Home > Blogs > Gloria Ruesch > Gloria Ruesch's (ebagloriaruesch) Blog
bookmark_borderbookmark

Is anyone else dealing with multi-generational living with clients?

By
Real Estate Agent with NP Dodge Real Estate
Since my good friend Kel brought up issues facing baby boomers (yes that's us), have any of you had to deal with finding a home that works for multi-generational families?   Are those families at the multi-generational stage now, or do they just know that they will be soon?  I have a client who is looking at new construction, knowing that her Mom and Dad will be a part of the household within the next few years.  It's hard to plan for that, not knowing when, if or how to make room for them, especially without everyone on board with the plan.  Does anyone else have experience with this?

Comments (6)
Subscribe to CommentsComment

Submit
Show All Comments
Kel LaBranche
Buy USA Real Estate - Vero Beach, FL
Vero Beach, Florida EBA

Hello Gloria,

Yes, in fact, I have!  My wife's family and myself and a couple of buyer clients have all purchased and own several duplexes.  If large enough, they can be perfect for housing parents as well as extended family for any  number of reasons.  My recently graduated brother-in-law has used one of the units for several years while attending college.  Now, another family member is moving in for a couple of years while attending a local nursing program.

Here also, we have many homes built with seperate in-law suites included as well as seperate stand-alone guest houes attached by a covered walkway.

Feb 29, 2008 02:09 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA - Bristow, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA
I have met some families who are looking for the future, with plans of Mom and Dad moving in with them.  But it's hard to help a client like this unless they are willing to get the parents involved as well.    And somehow, any home I show these people will fall short of their expectations.  It's a tough one to deal with.
Mar 03, 2008 06:01 AM
Anonymous
Kel LaBranche
Gloria, If you have a client that is looking at new construction, then can't they have something custom-built which works for them?
Mar 05, 2008 12:48 AM
#3
Gloria Ruesch
NP Dodge Real Estate - Omaha, NE
Real Estate Agent - Nebraska- Iowa
Yes, we can, Kel, but since Mom and Dad aren't quite ready, they aren't sure whether to build their own dream home with future room for the parents, or to build rooms for Mom and Dad from the get go knowing that they are going to be there eventually.  We also are looking at future marketability of the home so we want to stay away from mother-in-law quarters which are a hindrance in this market. I think we've settled on a three bedroom with a master suite and two bedrooms and bath together for future parents, but a powder room elsewhere so no one has to use the parent's bath.  Keeping the square footage affordable is the main goal.  Keeping spaces private is a challenge. 
Mar 05, 2008 01:49 AM
Tony Venuti
Grants Pass, OR

Two of my sales last year were for multi-generational families (one with mom living with them, the other was mom buying and 40 yo daughter and boyfriend living with her.  I have a couple others that want multiple homes on the same property so family can be close by. I think this is a trend that will be with us for quite a while.

Mar 13, 2008 08:14 AM
Gloria Ruesch
NP Dodge Real Estate - Omaha, NE
Real Estate Agent - Nebraska- Iowa
Teresa - That is so true.  My clients are ready to move now into their home moving toward retirement but know that aging parents will be with them within a few years.  It's tough to decide exactly how to fit the present and future needs and still keep a marketable house in case the world changes.
Mar 13, 2008 02:49 PM
Back to Top
Rainer
7,160

GloriaRuesch

Real Estate Agent - Nebraska- Iowa
Profile
Blog
local_phone(402) 669-0886
smartphone(402) 669-0886
Contact The Author

Recent Posts

View more Recent Posts   arrow_forwards

What's the reason you're reporting this blog entry?

Are you sure you want to report this blog entry as spam?