Baby boomers envision homes for later years

As baby boomers head for retirement, many already have their dream home in mind.

Boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964- like nice things and want to live in a comfortable residence with upscale amenities. They want less space and fewer bedrooms in a maintenance-free environment.

Boomers as a whole are more active, adventurous, healthier and live longer than the preceding generation. They move to smaller quarters earlier in life while some are still working, and many work beyond the traditional retirement age. They look for a simpler lifestyle and, for some, the thrill of starting a whole new life.

This segment of homebuyers is having an impact on the real estate market just as it has had on the economy and social issues.

Research shows that nine out of 10 baby-boom buyers want to stay close to their roots, remaining connected to their family, friends, doctors and dentists, rather than relocate full time to a grand golf resort in Phoenix, said Mark Thomas, president of Shodeen Residential.

With this in mind, many area builders target this generation with the kind of home and living environment baby boomers want for the second half of their lives.

As boomers downsize, the two must-haves are single-level living and a maintenance-free environment. The few who do choose a two-story home want a first-floor master suite, Thomas said.

As for maintenance-free living, boomers can put their shovel, rake and lawn mower away for good as builders offer communities with a carefree lifestyle free of chores and upkeep.

Single-level living is on the rise for KLM Builders, said Kim Meier, president of the homebuilding company. "We offer more than a dozen single-level ranch plans at Sunset Ridge in Richmond that start at $199,000 with two bedrooms, den, full basement and two-car garage.

"The homes are very attractive and affordable for these times, come in all shapes and sizes and go up into the $500,000s. And our home sites are large enough to accommodate a three-car garage."

Meier also finds that ranch homes appeal to younger buyers as well. People typically get more square footage in a two-story home, and a ranch is more expensive per square foot to build. But people are realizing the beauty and convenience of a single-story home, Meier said.

Shodeen Residential features one-level living in Herrington Place condominiums, a gated community in the heart of a master-planned development in Geneva.

Eighty-eight luxury single-level condos with all the in-demand amenities reside in two four-story buildings with heated underground parking. The community features walking and biking trails, parks and two 18-hole golf courses. It's also buffered from local traffic by scenic open space.

"Most baby boomers want to be in with the mainstream, so it works well when they're in a master planned development where other age groups are within the same community," Thomas said.

"Many people love to travel and prefer a lock-and-leave type of housing where they know where they live is a safe, gated community. An age-restricted and segregated lifestyle appeals only to a minority."

Country Club Villas in Joliet features one-level living in its semi-custom ranch villas with open spaces, scenic countryside and again the privacy and security of a gated community.

Recently a couple who visited the community liked the level of detail in the homes - the architecture and cathedral ceilings as well as the high quality of materials and workmanship.

They also liked the standard inclusions and its layout, with no wasted space and plenty of room to relax and entertain family and friends. He loved the spacious basement and she the pond view, said Country Club Villas President Don Smyczynski.

With the broad age span of baby boomers, there may be a difference in choices between the early and late boomers.

"One of our very open plans has a super great room, and when you walk in the front door you can see the entire unit. There are no walls except to hold up the kitchen counters. It's stunning. It's the 'wow' model. Young people say 'What a great place to entertain; we could have an awesome party.' "

When older couples walk into the traditional floor plan with living room, dining room and family room, it says come in, sit on the couch and get a cup of coffee.

"It has an enclosed four-season sunroom where we brought brick inside, which gives the space a very warm and inviting look. People say this is a good place for coffee and the Sunday morning paper, then cocktails in the evening. It's an extremely popular room."

Builders find that although boomers want less space and fewer bedrooms, they don't want to skimp on amenities. They may have lived in a well-built home in an upscale location, and they don't want to give up luxury or quality.

"They want granite countertops and all the niceties, high-end appliances, nice kitchens and nice master bedrooms and baths," Meier said. "Those are the two areas they focus on the most."

At Country Club Villas, people have luxury on a smaller scale, Smyczynski said. "They want smaller, but they want the best. For many people this will be their last home, so they want the best appliances, cabinetry. This is their last go around; they don't want to move again. They want top quality stuff."

Some builders keep the grandkids in mind also. Some communities may have pools, parks and playgrounds, which is sure to please the little ones. Others may have an extra bedroom that could be outfitted as a playroom and later a media room. But for some, there's nothing better than a basement, finished or unfinished.

"All the homes at Sunset Ridge come with a full basement, so sometimes we'll finish the basement for a buyer with an oversized family room, playroom and whatever else they want. But some kids like to play with their tractor or truck in an unfinished basement," Meier said.

Smyczynski echoes the unfinished basement concept as a play area and even suggests painting the concrete and floor white. "You won't believe the difference," he said. "Let the kids roller skate; give them a hockey stick. Now that's a fun basement for the kids."

Youthful attitudes and different priorities from the past generation may also have an impact on boomers' housing choices.

In the past, the image of a grand golf course community was a priority, but that's down to No. 6 or 8 on the list now, Thomas said. "Only one out of six people golf, although they may enjoy the aesthetics.

"Being an empty-nester doesn't mean you're retired. Today empty-nesters are much younger in attitude than they were in the past. I'm one myself and probably think of myself as 10 years younger than I am. If you're 45 and active, you may think of yourself as 38."

Baby boomers like the concept of one-level living with luxury amenities, a maintenance-free environment and convenient location, but they are not in the mindset of thinking about wider hallways and hand rails, Thomas said. "We're targeting the masses, which is from age 45 and up, and the majority is not looking for that."