Where can I find 55+ Homes in Northern Virginia?
My name is Patty and I am a buyer agent here in Northern Virginia. I get calls weekly from people searching on line for main level living homes with little to no steps at least on the main level. The conversation always starts out the same.
Caller: Hi Patty, I am ready to downsize and I want to buy a home with main level living.
Me: I would be happy to help tell me what you are looking for.
Caller: I would like to have a home that is new or less than 10 years old and I would prefer if it is under $550,000.It does not need to have a big lot but I would prefer a little yard. It does not have to be a gated community although I would prefer it.
This is where the conversation turns to needs versus wants.
I know Prince William County and Eastern Fairfax County very well and what the caller has described is not a reality. Sadly land costs are such that in order for builders to build a main level living homes they must have wider lots. This adds to the price tag significantly because they can build fewer homes on the land.
Buyers will find plenty of rambler style homes scattered throughout both counties but most people cannot envision what is behind the front door. Most boomer buyer's idea of their next home does not match up to inventory we have available. Downsizing for many will mean decreasing the square footage of the home or finding a home with rooms in the right places but sadly in many cases that does not equal lower price! This is where the learning curve comes in and the compromises start. Saying goodbye to their larger luxury homes built over the last 20 years does not mean they are ready to say goodbye to high end finishes or luxury features. Let's face it a 50 + year old home in Fairfax County with 2000 sq ft does not have a private owners suite with luxury bath nor will it have a family room off the open kitchen. Unless of course it was a very high end home or has been completely reconfigured. If it has been it will have $$$$ in the price tag!
Last fall I had buyers call who were living and communiting 48 miles each way daily to work. They mentioned they were in their mid 50's and the daily commute was talking a toll on them. Commutingis eating up 20 hours a week! As we talked and worked together they quickley realized moving closer in would cut their commute but it would also require compromis in what they could afford. The closer in you are the higher the price or less sqaure footage you get for your budget.
They like so many had hoped to find a main level lining home priced under $600,000 that was less than 10 years old in Fairfax County.They just do not exist and I shared with them right now even if they increasd their budget above $750,000 they would not find what they were looking for. Next I shared with them what was possible. These were older homes that could meet the location andbudget requirement but they pales in comparision to what they had in their minds.
I call this that HGTV moment!
It is when a buyer realizes what they wanted is way out of your budget and they are not yet willing to compromise on wants just yet! Now for me the 48 mile commute each way would have been enough to make me compromise but I am not the buyer! I shared with them we could find what they were looking for if we cut their commute in half which was 22 miles. That was not enough to make them move so for now they do the commute. I sold the very house I was speaking to them about to another caller in a similar situation and they are enjoying life and say the shorter commute has been a blessing!
Builders are listening and are coming up with products that may offer a compromise in price and location. Expect to see Luxury Town Homes with Elevators in each unit in Fairfax County, 2 Car Garage Villas with luxury main level owners suites in Prince William County. I know my buyer from last fall will find what they are looking for by the end of 2017. I know right where it is going to be built! Time will tell if other buyers will bite on town homes and villas as a compromise to price, location and features.
In an effort to shorten your learning curve I have included the thirteen questions to ask yourself before starting your search to downsize. If there are two decision makers I would encourage you answer these questions separately and then come together to see which ones matched and where you may need to have some discussion.
Ask yourself what is most important?
1. 55+ Gated Community or Main level Living?
2. Do you need a Basement?
3. Do you want bedrooms on an upper level for guests or maybe just a loft or office?
4. Do you need a yard that can be fenced for pets? Most 55+ communities do not allow fences.
5. What rooms do I need in my next home?
6. What Is my budget? If it is between $650,000+ then Fairfax County may be an option
7. If your budget is between $550,000 and $650,000 you will find new homes in Prince William County
8. If your budget is between $400,000 and $549,000 you will be looking at older homes in Prince William County.
9. Ask yourself would I be open to a 2 Car Garage Main level Living Villa or Elevator Town Home?
8. If your budget is between $400,000 and $549,000 you will be looking at older homes in Prince William County.
9. Ask yourself would I be open to a 2 Car Garage Main level Living Villa or Elevator Town Home?
10. What is your frame for moving, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year?
11. Will you have anyone under 55 years of age the may stay with you for an extended time more than six weeks?
12. Will I need to sell my home before buying? Do you really know the answer based on today's lending guidelines?
13. Are you thinking about retiring or getting out of the military within the next year or two? If yes, we need to talk
sooner than later so you do not make a mistake.
13. Are you thinking about retiring or getting out of the military within the next year or two? If yes, we need to talk
sooner than later so you do not make a mistake.
Once you have given some thought to the questions above I would be honored to speak with you and walk you through your options. As a Buyer Specialist I pride myself on knowing where to find what you are looking for. My team mate and identical twin sister Peggy James is the listing specialist on the team. Together we can map out a time line and action steps to make your next move as stress free as possible. We have many local references of folks just like you who worked with us to achieve their goals We would be happy to introduce them to you so you can learn first hand how the process went.
We look forward to speaking with you soon!
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