/18/11 02:12 PM
For most homeowners, moving into a new home is dependent on selling their current home. This means that those who have contingency contracts may lose a chance to buy their new home if they can’t sell their current home quickly enough. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to sell your home fast.
1. Clear out the clutter.Having too much “stuff” laying around will make your house look smaller. Clutter is off-putting. It draws attention to your belongings and away from your house. When clearing clutter, don’t stop with just throwing out junk mail and magazines. Putting knickknacks, accent furniture … (4 comments)

real estate: New Versus Resale Homes: Which is Better? - 02/24/11 02:03 PM
When it comes to buying a home, some buyers have definite opinions about whether it’s better to buy a new construction or a resale home. Others are more open to what is available at the time they want to buy, and some buyers haven’t given the matter much thought at all.
Deciding between a new construction or a resale home is largely a matter of preference, as each option has its own benefits. For those who are undecided, and even those with definite opinions, it’s a good idea to understand some of the benefits of each option before buying.
With a … (2 comments)

real estate: Heritage Creek, Milton, Delaware - 01/16/11 03:33 PM
Delaware active adults in search of a lovely community brimming with neighborhood charm will love Heritage Creek in Milton, Delaware. The homes of Heritage Creek feature unique architectural details ranging from Victorian moldings and turrets to wide Craftsman porches. Open to residents of all ages, Heritage Creek appeals to active adults in search of meticulous attention-to-detail. The community features beautiful curb appeal, lush landscaping and tree lined streets all of which add to the neighborhood charm.
Delaware is a tax-friendly state for retirement and Milton is especially attractive thanks to its charming historic district and recreational opportunities all within walking distance … (0 comments)

real estate: 5 Great Low Cost Cities to Retire - 01/09/11 05:53 AM
For retirees on a fixed income, finding great low cost cities is a must. Fortunately, there are several popular retirement destinations which offer affordable housing and a low cost of living, while still providing plenty of attractions to support a healthy active adult lifestyle.
1. Fort Myers, Florida
Situated just 40 miles north of Naples, Fort Myers offers many of the same geographical draws, but with a lower cost of living. As a major tourist destination, Fort Myers (pictured left) offers plenty of attractions to entertain active adults. The Gulf Coast Town Center provides an exciting mix of casual and upscale … (1 comments)

real estate: For Sale By Owner – Can It Work For You? - 01/06/11 06:26 AM
When selling your home, the For Sale By Owner route may seem like an attractive way to save money. By cutting out the middleman, you could keep the entire profit of the sale for yourself. However, choosing to sell your home yourself comes with certain risks, and it may not be the most effective approach in today’s challenging market.
As a homeowner, there are several areas you should consider before taking the For Sale By Owner route. First of all, the over-saturated housing market likely has you at a disadvantage. Sales may be starting to pick up, but in most areas, … (2 comments)

real estate: South Florida Real Estate Showing Signs of Life - 12/26/10 02:12 PM
South Florida has been a popular retirement spot for decades. The sunny beaches, spectacular golf courses, fantastic attractions and resort-style communities draw active adult retirees year after year. However, as in other parts of the country, South Florida’s housing market has been hit hard. As the economy begins to slowly rebound, is South Florida real estate showing signs of life?
According to a recent report by Zillow.com, about 45 percent of homes sold in September in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties went for a loss. Yet, despite this gloomy news, local real estate agents are seeing positive signs in some … (3 comments)