Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Eileen Summers, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.Phone: (703) 244-3190
Email: [email protected]

Best Home Types and Options for Aging in Place

by Eileen Summers 05/30/2021

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Anyone purchasing a home should buy not just for today, but for the future as well; this forward-thinking approach may be more important to seniors than to any other group. The home you buy today should delight you and suit your needs; it should also be adaptable and comfortable to live in as you age. From single-story living to choosing a home with few repair needs, here's what to consider to make sure your home serves you well for many years. 

Single Story Comfort

A single-story home is easy to navigate -- and easier to clean and care for, making this model the ideal version for homebuyers who are looking ahead.  A single-story home has all amenities on one floor, making the kitchen, laundry room and master bedroom accessible without navigating stairs or steps.

Go for an HOA

An HOA may not be right for everyone, but a community with an HOA has a lot of benefits for seniors. From guards at the gate and on the premises to built-in social opportunities, an HOA community is a great option. Most seniors love the easy care and comfortable living afforded by an HOA community; and homeowners of any age will enjoy using facilities like clubhouses and swimming pools -- but not having to maintain them. 

Consider a Townhouse

When you have kids at home, you probably need a big yard, but if you are downsizing or expect to have an empty nest soon, a townhouse may be your perfect match. Most include lawn care and exterior home care, so you won't have to worry about these tasks. Many townhome communities also have playgrounds, pools and other amenities -- so when the kids do visit, you have plenty of things to do. 

Buy a Turnkey Home

Unless you love working and improving your own residence, a home that needs a lot of renovation or that will eventually need some work may not be your best bet. Even if you don't DIY, having work done can be disruptive and expensive -- and there are too many turnkey homes on the market to deal with a fixer-upper. 

Invest in Upgrades

You may not need them now, but a home that has some adaptive or mobility upgrades in place, or that is well suited to having these modifications later will serve you well. Look for handrails in the bathroom, a built-in bench in the shower and other touches that will make the home easy and safe to navigate for all ages. 

Look ahead 5, 10 or 20 years in the future when you shop for your home and think about the tasks you want to tackle -- and the ones you want to leave to someone else -- when you decide which home is right. Shopping with these factors in mind will save you time and money later, and ensure the home you buy today still suits your needs a decade from now. 

About the Author
Author

Eileen Summers

• 23 years of highly successful Real Estate Experience in Northern Virginia • Expertise in the Northern Virginia marketplace • Excellent technology skills • Enthusiastic and Professional • Top Quality Service A 30 year resident of No. Virginia and a Graduate of the REALTORS Institute, Eileen is a Lifetime Member of the L&F Founder's Club as well as a Lifetime Member of the President's and Chairman's Club, and on the L&F Gold Team. She is an NVAR Life Top Producer and a Life member of the NVAR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club. Her excellent knowledge of the marketplace combined with experience, enthusiasm, technical knowledge, and professionalism provide clients and customers with top quality service. E-mail or phone Eileen for more information on her listings and/or for a free computerized Market Analysis of your home (Northern Virginia area homes). • 20 Years Real Estate experience in Northern Virginia • Expertise in the Northern Virginia Marketplace • Excellent all-round Technology Skills Specialities: • New Construction • Resale Residential • Specializes in Relocations