Are you dreaming of a home with a Main Level Owners Suite?
This past year I have worked with four couples who were Baby Boomers who owned older three level homes and were ready to downsize their homes and more importantly get the main level living they longed for. All owned homes that were 25+ years old and their owners suites were on the upper floor and they were ready to simplify life. Each had or knew someone who had suffered a medical issue that got them thinking
"What if I can't climb stairs in the future?"
With each set of buyers, the quest was to find a 2000 sq ft home with main level living, three bedrooms at least two and a half baths and a finished basement, 2 car garage and a nice yard backing to trees or a view of some kind. The ideal Price range for all four couples was $550,000 or below and gated community would be ideal.
Sounds reasonable right?
With each couple, we started the search with main level owners suite because this was really the biggest motivator to move for each of them.
Here is what happen with each
Couple 1- They were looking for a 55+gated community that offered security and amenities. They thought they would be downsizing from their 2200 sq ft three level home with an unfinished basement. 
In reality in order to find the lifestyle they longed for plus the main level living they ended up finding their ideal home in the Regency at Dominion Valley.
It was stunning with a beautiful view for their senior years but the price well above what they were selling. They decided to give themselves the gift of main level living and the lifestyle they longed for. They spent in the high 700's.
Couple 2 - Started out looking in Western Prince William County and after an exhaustive search over several months realized that the homes in the communities they thought they loved just were not in their price range. These folks lived in a lovely planned community built in the 80's and had 3000 sq ft in their home. It had all the right size spaces just not where they needed them most.
Does that sound familiar?
This is the comment I hear most from my main level buyers. In fact, most would want a smaller home that lives well if they could find it.Their favorite community was Dominion Valley but to get what they wanted they needed to spend up in the $700,000+ range.
They loved the Regency section which was 55+ but since they had an adult son they wanted to have the option for him to come back to live with them if needed so 55+ was out of the question.
So we continued the search to the eastern side of the community and they found a lovely New Construction Home called the Chamberlin with open concept main level living that met all their criteria except price. They did an extensive search for months and found to get what they wanted they would need to spend more than they had planned. In the end this was This was going to be their retirement home so it was worth it. Interest rates were in our favor and they are now loving no stairs to climb
Couple 3- They owned a lovely home in Lake Ridge Area and needed a home that would accommodate three generations. Again they preferred to stay in the mid-county area but we quickly learned there were no options for them. When most of the homes were built in Prince William County they did not have main level bedrooms unless they were a custom home and then they were very pricey. With three generations again the 55+ gated communities had the ideal floor plans but the rules were too restrictive and were not going to work.
We needed to increase the budget to find a home that would accommodate three generations and again Ryan Homes had the answer but on the Eastern Side of the county. Like all my buyers sticker shock sets in as they realize what they needed could not be had for less! In the end, they purchased a lovely to be built a home and were able to customize to their needs. It looks small, but it is over 4500 sq ft finished and even has 20 ft ceilings and a loft! I am happy to say everyone is Happy, Healthy and living under one roof.
I love the Barn Red Color
Couple 4 - Owned a lovely home in the heart of the Prince William County and wanted to find a smaller home that lived well they just did not need 5,000 sq ft any longer. Their main goal was to find main level living home that would accommodate their Mom coming to live with them if needed. So they needed two bedrooms on the main level. They also had dogs so they needed a yard that could be fenced. They thought they had found the ideal home at Four Seasons a 55+ Gated Community in Dumfries until they realized they could not fence the yards. So although the price was under $500,000 and the floor plan and lot were ideal it was not an option! Again the only option that would work was new construction and well above the target price range of $550,000. They found lovely main level living floorplans with a builder in Mid-County, but the lots were so small and the price tag to get what they needed and wanted would be in the $690,000 range. They really did not like the idea of waiting 4 months to build.These folks got lucky and found an Immediate Delivery home and will move in before Christmas.
The point of this story if you are looking for Main level living in Prince William County expect to spend $675,000+ for a home if you like newer or updated home.
That is the reality right now unless you want a home that was built 30 years ago with small bedrooms and typically hall baths. Some owners have converted older homes and done some updates, but they are hard to find and typically sell quickly. Builders in Prince William County advertise starting in the high 400's but once you add the items you need and want the price tag soars. I helped each of these buyers look at the big picture and take into account the savings they would have over their older present home. When you take into account maintenance and utility bills the prices become more affordable.
* Little or No Maintenance for the Next 15 +years
* Lower Utilities Due to being Energy Efficient
* A larger tax write-off than they presently have
* Lower Interest Rate than on their present home and in some cases a better loan than they had.
* An easier lifestyle with main level living, will give them peace of mind as they age into their senior years.
* Great Resale potential due to so many looking for the same thing if their situation changes.
Finding the right home for your needs is a process and if you can convey to me your needs and wants as a Buyer Specialist I can help you work through the options, compare them and help you to look at the big picture. I have worked in and around Prince William and Fairfax County for the past 30+ years and know where to find what you are looking for. I know I can save you time, stress and money when you buy your next home.
It all starts with a conversation so Let's talk, Give me a call at 703-801-9367.
Contact Patty Now
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