Looking to ease your way into an Active Adult Lifestyle?
Here are a few great tips from Kathi Casey, ERYT, CPI:
It’s all about those first “baby steps”: start out with a few easy, fun exercises and stay with those until you’re ready to add one or two more. It doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to work your way up to 10 or 12 exercises, what matters is finding something that you enjoy.
Setting small, achievable goals is important for your success. This is a secret that the best Olympic coaches use when training young athletes, and it works for anyone at any age. When you continue to achieve your goals, you feel great and you want to keep going.
Active Adult Communities
Here’s a simple exercise to try:
While on the couch watching TV, lie on your side and raise your top leg up toward the ceiling slowly while inhaling to the count of 5 (slowly – it’s not a race) and then exhale 5 counts while you bring it back down. Do 2 or 3 to begin with, making sure that you breathe deeply and make your movements slow and purposeful. If you try to throw your leg up into the air you will be using momentum instead of leg muscles and you’ll be throwing your hip joint out – not fun! During a commercial, sit back up slowly and carefully and then lie on your opposite side to work your other leg. This is easy and you don’t need to set aside extra time from your busy schedule. Set an achievable goal for yourself like doing 2 or 3 leg raises on each side for 2 weeks. You’ll feel so good when you complete that goal that you’ll be ready to add more! At your own pace, work up to doing 10 on each side.
The muscles that you use with this easy, slow, purposeful leg raise are those deep muscles that are so important for strength and balance. And did you know that when you build lean muscle, your body burns more fat to keep those lean muscles working? This means that the more you do this simple, easy exercise – the higher you’ll be able to lift that leg, and then the more repetitions you’ll be able to do, and then the INCHES will drop from your thighs and hips! In fact, I recommend that you measure your thighs before you begin and then again after one month. You will see and feel a difference and that will encourage you to keep going. Now, understand that you may not have lost any weight during that month because muscle weighs more than fat, but you’ll fit into you jeans a little better, and your friends and family will begin commenting that you look “fabulous” and asking what you’re doing different.
When you have a minute, take out a pen and paper and write down some of the activities you loved as a kid. Was tennis your game? How about riding a bike? I’m sure you’ll find something that has slipped out of your life due to busy careers, raising families, etc. Now is the time to go back to those activities and have fun while getting fit at the same time.
For information about Active Adult Living Communities visit www.trilogylife.com.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Retirement Communities Suited to Your Active Living Style
No matter what your taste, retirement communities for active adults are built just for you...
Imagine enjoying your retirement years...
...minutes outside of Seattle among towering pines that bring a breath of fresh air that allows you to choose or pace of life, or
...enjoying views of California's central coast while sipping a glass of local wine and knowing that you are only a few hours drive from a trip to San Francisco or Los Angeles, or
...soaking in year-round sunshine, beautiful mountain vistas and taking your best swing on PGA quality golf courses, or
...working on your Florida tan while taking in the sights of Orlando...
Ready to enjoy a new home in a community suited to your active living style?
To explore active adult retirement communities in these areas and more, visit www.trilogylife.com.
Imagine enjoying your retirement years...
...minutes outside of Seattle among towering pines that bring a breath of fresh air that allows you to choose or pace of life, or
...enjoying views of California's central coast while sipping a glass of local wine and knowing that you are only a few hours drive from a trip to San Francisco or Los Angeles, or
...soaking in year-round sunshine, beautiful mountain vistas and taking your best swing on PGA quality golf courses, or
...working on your Florida tan while taking in the sights of Orlando...
Ready to enjoy a new home in a community suited to your active living style?
To explore active adult retirement communities in these areas and more, visit www.trilogylife.com.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Swimming Good Exercise for Baby Boomers
Active Adult Living Retirement Communities
There are an increasing number of people that are starting to want to improve there health and baby boomers are no exception. Swimming appears to be one of the most popular forms of exercise among the baby boomers. Swimming provides a full body workout without the danger of overdoing it because it is one of the least stressful forms of exercise that you can do.
Most people do not realize all of the benefits that can be obtained from swimming. Swimming and water exercise is the second best form of exercise that has the lowest rate for injuries. Walking is still the leader in that aspect for low injury rates. There is a great deal of doctors that will recommend that you do water exercises so that you can strengthen your muscles without harming your recovery. Swimming is great physical therapy for people of all ages no matter what their current physical condition is.
Baby boomers like swimming as it allows them to utilize almost all of their major muscle groups at the same time, so that they can get a complete total body workout with minimal strain. The water works as a great form of resistance so that you can use it as strength training and even for aerobic exercises. The baby boomers like water fitness as it can work well for people of all fitness levels. It can help people strengthen their muscles and build up their endurance as well as making them much more flexible.
Many people are not aware that swimming actually provides almost all of the same effects as running does. The difference between running and swimming is that you are not putting a strain on your connective tissues as you do when you are running or doing weight training. Many baby boomers find that swimming allows them to easily maintain the fitness lever or to improve on it as well. You can also do exercise in water more often then you could if you were doing them out of water because the amount of injuries is so low. When you are in water, your body weight is reduced my nearly 90% your movements are 12 times greater then just doing them in the air, therefore you can do much more while in the water.
You will want to look into swimming for your recreational activities if you are from the baby boomer era and want to maintain an active adult lifestyle. Not only will swimming help to fill your need for exercise but it is safe as well. This low impact form of exercise can help to increase the amount of range of motion that you have as well. You will want to talk to your doctor to make sure that you are doing the right thing as with any new exercise program that you begin. To ensure you are not over doing it your doctor will be able to suggest some water exercises to suit your actual fitness level.
Swimming as exercise for baby boomers is a popular pastime as more and more baby boomers near and enter the retirement phase of their lives.
If you are looking for retirement communities that cater to active adult lifestyles, visit http://www.trilogylife.com/.
Article provided by Juliette Crane of Women's Health.
There are an increasing number of people that are starting to want to improve there health and baby boomers are no exception. Swimming appears to be one of the most popular forms of exercise among the baby boomers. Swimming provides a full body workout without the danger of overdoing it because it is one of the least stressful forms of exercise that you can do.
Most people do not realize all of the benefits that can be obtained from swimming. Swimming and water exercise is the second best form of exercise that has the lowest rate for injuries. Walking is still the leader in that aspect for low injury rates. There is a great deal of doctors that will recommend that you do water exercises so that you can strengthen your muscles without harming your recovery. Swimming is great physical therapy for people of all ages no matter what their current physical condition is.
Baby boomers like swimming as it allows them to utilize almost all of their major muscle groups at the same time, so that they can get a complete total body workout with minimal strain. The water works as a great form of resistance so that you can use it as strength training and even for aerobic exercises. The baby boomers like water fitness as it can work well for people of all fitness levels. It can help people strengthen their muscles and build up their endurance as well as making them much more flexible.
Many people are not aware that swimming actually provides almost all of the same effects as running does. The difference between running and swimming is that you are not putting a strain on your connective tissues as you do when you are running or doing weight training. Many baby boomers find that swimming allows them to easily maintain the fitness lever or to improve on it as well. You can also do exercise in water more often then you could if you were doing them out of water because the amount of injuries is so low. When you are in water, your body weight is reduced my nearly 90% your movements are 12 times greater then just doing them in the air, therefore you can do much more while in the water.
You will want to look into swimming for your recreational activities if you are from the baby boomer era and want to maintain an active adult lifestyle. Not only will swimming help to fill your need for exercise but it is safe as well. This low impact form of exercise can help to increase the amount of range of motion that you have as well. You will want to talk to your doctor to make sure that you are doing the right thing as with any new exercise program that you begin. To ensure you are not over doing it your doctor will be able to suggest some water exercises to suit your actual fitness level.
Swimming as exercise for baby boomers is a popular pastime as more and more baby boomers near and enter the retirement phase of their lives.
If you are looking for retirement communities that cater to active adult lifestyles, visit http://www.trilogylife.com/.
Article provided by Juliette Crane of Women's Health.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Retirement Community Living: An Environment for Healthy Aging
Active Adult Living Communities
As more of the population pushes the previous life-span boundaries, more and more of us become concerned with aging in such a way that we can maintain our quality of life. Of course, at the core of healthy aging is making good choices about eating right, maintaining a healthy body weight, and having regular medical checkups, but did you know that where you live can have a factor in your overall health as well?
In many neighborhoods there may not be readily available exercise facilities or social opportunities. This can make it difficult for retired people to maintain a previously healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just include exercise, but also social connections and mental stimulation as well. All of these factors can be supported by living in a new home in a good retirement community. Exercise helps keep up Active Adult Living and even moderate exercise can help keep you more mobile and able to enjoy both daily life as well as special outings.
Mental exercise is also an important factor to consider; the more mental stimulation we participate in, the sharper our minds remain. Mental exercise can be as simple as having regular trips to the library for reading materials, playing a game of bingo with friends, visiting a local museum, or connecting with friends and family. Both kinds of exercise also help keep our stress levels down as well. Prolonged stress can deteriorate most of the systems of the body and even affect your memory. Enjoying a relaxing and active adult living environment can be one way to help combat stress in your life.
A good retirement community can help you with all of these issues and more. It might include such simple elements as walking paths and close proximity to shopping, medical care, as well as entertainment such as a theatre. Some retirement communities have swimming pools or shuffleboard as well, giving you that holiday cruise feel!
Some aspects of healthy living, such as choosing whether or not to smoke, having regular medical checkups, and eating healthy are very personal decisions; while other aspects can be greatly influenced by the environment you live in. Whether choosing either a new residence for living in all year round, or just winter accommodations to help you escape a harsh climate, keep in mind what kind of environment would support you best in your retirement.
For information about Active Adult Living Communities visit www.trilogylife.com.
This article provided by the Editor of Medical Rag.
As more of the population pushes the previous life-span boundaries, more and more of us become concerned with aging in such a way that we can maintain our quality of life. Of course, at the core of healthy aging is making good choices about eating right, maintaining a healthy body weight, and having regular medical checkups, but did you know that where you live can have a factor in your overall health as well?
In many neighborhoods there may not be readily available exercise facilities or social opportunities. This can make it difficult for retired people to maintain a previously healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just include exercise, but also social connections and mental stimulation as well. All of these factors can be supported by living in a new home in a good retirement community. Exercise helps keep up Active Adult Living and even moderate exercise can help keep you more mobile and able to enjoy both daily life as well as special outings.
Mental exercise is also an important factor to consider; the more mental stimulation we participate in, the sharper our minds remain. Mental exercise can be as simple as having regular trips to the library for reading materials, playing a game of bingo with friends, visiting a local museum, or connecting with friends and family. Both kinds of exercise also help keep our stress levels down as well. Prolonged stress can deteriorate most of the systems of the body and even affect your memory. Enjoying a relaxing and active adult living environment can be one way to help combat stress in your life.
A good retirement community can help you with all of these issues and more. It might include such simple elements as walking paths and close proximity to shopping, medical care, as well as entertainment such as a theatre. Some retirement communities have swimming pools or shuffleboard as well, giving you that holiday cruise feel!
Some aspects of healthy living, such as choosing whether or not to smoke, having regular medical checkups, and eating healthy are very personal decisions; while other aspects can be greatly influenced by the environment you live in. Whether choosing either a new residence for living in all year round, or just winter accommodations to help you escape a harsh climate, keep in mind what kind of environment would support you best in your retirement.
For information about Active Adult Living Communities visit www.trilogylife.com.
This article provided by the Editor of Medical Rag.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Active Adult Resort Living - Retirement Communities
At Trilogy, we simply don't believe in cookie-cutter homes. Instead, each community offers a variety of floor plans that honor the local design style, from desert contemporary in Arizona to bungalow influences in coastal California.
All of our homes are finished with flexible living space you can tailor to fit the way you want to live -- including options from a separate casita for visiting guests to an office studio to your own cigar and wine tasting rooms.
At Trilogy, it's about combining the ease and value of a production home with the advantages of custom; it means you get a home that's uniquely yours without all the hassle (or expense!).
Click to learn about our Retirement Communities today!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
US Census Reports 78 Million Baby Boomers: New Homes Cater to Active Adult Living
In its first report on Baby Boomers in 13 years, a new US Census Bureau analysis of 2006 data released in November 2009, found that California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania are the five US states with the largest numbers of Baby Boomers. In 2006, Baby Boomers age 42 to 60 totaled an estimated 78.0 million and comprised 26.1% of the total U.S. population.
With 78 million people nearing retirement age, it is not surprising that retirement, or “Active Adult Living”, communities catering to the needs and interests of the Baby Boomer generation are increasing in popularity.
Some new home builders even offer a resort-like lifestyle in the form of forward-thinking, master-planned communities complete with diverse amenities like world-class resort clubs, tons of recreation choices, restaurants, scenery, and spa services.
WOW....Who wouldn’t want the live that way….EVERY day?!!!
If you are in the market for a new home in an active adult living community look into the amazing, eco-friendly, energy efficient new home communities located in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania by Trilogy of Shea Homes.
For more information on the November 2009 census on Baby Boomers visit www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/age/2006%20Baby%20Boomers.pdf
With 78 million people nearing retirement age, it is not surprising that retirement, or “Active Adult Living”, communities catering to the needs and interests of the Baby Boomer generation are increasing in popularity.
Some new home builders even offer a resort-like lifestyle in the form of forward-thinking, master-planned communities complete with diverse amenities like world-class resort clubs, tons of recreation choices, restaurants, scenery, and spa services.
WOW....Who wouldn’t want the live that way….EVERY day?!!!
If you are in the market for a new home in an active adult living community look into the amazing, eco-friendly, energy efficient new home communities located in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania by Trilogy of Shea Homes.
For more information on the November 2009 census on Baby Boomers visit www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/age/2006%20Baby%20Boomers.pdf
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Baby Boomer retirees and your active adult development
The market for retirement housing is fundamentally different from that of traditional housing. Unlike working adults, retirees can choose where they live without the restrictions of a job. Thus, a potential retired active adult home buyer can live almost anywhere. With an estimated 74 million people headed for retirement over the next 20 years, the scope of the potential active adult housing market is tremendous. If, as expected, about 20 percent of the retiring Baby Boomers relocate to another state, that will result in about 15 million interstate migrant retirees over the next 20 years. In contrast, only about 4 million Silent Generation retirees (the Baby Boomers' parents) moved to a new state after they retired.
Retirement Communities
Because the scope of the potential active adult home buyer market is so large, it also indicates that the cost of marketing a housing development may be quite high. This cost, however, can be mitigated by marketing only to those potential migrant retirees who are most likely to relocate to the community where the active adult development is located. This targeted marketing strategy involves determining what will attract Baby Boomer retirees to the active adult development.
Using data about the retirement behavior of those Baby Boomers who have already retired and the retirement behavior of the War Babies (those born between 1941 and 1946), we believe that future Baby Boomer retirees will be amenity migrants, not sun migrants. Unlike their parents (the Silent Generation), retiring Baby Boomers are looking for more than a warm place to relax. For Baby Boomers, retirement is the beginning of the second half of their lives. They are looking forward to pursuing personal interests and goals which they had to postpone because of jobs or children. In short, they are selecting their retirement destination because of a lifestyle they desire.
Because the scope of the potential active adult home buyer market is so large, it also indicates that the cost of marketing a housing development may be quite high. This cost, however, can be mitigated by marketing only to those potential migrant retirees who are most likely to relocate to the community where the active adult development is located. This targeted marketing strategy involves determining what will attract Baby Boomer retirees to the active adult development.
Using data about the retirement behavior of those Baby Boomers who have already retired and the retirement behavior of the War Babies (those born between 1941 and 1946), we believe that future Baby Boomer retirees will be amenity migrants, not sun migrants. Unlike their parents (the Silent Generation), retiring Baby Boomers are looking for more than a warm place to relax. For Baby Boomers, retirement is the beginning of the second half of their lives. They are looking forward to pursuing personal interests and goals which they had to postpone because of jobs or children. In short, they are selecting their retirement destination because of a lifestyle they desire.
Resort Retirement Communities
For these amenity migrants, it will be the lifestyle of the community where an active adult development is located that will first attract retirees, not the development itself. In marketing such a development, it is essential to place an emphasis on marketing the lifestyle of the community. The first step in developing a targeted marketing plan for an active adult development is to identify the lifestyle of the community where your development is located. Points to keep in mind when doing a lifestyle assessment include:
Don't try to be everything to everybody.
Identify your competition by assessing your community's amenity strengths and weaknesses.
Identify amenities that enhance the lifestyle desired by your potential Baby Boomer retirees.
Recognize that Baby Boomer retirees want to live among people with similar socioeconomic backgrounds.
Green is growing. For many Baby Boomers, the environment is king.
Once you have completed a lifestyle assessment, you are ready to undertake a targeted marketing campaign. Key points of this campaign include:
Focus advertising on people who want the kind of lifestyle that your community offers.
Cooperation is key. If you want to attract Baby Boomer retirees, make it easy.
Marketing your active adult development requires more than simply placing advertisements.
Once interest has been indicated by a response to your advertising, develop and use online resources and tools to keep potential homebuyers appraised of developments.
Use ambassador groups of existing retirees.
Develop and use a customer relations management system.
Currently, the average person retires at age 63. This indicates that some of the War Babies and Baby Boomers have already retired. However, not as many people as expected have retired during the last several years. which shows that an increasing number of Baby Boomers are postponing their retirement and are waiting for an economic recovery before making their decision. This is analogous to water building up behind a dam. If the dam were to break, a flood would ensue. Similarly, when sufficient confidence in an economic recovery occurs, many of those Baby Boomers who have postponed retirement will decide to retire, and the active adult housing market will experience a flood of relocating Baby Boomer retirees.
When this will happen? That date is subject to speculation, but most experts agree it will occur by 2011. Because of the time required to collect the market research for producing and implementing a successful targeted lifestyle marketing campaign, developers that prepare now for the inevitable flood of Baby Boomer retirees will have the best chance of attracting them. Now is the time to plan a lifestyle marketing campaign for your active adult development.
Sharon Lee Metz is President of Lifestyle Marketing and Sales Group, LLC. She is in the process of relocating to Lexington from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
For these amenity migrants, it will be the lifestyle of the community where an active adult development is located that will first attract retirees, not the development itself. In marketing such a development, it is essential to place an emphasis on marketing the lifestyle of the community. The first step in developing a targeted marketing plan for an active adult development is to identify the lifestyle of the community where your development is located. Points to keep in mind when doing a lifestyle assessment include:
Don't try to be everything to everybody.
Identify your competition by assessing your community's amenity strengths and weaknesses.
Identify amenities that enhance the lifestyle desired by your potential Baby Boomer retirees.
Recognize that Baby Boomer retirees want to live among people with similar socioeconomic backgrounds.
Green is growing. For many Baby Boomers, the environment is king.
Once you have completed a lifestyle assessment, you are ready to undertake a targeted marketing campaign. Key points of this campaign include:
Focus advertising on people who want the kind of lifestyle that your community offers.
Cooperation is key. If you want to attract Baby Boomer retirees, make it easy.
Marketing your active adult development requires more than simply placing advertisements.
Once interest has been indicated by a response to your advertising, develop and use online resources and tools to keep potential homebuyers appraised of developments.
Use ambassador groups of existing retirees.
Develop and use a customer relations management system.
Currently, the average person retires at age 63. This indicates that some of the War Babies and Baby Boomers have already retired. However, not as many people as expected have retired during the last several years. which shows that an increasing number of Baby Boomers are postponing their retirement and are waiting for an economic recovery before making their decision. This is analogous to water building up behind a dam. If the dam were to break, a flood would ensue. Similarly, when sufficient confidence in an economic recovery occurs, many of those Baby Boomers who have postponed retirement will decide to retire, and the active adult housing market will experience a flood of relocating Baby Boomer retirees.
When this will happen? That date is subject to speculation, but most experts agree it will occur by 2011. Because of the time required to collect the market research for producing and implementing a successful targeted lifestyle marketing campaign, developers that prepare now for the inevitable flood of Baby Boomer retirees will have the best chance of attracting them. Now is the time to plan a lifestyle marketing campaign for your active adult development.
Sharon Lee Metz is President of Lifestyle Marketing and Sales Group, LLC. She is in the process of relocating to Lexington from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Retirement Communities
Retirement Communities are not what they were in the past and in many cases - there is a clear line which defines a quality retirement community based on the lifestyle of the buyer. The baby boomer 55+ new homes buyers are far more active and looking to retire to a resort with amenities which provide a wonderful and active lifestyle. These new "active adults" have helped create a new type of retirement community - those which feature world class resort amenities available as part of your daily routine.
Here is a look at Trilogy Life by Shea Homes
Living at Trilogy is like like visiting a resort...without that looming check-out date. From delicious restaurants to PGA Tour-quality golf courses to championship tennis courts to Resort Clubs with full-service spas that inspire awe, Trilogy is your home to the best amenities in the business.
To learn more about some of our amazing resort-like amenities, navigate the items below or select a community from our "Locations" button above. Better yet, schedule a visit so you can experience what we have to offer in person.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Retirement Communities and Retirement?
Someone recently asked me what I planned to do when I retired. "Retire?" I asked. "I'm not planning to retire!" I can't think of anything much worse. What would I do if I weren't pursuing my passion? Yes, my work is my passion and I hope to be pursuing it for many more years.
Sure, I like to travel, just not for long periods of time. I don't play golf. I do mess around in my garden, but this only takes a few hours of my week. I love to read, but I couldn't read all day, every day. I want to continue writing books and articles and speaking to groups about my favorite topics. But, I want to do all of this when I want to do it!
Learn More about Retirement Communities
Does this sound familiar? As a Baby Boomer, what is in your future? Do you have a vision of your life ten, twenty, even thirty years down the road? What does your next chapter look like? If you are like most Boomers, you may be searching for a new career. You may have a desire for personal reinvention. If you need some help, I highly recommend Ellen Freudenheim's book, Looking Forward, An Optimist's Guide to Retirement. Ellen offers a wealth of information and ideas on this very subject.
Been there, done that…
We Boomers have always been anti-authoritarian, idealistic, self-empowered, and willing to embrace change. Is it any wonder the world is sitting on the edge of its seat waiting to see what we're going to do next?
We've paid our dues: went to college, got married, had kids. But now it's time to leave our comfort zones behind. It's time to get involved again. In fact, a recent study found that 25 million Boomers already do volunteer work.
What is in your future? Have you planned for it? Are you prepared for it? Believe me, this isn't just about money. It's about life your life!
What brings you pleasure? What have you always wanted to try but kept putting off? Would you enjoy volunteering your time to work with kids, build a house, rescue animals? Would you like to go back to school to finally get that elusive degree, or just study something that you've always wanted to learn?
The reason why
The reason I'm asking these questions is this. Do you know that a lot of people, in both the public and private sectors, are spending a lot of time visioning, planning, and developing programs for us post-retirement Boomers? Yes someone is making decisions about your future! Has anyone asked you what YOU want? Haven't you always resisted and resented anyone telling you what to do? In his book, Prime Time, Marc Freedman says, "Transforming the aging of America will require new ideas and new policies and a new constituency for change…"
If we don't want to be part of the herd being driven into those boxes, what are we going to do about it? Isn't it time we begin speaking up? I don't know about you, but I don't want to be told where I'm going to live when I'm 80. I don't want to be told how much money I can make without incurring a penalty. We may have to revert to the stand up, sit in, drop out, protest-anything-resembling-authority people we were in the sixties and seventies. I want to drive the ideas that go into creating those new policies, don't you?
Come on Boomers! We've changed every decade we've lived in thus far. Is that really going to change as we turn sixty...seventy...eighty? We must leave apathy in the rocking chair: step up, speak out, and create programs and opportunities that will work for our unique generation. Don't wait for someone else to do it for you.
Once again, Boomers, it's up to us to make a difference!
Click to Learn more about Resort Retirement Communities
Linda Thompson is the author of Every Generation Needs a New Revolution, How Six Generations Across Nine Decades can Find Harmony and Peaceful Coexistence, Planning for Tomorrow, Your Passport to a Confident Future, a common sense approach to life planning; and A Caregiver’s Journey, You Are Not Alone, a survival guide for working caregivers. To find out more about Linda’s presentations, workshops and publications, visit LifePathSolutions.biz.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Active Adult Communities – on the Rise
Active Adult Communities – on the Rise
By Senitra HorbrookCommunities catering to active adults are springing up in rapid numbers. Research from the National Association of Home Builders found that more than 100,000 units constructed in 2008 will be targeted to this growing niche market. Growing just as fast are the number of adults 55 and older, which is expected to
exceed 85 million by 2014.
But if they build it, will active adults come?
So far, they have and the reasons why active adults are choosing age restricted communities are quite
varied.
“We wanted to downsize and get something smaller,” said Beverly Massi, a 68-year-old who sold a single family home on one acre in Elmer, NJ nearly two years ago, to move with her husband to a school converted to condos for active adults in Clayton, NJ.
“This particular one was cost-effective and more reasonable than anything else around. We had been looking at another community nearby. Then it opened and the taxes were out the ceiling, before we even moved in. The maintenance fee was also high. Then we found this, and it has worked out fine. We’re good.”
“This particular one was cost-effective and more reasonable than anything else around. We had been looking at another community nearby. Then it opened and the taxes were out the ceiling, before we even moved in. The maintenance fee was also high. Then we found this, and it has worked out fine. We’re good.”
Rich Shakarjian, Director of Sales for J.S. Hovnanian & Sons, which currently has three active adult communities in Southern New Jersey, has noticed that location plays a large role in choosing an active adult
community.
“They want to stay close to where they currently live or they’re moving here to be closer to their kids or to a brother – to be near family,” Shakarjian said. “It’s also interesting that a lot of our active adults are still working, so they’re still not moving too far from where they’re
working.”
Selecting that perfect location is the next big decision, and active adults base that choice on a number of factors. According to the American Housing Survey data provided by the National Association of Home Builders, most buyers (77 percent) chose a new home in a particular age-restricted community because they liked the home’s look and overall design. Twenty-eight percent chose a community, so they could be close to friends and relatives. More than half of all new buyers in 55+ communities move within the same county as they currently live.
“Active adult buyers know what they want, and they want everything in their home,” Shakarjian said. “Even though they’re downsizing, it’s not like they really want to give anything up.”
Other well-liked features include a second bedroom on the first floor and a nice, large, open kitchen with an island, all of the amenities, and an eating area.
“They want a nice, big, family room or great room and they also want a study. A lot of them are still working and they still want an office,” Shakarjian said.
Community amenities are also an important consideration for many active adult homebuyers. Communities that include outside maintenance and snow removal, as well as a clubhouse with exercise equipment, are popular. At the Clayton condo community Massi lives in, there is no yard work. In addition, the school’s old gymnasium is in the process of being remodeled into a recreation center with a sauna, a pool
table, and exercise equipment.
With so many variables to consider in choosing an active adult community, be diligent and do your research. Review each potential community carefully. Massi advises others like herself to choose wisely. “Think about things like taxes and amenities. We got to pick everything that was inside. Know what your options are.
“I wish we had done some things differently. We picked out granite in the kitchen and two baths; we don’t need granite in the bath. We could have cut some expenses, but we made money on the house that we sold, so we had money to spend, so we upgraded a lot.”
community.
“They want to stay close to where they currently live or they’re moving here to be closer to their kids or to a brother – to be near family,” Shakarjian said. “It’s also interesting that a lot of our active adults are still working, so they’re still not moving too far from where they’re
working.”
Selecting that perfect location is the next big decision, and active adults base that choice on a number of factors. According to the American Housing Survey data provided by the National Association of Home Builders, most buyers (77 percent) chose a new home in a particular age-restricted community because they liked the home’s look and overall design. Twenty-eight percent chose a community, so they could be close to friends and relatives. More than half of all new buyers in 55+ communities move within the same county as they currently live.
“Active adult buyers know what they want, and they want everything in their home,” Shakarjian said. “Even though they’re downsizing, it’s not like they really want to give anything up.”
Other well-liked features include a second bedroom on the first floor and a nice, large, open kitchen with an island, all of the amenities, and an eating area.
“They want a nice, big, family room or great room and they also want a study. A lot of them are still working and they still want an office,” Shakarjian said.
Community amenities are also an important consideration for many active adult homebuyers. Communities that include outside maintenance and snow removal, as well as a clubhouse with exercise equipment, are popular. At the Clayton condo community Massi lives in, there is no yard work. In addition, the school’s old gymnasium is in the process of being remodeled into a recreation center with a sauna, a pool
table, and exercise equipment.
With so many variables to consider in choosing an active adult community, be diligent and do your research. Review each potential community carefully. Massi advises others like herself to choose wisely. “Think about things like taxes and amenities. We got to pick everything that was inside. Know what your options are.
“I wish we had done some things differently. We picked out granite in the kitchen and two baths; we don’t need granite in the bath. We could have cut some expenses, but we made money on the house that we sold, so we had money to spend, so we upgraded a lot.”
Monday, September 28, 2009
Active Adult New Homes plus $25,000
Have you guys heard about this? TrilogyLife, one of the foremost active adult new home builders, is running an insane promotion right now.
If you are in the market for an active adult new home AND you like the idea of having a green certified home, you're going to love this.
TrilogyLife is running this promotion called "Greenbacks for Green Homes". They are offering $25,000 in credits and rebates on brand new resort retirement homes that are certified green homes.
They have only set aside $1 Million towards this promotion, so if you want to get in while the gettin's good, check out TrilogyLife today.
If you are in the market for an active adult new home AND you like the idea of having a green certified home, you're going to love this.
TrilogyLife is running this promotion called "Greenbacks for Green Homes". They are offering $25,000 in credits and rebates on brand new resort retirement homes that are certified green homes.
They have only set aside $1 Million towards this promotion, so if you want to get in while the gettin's good, check out TrilogyLife today.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Active Adult Home Builders
Avatar Homes - Avatar active adult master planned real estate has been providing development and building for active adults and families for more than 30 years. Avatar Properties has been recognized as one of the premiere master home builders in America for developing numerous incredible neighborhoods both in Central Florida and in Southern Arizona as well. Avatar also offers an endless selection of attractive, affordable and high class homes that look stunning and live even better. Avatar homes fit perfectly and flawlessly into all communities, including desert southwest settings, waterfront settings, wooded settings and even high class golf course settings. If you are looking for more information about Avatar homes and their active adult master planned communities, visit their website to learn more about their current projects.
Alegria Centex - At Alegria Centex you will find the freedom to be whoever you want to be, and to do things the way that you want to do them. When it comes to deciding where to live and how you live, the choices offered by this active adult master planned community are virtually endless. You can select from a wide variety of different amenities and floor plans to create a true dream home that you can call your own. Enjoy the beautiful New Mexico views from your very own patio and enjoy everything that this stunning state has to offer you. Visit the Algeria Centex home page for more information about their current community projects.
Willow Lake - The Willow Lake community is an active adult home community that takes its residents back to a time when everything was simple. Willow Lake is the first adult master planned active retirement community in the area, offering peace of mind with the active adult lifestyle to make one's retirement years as affordable, care free and enjoyable as they possibly can be. The Willow Lake community of active adult new homes sits on more than 70 stunning acres of land in the Louisiana area, offering private home lots with single family homes that can easily be up scaled or downsized to fit the needs of the residents. All construction is high quality, offering open floor plans, tons of storage, and all of the best features of comfort and easy living.
The information that has been cited above was gathered from each individual home builder's personal website in September of 2008, and is considered to be reliable accordingly. If you want to find out more information about active adult new homes for sale as well as new active adult home subdivisions, you should visit each home builder online.
Article Provided By: Paul Escobedo
Paul is a principal of NewHomesSection.com. Search new home builders and new home communities today!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Fun Loving and Active Adult Retirement Communities Are a Luxury to Consider
Retirement is a happy time of life, and active assisted living neighborhoods give retirees the chance to be around same-minded people. As I am quickly gaining on my retirement time of life, my thoughts keep turning to just these kinds of neighborhoods. But where do I start looking to find the right one to suit my wants and desires?
My search initially began on the internet to check out the most sought after areas of the country to retire to. However, I found that my hunt didn't have to be concentrated only to the continental United States, since there are many very nice active retirement neighborhoods in more tropical areas like Mexico and Hawaii And if I did want to retire within the boundaries of my home state, there are neighborhoods all over that cater only to retired people. It's neat to have the option of looking for the perfect community in any area around the globe right from the comfort of home.
One of the most chosen types of active retirement neighborhoods is the golf course living community. These private access places are usually located in beautiful landscapes with lush green fairways and even wildlife in some areas. The golfers community is quite often located in the warmer southern states, but a few states in the north have some nice choices as well.
Another added benefit of many active retirement communities is the availability of maintained for you homes. Let's face it: the golden years are not the time to be pushing a lawnmower around, so I want a place where someone else will do the mowing for me. The cost of these services are generally included in the homeowners' fees for the community. Why do that when you can spend your golden years doing what you like to do instead of what you have to do.
Most retired people also want to be in a location that offers plenty of choices in terms of stuff to do since the years after a exhaustive career are the ones you want to spend sitting back and enjoying. Many communities will offer their share of perks like hot tubs, clubhouses, and areas to shop to keep everyone busy doing the activities they love most.
One of the things I am really looking forward to about retirement is eating out regularly, so I am searching for active adult neighborhoods that will be surrounded by plenty of gourmet restaurants. Searching for communities online will allow me to simply find places that fit all the requirements I've laid out here.
Your golden years are a perfect time to sit back and enjoy the roses, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee whenever you choose, and indulge in activities that you truly enjoy. The right active retirement communities can help you enjoy your golden years in total rest and relaxation, so get online and seek your new home now!
If you are looking for more information on look no further then you friendly retirement resource. Find the answers you are seeking.
Article Source: Frank L. Froggatt
My search initially began on the internet to check out the most sought after areas of the country to retire to. However, I found that my hunt didn't have to be concentrated only to the continental United States, since there are many very nice active retirement neighborhoods in more tropical areas like Mexico and Hawaii And if I did want to retire within the boundaries of my home state, there are neighborhoods all over that cater only to retired people. It's neat to have the option of looking for the perfect community in any area around the globe right from the comfort of home.
One of the most chosen types of active retirement neighborhoods is the golf course living community. These private access places are usually located in beautiful landscapes with lush green fairways and even wildlife in some areas. The golfers community is quite often located in the warmer southern states, but a few states in the north have some nice choices as well.
Another added benefit of many active retirement communities is the availability of maintained for you homes. Let's face it: the golden years are not the time to be pushing a lawnmower around, so I want a place where someone else will do the mowing for me. The cost of these services are generally included in the homeowners' fees for the community. Why do that when you can spend your golden years doing what you like to do instead of what you have to do.
Most retired people also want to be in a location that offers plenty of choices in terms of stuff to do since the years after a exhaustive career are the ones you want to spend sitting back and enjoying. Many communities will offer their share of perks like hot tubs, clubhouses, and areas to shop to keep everyone busy doing the activities they love most.
One of the things I am really looking forward to about retirement is eating out regularly, so I am searching for active adult neighborhoods that will be surrounded by plenty of gourmet restaurants. Searching for communities online will allow me to simply find places that fit all the requirements I've laid out here.
Your golden years are a perfect time to sit back and enjoy the roses, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee whenever you choose, and indulge in activities that you truly enjoy. The right active retirement communities can help you enjoy your golden years in total rest and relaxation, so get online and seek your new home now!
If you are looking for more information on look no further then you friendly retirement resource. Find the answers you are seeking.
Article Source: Frank L. Froggatt
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
What is an Over-55 Community?
What is an over 55 community? There are persons just coming into the age of 45 to 55, who want to know. The 55 applies to age. You have to be age 55 and over to live in these communities. These communities are often referred to as age-restricted communities. By law, they must meet certain standards for seniors, and, if it is an over-55 community, it needs to be posted as such. You won't understand or appreciate the many benefits of these types of communities until you reach age 55, but it is good to explore them while you are younger. This is part of retirement planning which should be started as early as possible.
Most community rules say at least one person needs to be 55. However, the rules usually state that the
second person, if there is one, cannot be less than a certain age. There are further rules that apply to very young persons, usually under the age of 19. If the rules say "anyone under 19 cannot live there," then anyone under that age cannot live there as a full-time resident. These rules will usually allow a person under age 19 to reside there for a short period of time only--usually up to 3 months, but rules vary so you need to inquire.
These communities offer a quiet, and more secure setting, as many are gated. If security is important, ask what type of security is provided. The best is a 24-hour manned security gate with patrols. This gives seniors a little more peace of mind and less to worry about whether they are at home or away.
Often you hear these communities are for retirees and are referred to as "retirement communities," but you do not have to be retired to live there--just meet the age limits and, of course, be financially qualified. Many people over 55 living in these communities are still working--usually around 50%. These communities are also known as active adult communities for good reason--the residents are still very active with amenities to meet their needs.
Some of the amenities at these communities include pools, clubhouses, restaurants, clubs, golf course, tennis, fitness centers, and walking trails. Many have additional amenities such as gardens, woodworking shops, computer centers, fishing lakes, boating, movies, and library. Not all communities have all features so this is something to ask about.
Programs may include Wellness Centers, medical centers, partnering with colleges, travel, and guest speakers. On-site features may include a village shopping center that you can walk to with everything you need conveniently nearby--grocery store, cleaners, post office, bank and a variety of restaurants.
There are strict rules about nuisances such as loud music--these rules depend on your community. As you age, these things become much more important to alleviate stress and noise in your life. You can age gracefully in these communities. Not until you are older do you realize how important these communities are. Services and conveniences become necessary as our bodies age.
Most of these communities do not offer personal medical assistance. Most people living at these communities who need additional assistance hire a medical personal aide. There are also community programs to reach the elderly to bring meals and drive them to medical appointments or grocery stores. If you need more assistance, you may wish to look into assisted living, independent or lifecare communities, which usually have a higher age limit.
Over-55 communities can be found as a home purchase or rental. Over-55 rentals are called senior apartments. There are also rental single homes, cottages, and villas, but these are rarer. Some over-55 apartments are for low-income residents. The age limit on these may be higher and you are required to meet certain income requirements. They fill up fast and usually have waiting lists to get in. These are great if you have to live in an area that you cannot afford.
There are also over-55 mobile home communities, manufactured homes communities, equestrian communities and college-linked communities. Each community is different. Most will have a Visit program of some type to "try-out" the community before you buy. So what is an over-55 community--a place, whether you are still working or retired, where your daily needs, as a person over-55, can be met.
Article Provided By:
Carol Fena, Realtor and Webmaster for http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com
Article Source: Carol_Fena
Thursday, August 27, 2009
3 Qualities to Look For in an Active Retirement Community
A person can make the most of his or her retirement in many ways. Some may fear that retirement ultimately means days of boredom or inactivity since they are no longer working most of the day. However, many seniors are able to have an active retirement by choosing to fill their days with activities such as casino games, attending galas or even taking part in new hobbies and art.
Retirement living doesn't mean retiring from life. Many senior living centers provide many social activities as well as ways to stay active. These types of retirement communities help residents become a part of a larger social setting where there are group outings, social gatherings, and scheduled fun.
Companionship and Activity
When it comes to retirement living, most retirees want to stay as active as they possibly can. But the retired also want to maintain relationships, create new friendships and have companions to do activities with. Finding an active retirement community, not only means a retirement community that provides numerous things to do, but also one that encourages companionship through the creation of group outings and activities. Providing these types of structured activities encourages their residents to sustain and enjoy the camaraderie of others while having a good time.
When retired, many retirees may also not know what activities are going on in their area, how they will get to them or who they can go with. Active retirement communities are just that, communities that are active. As part of such a community residents will have the opportunity to be a part of a group, visit new places, and enjoy new things with other like-minded people.
Variety of Activities
Being retired doesn't mean one has to become sedentary. Active senior living centers encourage their residents to participate in activities that are suited for their guest's abilities and interests. Whether the activity be arts and crafts or that which is more physically active such as Tai Chi or a fitness class, it is the variety that is important. Program directors of active retirement communities know that their residents have many interests and therefore, they seek numerous ways to meet those interests. Finding such active retirement communities is important. Whether you like music, art, nature, shopping or trying new things, having variety should be a big part of any seniors living criteria.
Which Active Retirement Community To Choose
When seeking out the right active retirement community, research the specifics regarding what types of activities are offered. Find out whether there is a large variety of opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in. Look into the center's recreational and social calendar. Are there regular outings to area attractions in addition to walking groups, arts and crafts sessions, bingo games, fitness classes, and such? In warmer climates like Florida, retirement communities usually have swimming pools and spas for water aerobics or just general relaxation.
There are many different ways to ensure you have an active retirement. Joining an active retirement community that can meet your needs, provide to you companionship and variety, are just some criteria to look for. Other methods are up to you.
Christine O'Kelly is an author for Aston Gardens, a premier developer of award-winning Florida active retirement communities. Aston Gardens offers luxury senior living for the active retiree.
Article Source: Christine_OKelly
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Guidelines in Choosing an Active Adult Community
1.Determine if living in an active adult community is for you. Living in an active adult community requires a lot of adjustments and flexibility. Ask yourself if you can be flexible with your new environment. Your lifestyle may also change and you should be prepared that the place, the surroundings, the people and many factors may be far more different from what you have now.
2. Consider it early. Living in a retirement location may require you a lot of time to make a decision. However, you should consider it early. You need to think about it and decide for it before you in the midst of retirement, or else it will catch you by surprise. In addition, moving in to an active adult community may involve relocating to another city or state such as Florida, Arizona, or California. Therefore, it is better to make your decisions long enough in advance to plan the logistics of a move.
3. Make a list on what you are looking for in an active adult community. Since moving to an active adult community means living in a new place, shop around before jumping on a final decision. Make a checklist of what you like in a retirement location. Getting a handbook of every prospect will also help you make the job easier. Consider the houses, the neighborhood, the different amenities and accessibility of the place.
4. Visit the community, and if possible, have an extended stay for a weekend or longer. It is better to check on many retirement locations before you make the final choice. You can then narrow down your choices. Visiting the place will help you make the comparison and will make you also consider if the place feels right for you. That will also be the chance for you make a survey of the neighborhood. You can also ask them what they like about the place, the experiences and the things that they do not like about the place.
5. Budget for your new home purchase. Do not forget expenses that will arise once you have moved in to your new active adult community. You need money to live a comfortable, active retirement lifestyle - and that is why it important to have a financial plan before you make any permanent decisions about making the move to your new retirement community.
2. Consider it early. Living in a retirement location may require you a lot of time to make a decision. However, you should consider it early. You need to think about it and decide for it before you in the midst of retirement, or else it will catch you by surprise. In addition, moving in to an active adult community may involve relocating to another city or state such as Florida, Arizona, or California. Therefore, it is better to make your decisions long enough in advance to plan the logistics of a move.
3. Make a list on what you are looking for in an active adult community. Since moving to an active adult community means living in a new place, shop around before jumping on a final decision. Make a checklist of what you like in a retirement location. Getting a handbook of every prospect will also help you make the job easier. Consider the houses, the neighborhood, the different amenities and accessibility of the place.
4. Visit the community, and if possible, have an extended stay for a weekend or longer. It is better to check on many retirement locations before you make the final choice. You can then narrow down your choices. Visiting the place will help you make the comparison and will make you also consider if the place feels right for you. That will also be the chance for you make a survey of the neighborhood. You can also ask them what they like about the place, the experiences and the things that they do not like about the place.
5. Budget for your new home purchase. Do not forget expenses that will arise once you have moved in to your new active adult community. You need money to live a comfortable, active retirement lifestyle - and that is why it important to have a financial plan before you make any permanent decisions about making the move to your new retirement community.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Active Adult Activities
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of an active lifestyle. Quite the contrary, it opens up new opportunities for many new activities. Some retirees substitute voluntary community work for their former work. This gives definition or meaning to their roles after retirement.
Household work, volunteer work, family roles and community service actually increase after retirement. The familial roles of grandparents increase because of the expanded time available for travel.
The skills and knowledge acquired before retirement have value in the life of a retiree. Even if learning something new education and training affects the ability to do various activities at retirement. Lack of skill and a low literacy tends to limit the leisure activities of retirees.
A very difficult task to prepare for later on in life is the ability to cope with losses that increase as people get older. The productivity is the first loss in retirement but adjustment usually is short. Loss of a spouse generally has the biggest impact, and in general is the hardest to anticipate unless a terminal illness is diagnosed before death. The best preparation for a loss of spouse is to work on a sense of independence and self-reliance.
The two biggest concerns for retirement living were security of finances and health coverage. This is according to the GSA (Gerontological Society of America). Another great concern identified was isolation or lack of social support for well-being and loneliness or lack of support for emotional well being.
Planning for retirement must have preparation for financial well-being, a social support network, a set of meaningful activities and health care coverage. All of these concerns actually relate to each other. When a retiring person has a sound financial plan, the person can buy adequate housing and health care coverage. Active Adult lifestyle is a continuation of the person’s middle-age life.
A sound lifestyle can last a long while. Friendship and family can provide the support network later on in life. Retirement planning which includes developing economic and social skills cannot anticipate everything but provides a good foundation for enjoyment of life later on.
A successful active adult lifestyle includes the creation of a network of groups, family members and friends.
Active Adult communities that foster an active retirement lifestyle can be an important part of maintaining healthy activities throughout retirement.
Household work, volunteer work, family roles and community service actually increase after retirement. The familial roles of grandparents increase because of the expanded time available for travel.
The skills and knowledge acquired before retirement have value in the life of a retiree. Even if learning something new education and training affects the ability to do various activities at retirement. Lack of skill and a low literacy tends to limit the leisure activities of retirees.
A very difficult task to prepare for later on in life is the ability to cope with losses that increase as people get older. The productivity is the first loss in retirement but adjustment usually is short. Loss of a spouse generally has the biggest impact, and in general is the hardest to anticipate unless a terminal illness is diagnosed before death. The best preparation for a loss of spouse is to work on a sense of independence and self-reliance.
The two biggest concerns for retirement living were security of finances and health coverage. This is according to the GSA (Gerontological Society of America). Another great concern identified was isolation or lack of social support for well-being and loneliness or lack of support for emotional well being.
Planning for retirement must have preparation for financial well-being, a social support network, a set of meaningful activities and health care coverage. All of these concerns actually relate to each other. When a retiring person has a sound financial plan, the person can buy adequate housing and health care coverage. Active Adult lifestyle is a continuation of the person’s middle-age life.
A sound lifestyle can last a long while. Friendship and family can provide the support network later on in life. Retirement planning which includes developing economic and social skills cannot anticipate everything but provides a good foundation for enjoyment of life later on.
A successful active adult lifestyle includes the creation of a network of groups, family members and friends.
Active Adult communities that foster an active retirement lifestyle can be an important part of maintaining healthy activities throughout retirement.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Preparing For Retirement
Certain questions arise whenever an employee starts to think about retiring. Sadly, many reach retirement age unprepared. Some started planning late because of ignorance or lack of information. Some had a mindset that getting ready for retirement should be done when you're nearing the age of retirement.
The following list some information on retirement that should be helpful to employees of all ages.
1. RETIREMENT AGE
One's full retirement age varies but one can start receiving benefits at age 62 regardless of that. Full details can be found at Social Security Online Retirement Planner (http://www.ssa.gov/).
2. COST OF LIVING
Note the basic expenses you will continue to shell out regularly after retirement. Note also the probable expenses that might come up once you retire, like taxes and insurance for example. List needed or desired purchases that would come up by that time, like a resort retirement home in an active adult community. Knowing these probable costs now gives you the basic amount you should be able to save before retirement day comes.
3. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
a. SOCIAL SECURITY
www.SocialSecurity.org can provide you with an estimate. Getting an estimate of your retirement benefits will help you as you plan how much of your income should be set aside for retirement savings and or how much of your income should be used for other investments.
b. PENSION PLANS. Here, a monthly premium is paid for a specified time frame. With pension plans you can know how much you'd be receiving when the plan matures. Some companies get pension plans for their employees. But for those who don't, the employee can either request it or he himself can secure his own pension plan from a pre-need company.
4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS
a. SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS. Examples of these are bank deposits. You can save small amounts of money plus you have security because these deposits are insured.
b. LONG TERM INVESTMENTS. Examples of these are stocks and bonds. You can save larger amounts of money here. These investments however, are not insured.
5. LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
It helps to know now how your living conditions will be after you retire. This helps you set a targeted amount of total savings in order to achieve that lifestyle you plan to have in the future.
Would you be taking it easy by that time? Then you must start planning and saving much now. Would you be seeking other employment opportunities? That would mean additional funds for you. Would you want to have a fixed source of income after retiring? Then plan and save up for an affordable real estate investment now.
Yes, retirement comes later. But retirement planning is not for the old, it’s for the young. Start planning now.
The following list some information on retirement that should be helpful to employees of all ages.
1. RETIREMENT AGE
One's full retirement age varies but one can start receiving benefits at age 62 regardless of that. Full details can be found at Social Security Online Retirement Planner (http://www.ssa.gov/).
2. COST OF LIVING
Note the basic expenses you will continue to shell out regularly after retirement. Note also the probable expenses that might come up once you retire, like taxes and insurance for example. List needed or desired purchases that would come up by that time, like a resort retirement home in an active adult community. Knowing these probable costs now gives you the basic amount you should be able to save before retirement day comes.
3. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
a. SOCIAL SECURITY
www.SocialSecurity.org can provide you with an estimate. Getting an estimate of your retirement benefits will help you as you plan how much of your income should be set aside for retirement savings and or how much of your income should be used for other investments.
b. PENSION PLANS. Here, a monthly premium is paid for a specified time frame. With pension plans you can know how much you'd be receiving when the plan matures. Some companies get pension plans for their employees. But for those who don't, the employee can either request it or he himself can secure his own pension plan from a pre-need company.
4. INVESTMENT OPTIONS
a. SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS. Examples of these are bank deposits. You can save small amounts of money plus you have security because these deposits are insured.
b. LONG TERM INVESTMENTS. Examples of these are stocks and bonds. You can save larger amounts of money here. These investments however, are not insured.
5. LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
It helps to know now how your living conditions will be after you retire. This helps you set a targeted amount of total savings in order to achieve that lifestyle you plan to have in the future.
Would you be taking it easy by that time? Then you must start planning and saving much now. Would you be seeking other employment opportunities? That would mean additional funds for you. Would you want to have a fixed source of income after retiring? Then plan and save up for an affordable real estate investment now.
Yes, retirement comes later. But retirement planning is not for the old, it’s for the young. Start planning now.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Great Tips for Picking a Retirement Community
Tips For Selecting a Retirement Community
As more baby boomers approach retirement, new homes designed for aging adults are popping up everywhere. There are numerous housing developments and adult communities springing up around the country designed for residents over the age of 55.Many of these communities offer the opportunity for socializing, recreation, outdoor maintenance that's taken care of, on-site restaurants, golf courses and numerous other amenities. There are generally four types of retirement communities. These are independent living facilities, active adult communities, continuing care retirement communities and assisted living residences.
Most new housing developments that target aging adults tend to be either active adult communities (AACs) or a blend of AACs with some continuing care facilities, like an on-site doctor or medical facility.
If you're thinking about moving for your retirement, new homes in age-restricted resort communities can be a fantastic option. No more lawn work, lots of activities, and beautiful settings await you. But, how do you choose the right community for you? Keep reading for a breakdown of the criteria you should look for in a retirement community.
How Close is it to the Kids?
If being close to your family is important, then you'll want to look for a home or retirement community that's close to your kids. Another consideration is space. Many units are sold as one-bedroom condominiums or two-bedroom homes. If you're planning to have many grandchildren visit, you may want to look for a community that offers larger units.
How do the Philosophies and Principles Compare to Yours?
Many retirement communities and active adult living developments have certain philosophies. The question is, do they match your own? If you love hunting and fishing, you may not enjoy spending your retirement in a community dedicated to vegetarianism and artistic pursuits.
For example, there's a retirement community in Arizona that's committed to academic research, another in Florida that's focused on extremely active living and yet another in California with a passion toward being an environmentally sustainable community. So, before you buy, make sure you understand the driving principles.
Is It Pedestrian Friendly?
The reality is that many seniors don't continue to drive for the duration of their lives. So, finding a retirement community that is either very pedestrian friendly or has easy access to public transit is critical. You'll appreciate the easy access to groceries and pharmacies.
Would I Get Along with the Other Residents?
Before you buy into a new retirement or adult community, you should always attend an information session to get a feel for other potential residents. Alternatively, if you're moving into an existing community, ask to spend the day at their recreation hall or community lounge.
Look around the room and ask yourself if you could see yourself spending your retirement with these people? Can you envision yourself sharing years of retirement together? Whether or not your home is new and beautiful, enjoying your neighbors is a critical part of enjoying your overall community experience, and you want to be sure to include that factor in your decision.
Article Provided by: Trevor Price
About the Author:
For great information on senior retirement preparation, please visit seniorretiretips.com, a popular site providing insights to help prepare for the next steps in your life journey, including Roth IRA contribution limits, retirement new homes, and many more!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tax Implications of Early Retirement Distributions
The basic principle behind Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) is a deferment of tax liability from the time when your tax burden is greatest until after retirement when it is the lightest. When you establish an IRA and make contributions to it, you do not have to pay any tax on those contributions. Once you are past retirement age and receive distributions from these accounts, you will be in the "over 65" tax bracket. Even though you will have to pay taxes on the distribution at this time, your tax rate will be considerably less.
Article provided by Natalie Aranda. Natalie writes about finance.
There are some important tax tips involved with receiving early distributions from a retirement account. The most important one is do not do it unless you have no other option open to you. If you take a distribution early, you will be subject to basically the same tax rate you would have paid originally. In many cases, a person's personal income, and thus his tax rate, will be highest in those latter years just prior to retirement. This will mean an even higher tax rate than if you had just paid when the money was first earned.
This is not the worst of it either. If you take an early distribution prior to reaching the age of 59 and one half, you are subject to a 10% penalty. It is those years between this magic number and your retirement age that you will incur the greatest tax burden if you receive a large distribution. When tax withholding is done properly in this era of paying taxes online, people are used to receiving a refund. A large and premature withdrawal will eliminate this post winter bonanza.
The sad truth about retirement is that a large portion of the population are saving nothing at all. Most people are operating their own personal budgets at a lost and not setting aside any savings toward retirement. This creates a constantly growing debt and an early distribution from your retirement fund becomes a necessity. Proper planning for retirement has become even more essential then ever in this time when employees tend to move from job to job. In past times when employees were more apt to remain with an employer for many years, pension plans would be a good addition to Social Security. This is rarely the case today.
The growing population of retired citizens has changed the face of retirement in more ways than one. The Active Adult Community has become a popular way to spend what are supposed to be a person's golden years. This has created a need for even more income during the retirement years. An Active Adult Retirement Community that offers all the amenities most seniors are seeking will demand an adequate income. It is important to begin planning for retirement as early as possible and to understand the negative tax implications of dipping into that retirement account too early.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Life Insurance Planning for Active Seniors
Life Insurance has sometimes been described as a bet between you and the Insurance Company. The Insurance Company is betting that you are going to live and you are betting that you are going to die. If you do die, you win the bet. This approach has been the basis of life Insurance policies in the past. Despite the fact that it would seem this does not much benefit an individual, the truth was that the Life Insurance payout was designed to provide for those that you left behind.
Changes in health care and the increasing life span have brought some changes to this concept. The desire for senior citizens to spend their retirement in an active adult community where they can enjoy their golden years to the maximum has prompted many to take a fresh approach to the use of the cash value of life insurance. It has also influenced the type of policies that have become popular. When a payout upon death was the main purpose of an insurance policy, the only thing that mattered was the amount of the death benefit.
Today, people in increasing numbers are opting to not spend their last years in their homes. An Arizona active adult community that is located in an area without a harsh winter seems much more attractive. A Florida active adult community situated close to the ocean would be preferably to long cold winters. This is the new dream of senior citizens, but in many cases the funds needed to make this dream come true are not available at the time of retirement. It has become possible to redeem the cash value of an insurance policy prior to death through an annuity settlement. The basic idea is the seller of the annuity provides a cash settlement to you at retirement. In return, they basically become the new beneficiary of your policy.
The annuity settlement changes the conditions of the bet. Now, you are betting that you are going to live, and the new beneficiary of your policy is betting you will die. If you live, you win. Many senior citizens are seeing this as a better idea. It takes some careful planning, and each case must be considered individually. The debt situation and the situation of a spouse and of children must be taken into consideration. The increased popularity of Individual Retirement Accounts has lessened the need for a large death payout to some degree. The best time to plan for your life insurance needs as a senior citizen is long before you ever become one. Sadly, this is not always done until too late. In this case, the options can be considered. It is not a time to be rash and seeking the advice of a trusted Insurance agent or financial advisor is highly recommended. If you plan on spending your last years enjoying a California active adult community, start that planning as early as possible.
Article provided by Natalie Aranda. Natalie is a freelance writer.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Top 10 Best Places to Retire
Great Hubpages post with suggestions for top 10 best places to retire.
Hope you like it!
Hope you like it!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Financial Planning Strategy for Early Retirement
When it comes to early retirement there are some financial strategies individuals may employ to help them retire sooner. Financial planning is important for individuals who want to retire sooner and enjoy their retirement while they are still young enough to get around on their own. Too many people work until they no longer have enough health to enjoy their golden days. Well, with a few financial tips people can plan for their senior years and be financially prepared.
Quite a few individuals choose to move to an active adult retirement community as they reach their 50s, 60s, and 70s, or beyond. More individuals want to retire to an active adult community as early as possible but they simply can't afford to stop working. Fortunately, once individuals realize how much money they will need to save for retirement they can begin saving and have a plan in place to help them realize their retirement dreams. Luckily for these folks the Internet can help them find the different methods to saving and preparing for retirement that will allow them to sit back and enjoy their golden years.
The most important thing when it comes to retirement is to start saving as early as possible. You will also want to begin investing and also ensuring that your retirement portfolio is as diversified as possible. Once you make certain savings goals you should then use the tools at your disposal to help you. These include IRAs, 401K plans, money market accounts, mutual funds, the stock market, annuities, and more. If your company offers a 401K employee contribution match program then you should definitely take advantage of this. This doubles the power of your money and is worthwhile.
You don't want to sit back and count on social security to take care of you in your golden years because that just might not happen. The social security administration is going to have some serious problems if major changes aren't made soon meaning lots of retirement benefits you are owed may not get paid. Take your retirement savings into your own hands and start early and save as much as possible. By doing this you will know that no matter what happens to social security you will be taken care of and will have the lifestyle you have grown accustomed to. Don't put off saving for retirement for another day. Go and make your first deposit!
Article proviced by Caitlina Fuller. Caitlina writes about finance and family.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Gated Golf Community Hub
Here is a great article at HubPages that discusses the Active Adult Retirement new home market and what to look for in a gated golf community. It's a great read and very informative, so take a look!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Active Adult Homes San Diego
San Diego is an attractive city, offering plenty of real estate investment prospects for both commercial and residential interests. One of the many types of housing seen to come up lately in San Diego, are active adult homes. These homes are built to cater to the needs and requirements of a growing active adult population.
Active adult homes coming up for sale in San Diego offers a unique environment for active adults. As baby boomers begin to retire and others who are getting into their retirement age no longer need a big house as their children have grown up and moved away will find active adults home to be an ideal home investment choice.
San Diego active adult homes are built to serve the requirements of active adults. These homes come with special features that offer more comfort and convenience for active adults. Those who buy a home will find themselves living amidst people of their own age. They have access to recreational facilities and can peacefully spend away their retirement age, without worrying what they would do if they become disabled or have a medical condition. This is because active adult homes offer assisted living for those who have a medical condition because of which they need help from others to get by.
Active adult homes in San Diego are rightly priced and offer value for money. Those buying such a home will find their residential environment to be highly conducive to their needs as an active adult. There is no need to be bothered about maintenance activities and even cooking food can be arranged. Active adult home builders list out the many features and advantages in their homes through their advertising materials, so interested buyers can read up on available features before making a decision on what to buy.
If you are interested in buying an active adult home in San Diego, be sure to check out the services of a reputable real estate agent on this. This will ensure that your home purchase formalities are carried through correctly and that you get a home that has value for your money.
Article Provided by Paul_Escobedo
Thursday, June 25, 2009
My Dad Was a Retirement Trailblazer
My dad was a trailblazer. When he retired from his government job, he and my mom left our family home in Denver and moved to an active adult community in the hill country of Texas outside of Austin. While golf and leisure activities were part of their life, whenever my siblings and I would comment about their retirement, both parents would adamantly exclaim, "We're not retired." And in fact dad wasn't retired in the traditional sense of the word. He had become passionate about computers in the nineteen sixties. Many hours of his retirement week were spent working on various projects developing computer programs connected to geology, his other love. My father wasn't content to spend his life engaged in leisure and pleasure activities. Even through ten years of battling cancer, his final days were spent overhauling his ancient Apple Mac so my mom would be able to use it.
The concept of retirement originated during the depression of the thirties. Prior to that time, people worked until they died. In an attempt to get younger unemployed men back into the workforce, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress enacted the Social Security Act in 1935. Tied the life expectancy of the day, Social Security provided financial well-being to workers passed their prime. But, it had another affect that is still felt today. For the first time in history, older people, who had previously been the sages of the community, became marginalized and unappreciated.
The brilliant builder and marketer Del Webb changed those feelings in the early 1960's by creating the concept of the leisure based retirement. No longer left to rock in chairs on the front porch, working-class seniors could now spend their time on the golf course and in the recreation center having fun. Retirement shifted from one of sitting around waiting to die to the concept of the "golden years" filled with fun and activity. That concept of retirement has largely held until recently when baby boomers began knocking on the door of third age.
Not content to follow in their parents footsteps, baby boomers will reinvent retirement in a whole new way. Many things have changed since their grandparents retired. The life expectancy has jumped from 47 in 1900 to 77 today. And it continues to grow. Baby boomers have not worked in the physically demanding jobs their parents and grandparents encountered. Baby boomers approach retirement as the healthiest, wealthiest, and most active group that has ever walked the planet.
Even though over seventy percent of baby boomers report they want to continue to work past retirement age, many want to shift into work that is more rewarding. The problem many mature adults face is they don't know what it is they want to do.
It is naturally assumed that people who were successful during the prime years will be equally successful in Third Age. Unfortunately, without planning, there is no guarantee that Third Age will be rewarding, especially for people who are successful. Many of the things that made for success in the prime years are no longer present or as important in Third Age. The prime years focus on what you acquire, whether it is the status of a profession, a comfortable lifestyle, or a support system. Those things shift with retirement, both in their importance and availability.
Article Provided by Cathy_Severson
Cathy Severson, MS helps you make the most of your retirement. Baby boomers understand this isn't your parents retirement. Find out how to make the rest of your life the best of your life with the complimentary e-book 7 Ingredients for a Satisfying Retirement at http://tinyurl.com/8moymb
Friday, June 19, 2009
Lifestyle of Active Adult Retirement Communities
If you're one that likes to get out and get the blood pumping then you may want to consider an active adult retirement community. Not all retirement communities are created equal. This article will take a look at a few possible suggestions for finding the right retirement community that fits you best.
Some of the most popular retirement activities are golfing, bowling, tennis, racquetball and shuffleboard. If this is your idea of an active sport then you will want to make sure that you have these amenities either in your retirement community or nearby.
You may find that it's much more affordable to find a nice active adult retirement community. That is nearer some your more popular areas like the golf course and tennis court. If you end up in a community that has these with on the premise in their private you're going to pay a much higher fee.
If money is of no concern and of course you should probably look to find a retirement community perhaps in the state of Florida or California that might accommodate you in your activities. Although the fees will be much higher for this type of community the privacy and exclusiveness may be worth the price.
There's no better way to really discover what a retirement community is like than asking the people that are currently living there. You should not limit your research to just one or two but has several people who reside in the community that you plan on living in.
If you plan on moving to an active adult retirement community that's in another state you need to make sure that you're aware of the various different tax and other fees that might be involved.
Article contributed by Tom Turner.
If you need more helpful information on Retirement try visiting http://retirement-life-today.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice, and retirement resources to include Active Adult Retirement Community.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Are American Communities Ready for the Aging Boom?
As part of a national movement to promote "Aging in Place" initiatives, four communities in America will be hosting workshops throughout the month of June, bringing local experts together for discussions aimed at helping older Americans remain in their communities.
Active Adult Retirement Communities
Attendees also will learn how to apply for "JumpStart the Conversation" grants designed to help local organizations bring innovative ideas to life. The workshops are sponsored by MetLife Foundation, Partners for Livable Communities (Partners), and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).
The events taking place during the month of June include:
- San Antonio, Texas -- June 11, Redesigning Communities for Aging in Place
- Richmond, Virginia -- June 17, Engaging Community Leaders in the Process
- Wichita, Kansas -- June 23, Revitalizing Communities for All Generations
- Chattanooga, Tennessee -- June 30, Building Partnerships
The workshops are the latest in a two-year series of dynamic events with key innovators and representatives from specific regions looking to identify strategies for improving livability for those of all ages through: partnership building, community redesign and intergenerational connections. Local discussions complement the national conversation on aging and highlight the creative work being done to make communities first-rate areas for all ages.
According to the 2006 survey, "The Maturing of America -- Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population," a report led by n4a, Partners, the International City-County Management Association, the National Association of Counties, and the National League of Cities and funded by MetLife Foundation, only 46% of American communities have begun planning to address the needs of the exploding population of aging Baby Boomers. The first Boomers reached age 60 in 2006 and will be 65 in 2011. This rapidly aging population will hit its peak in 2030 when the number of people over age 65 in the United States will soar to 71.5 million, double the figure for 2000, or one in every five Americans.
"This is both a challenge and an opportunity to make our communities better places for all age groups," said Sandy Markwood, CEO of n4a. "The efforts taking place in these regions are models for others across the country."
"JumpStart the Conversation" grants allow area organizations to take local action on Aging in Place initiatives. In each region holding workshops, nine grants of $1,000 and one grant of $2,500 will be awarded to support innovative ideas tailored to the community. Although applicants do not have to attend to be eligible for a grant, the workshops are meant to be a catalyst for action and to stimulate participants to begin considering their community's specific needs. The deadline for submission of grant applications will be two weeks following each event.
"Through the workshop and grant opportunities, communities will gain a renewed sense of urgency when it comes to considering community livability for all ages," said Robert McNulty, president of Partners. "We're looking to bring together an energized group of organizations and individuals in order to face the challenges that accompany this time of change."
Previous workshops have taken place in Tampa Bay, Phoenix, Kansas City, Chicago, San Diego, Charlotte, Miami, and most recently, in St. Louis. They have resulted in grant awards for such innovative projects as:
- La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation in San Diego -- spearheaded a group drumming project for older adults and youth, providing an opportunity for all to learn about rhythm and movement and to reinforce the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle that can be shared by all.
- The Miami Behavioral Health Center -- promoted a "Mobility Maps" program to seniors in the Miami-Dade area that alerts seniors to different transportation options based on specific transportation needs.
- Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens in Arizona -- developed new business partnerships with the 13 Chamber of Commerce organizations in the two-county area with the goal of creating age-appropriate jobs for older adult workers.
- Thomas J. Brown, Jr. Foundation, Inc. of Kansas City -- recruited skilled professionals with experience in minor interior and exterior home repair and lawn maintenance to help older adults remain in their homes and neighborhoods as long as possible.
"This initiative is identifying creative solutions that will help America's communities meet the needs of an unprecedented population of aging Americans looking to comfortably age in place," said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "MetLife Foundation is pleased to support these forums because these ongoing conversations will help create livable communities for people of all ages."
Active Adult Retirement Communities
MetLife Foundation -- Established in 1976 by MetLife for the purpose of supporting education, health, civic and cultural organizations. In aging, MetLife funds programs that support healthy aging and address caregiving issues, intergenerational activities, mental fitness and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.metlife.org.
Partners for Livable Communities (Partners) -- A national, nonprofit organization working to renew communities for all ages. For more information, visit www.livable.com.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) -- A leading voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging across the country and a champion for Title VI Native American aging programs in our nation's capital. For more information, visit www.n4a.org.
For more information on Aging in Place initiatives, upcoming workshops, and "JumpStart" grant recipients, visit www.aginginplaceinitiative.org
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Active Adult Living: Is it Right for You?
Active Adult Homes offer features that are ideally suited for active adults or seniors. People, who are going to retire, can consider buying such a property as an alternative because it will enable them to live a peaceful life and a life filled with the kind of conveniences that they require. Active Adult Homes are known to offer quality affordable housing for active adults and ensure that the needs of such residents are catered to in every way. Those requiring medical assistance can find homes, which offer them this sort of help. In such homes, cooking and home maintenance tasks will be carried out by the staff, which specifically looks into such duties. Those having any specific medical condition will have facilities in the home that helps them to call for medical assistance in a hurry when they need it.
Article Contributed by: Paul Escobedo
The price range of active adult homes is very affordable. Builders ensure that these homes are designed to cater to the comforts of an active adult lifestyle. They also ensure to have such constructions close to grocery stores, golf course, hospitals and so on as such factors are sought after by active adults..
So, what kind of active adults home are available for interested buyers? Well, buyers can find practically any kind of residential home type in the form of an active adult home in Los Angeles. This means a buyer can choose a condominium unit, a luxury apartment or a modular home unit. These homes offer some very interesting features and these features are specified by builders in their brochures and advertisements. You can find tubs with a place to sit or even reciprocal plugs half way up the wall. This way a resident do not have to bend over that far when plugging in an electrical appliance. Buyers should look into these feature and amenities before making a purchase, so that they get a home with the kind of facilities that they would like to have.
Article Contributed by: Paul Escobedo
Paul is a principal of NewHomesSection.com. Search Arizona home builders, new homes Phoenix and Tucson home builders today!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Strategies For Thawing Out A Frozen Market
Since it seems that any potential remedies offered by the federal government to address the frozen market for home sales and mortgages could take months to have a large impact, both builders and existing homeowners stuck with unwanted inventory have, by necessity, become much more creative.
From housing swaps, auctions and providing insurance against pricing declines to leveraging unused home equity with reverse mortgages or offering hard money property loans, some sellers and buyers are finding that a little ingenuity can sometimes trump a market in paralysis. For some sellers not willing to wait for the market to rebound, swapping one home for another can break the logjam starting with the most efficient of mediums, the Internet.
Starting as low as $19.95, potential swappers can list their homes on one of several websites which, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, collectively offer 16,000 such postings. Over at classified advertising behemoth Craigslist.org, home swap listings soared to nearly 7,400 by the end of 2007. Builders are also getting jumping in - albeit gently - by offering to buy older trade-ins much like car dealers have done for years.
Although that can simply mean substituting older inventory for new, by spreading out these unsold homes builders can more effectively control potential pricing declines and defend already fragile images. To protect everyone's interests, experts strongly recommend using the same escrow company which won't close the deals until all parties are in agreement, especially in those instances in which money exchanges hands.
After a hiatus during the boom years, real estate auctions have also made a comeback, but now are increasingly used by individuals just as much as developers. Now approaching a $60 billion industry, both sellers and buyers agree that auctions are an efficient and objective way to determine a property's true market price. In addition, buyers at auctions are more serious than model home 'be-backs': to even participate they usually have to arrive with cash or casher's checks of $10,000 to $20,000 and close within 30 to 45 days.
Although accepting discounts of up to 40 percent or more may be hard to accept for most builders, the associated carrying costs for finished inventory over weeks or months in pursuit of a full-price sale could very well be a wash. And of course to a builder saddled with empty streets, an obviously lived-in house lit up at night pays even larger marketing dividends well after the sale.
Since many buyers continue to stubbornly await some mysterious green light to tell them it's again time to buy, some builders are offering a form of pricing insurance that protects customers during the time period between a signed contract and a closed escrow. While Ryland Homes will reportedly offer price protection to anyone who asks, KBHome is taking a more aggressive stance and planning to launch its program to 35 markets in early 2008.
A high-rise condo-hotel project in Seattle is even getting into the act -- reportedly the first development of its kind to do so in that region. Still, such an idea is still in its test phase - something Lennar found out in Florida before ending its own program. But with cancellation rates remaining at record-high rates, even denting them by 10 percentage points could make a big different to the bottom line.
Active Adult Living
Active adult new home builders which cater to active adult home buyers - such as Del Webb, Meritage Active Adult Communities or Shea Homes' Trilogy product line - could also conceivably benefit from a recent boom in reverse mortgages. With private lenders such as Countrywide, Wells Fargo and IndyMac's Financial Freedom now rolling out jumbo reverse mortgages that don't cap loan amounts like the FHA variety, borrowers can use the cash proceeds for any use they want - including the purchase of second homes that are used less than 50 percent of the time. Once derided as loans of last resort for poor seniors, reverse mortgages are increasingly seen as unique and useful financial planning tools that can leverage untapped home equity and can provide long-term security as well as maintain comfortable lifestyles. Best of all, the proceeds from reverse mortgages - whether in the form of a lump sum, monthly payments or credit lines - don't count as income against Social Security or Medicare benefits.Finally, for those buyers who simply can't wait to move and with sufficient equity of their own, 'hard money' mortgages - which require collateral as high as 30% to 40% to minimize risk but charge an interest rate premium and high fees -- can lend borrowers some time until some much-needed liquidity returns to the market. Although used mostly by the wealthy, some experts believe that the disappearance of the sub-prime market could prove a boon to investors looking for a higher rate of return than can be found on Wall Street but without the risk of today's mortgage securities. After all, the markets can't thaw out until even the most creative of players are willing to act.
Patrick S. Duffy
Principal
MetroIntelligence Real Estate Advisors
http://www.metrointel.com
Author, the Housing Chronicles blog
http://www.housingchronicles.com
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