Real Estate Professional Network

Baby Boomers face a LOT of challenges by Laurel Grandle, REALTOR

Being a Boomer, myself, gives me some insite!  Not just health issues, but housing issues.

Most of us are empty nesters, finding ourselves with a house that's too big:  We're paying for space we don't use.  We have to paint it, carpet ... or refinish the floors now that the kids are gone!  We have to heat and cool areas we don't really use or need.  It's time to move!
WHERE do we go?  For years, I thought about a condo...there are sure a lot of them available today  We have TWICE our normal inventory right now.  But there's a lot of consider with a condo or Planned Unit Development.  The difference is basically this:  A true condo, you own from inside wall to inside wall:  The Homeowners Association is responsible for the exterior maintenance and "common" areas, there are areas available to all the residents, like the entry, walking trails, pool, tennis, etc.  There's usually a pretty steep monthly fee if the neighborhood has a pool.  YOU, as an owner, do not have to be concerned about such things as roof, sidewalks, lawn mowing/weeding, etc.  It's done for you, giving you a lot of freedom from such bothersome chores.

     The photo above is a home for sale in CHARLES TOWNE LANDING, a neighborhood that has DETACHED (stand alone) units as well as condos that share a common wall.  There is a lot of variety in that neighborhood and it is very popular.

However, a LOT of us love to dig in the dirt.  Planting a seed or small plant and watching it flourish gives us great pleasure.  MOST condos will let you plant and maintain a small plot.

A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT or PUD is different:  You actually own a little land and, generally, you are responsible for full maintenance of your residence.  The Homeowner's Association is responsible to maintenance of common areas, like entrance, pool, tennis, walking trails.  There's more space between the units.  These are frequently referred to a patio homes, because they are close together.  We have a number of these in the KNOXVILLE area.  REALTORS frequently list them as single family homes OR condos (which they are NOT), so it's important to work with a very knowledgable and experience REALTOR to make sure you are getting what you want.
Some examples of these are here.

As your lifestyle changes, your housing needs and desires change.  Talk to your REALTOR.  She'll help you deside what is in YOUR best interests, whether it's a smaller, one level home (we Boomers are getting stiff joints, you know!) a condo or a PUD.  Enjoy life and remember, yesterday's 60 is today's 50...we generally live longer, healthier lives than previous generations and WE LOOK GOOD doing it!

Laurel Grandle sells homes throughout the East TN Area, including Knoxville, Karns, Farragut, Halls, Powell, Loudon County, Knox County.  She specializes in Lake homes, Luxury homes, Historic homes and is an expert at matching buyers with the right house, regardless of the area or price range, she has over 25 years of experience and has helped thousands of clients with their real estate needs.

Here is what some of her clients have said about her recently, “Laurel has an unlimited amount of patience.  My family has very specific needs and she understood them and worked with us until we found the perfect home at the right price.  I don’t think anyone else would have done that for us and we’ll always be thankful we found her and worked with her.  She’s wonderful!”  Margo

“Laurel has accommodated us on many occasions very quickly, as our schedules change all the time.  She was always understanding of the time and date changes and she helped us find a great house.”  Williams

“Laurel really knows the area and the market.  She didn’t waste any time…she showed us what we ask for in the location we wanted and made the whole move a very good experience for our family”.  Robert

“Before we wrote an offer, Laurel did a detailed market analysis for us and discussed it with us so we understood what a fair price would be.  She went over the entire contract in detail and clarified everything for us.  We purchased with confidence and we’d never use anyone else IF we ever decide to sell!”  Anne

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