| Baby boomers have turned 60. Some will choose to | | | | 5) During your visit, be observant: Notice if the |
| sell their homes for a variety of reasons: financial, to | | | | seniors appear happy and active and sometimes |
| downsize, to be closer to children. As homebuilders | | | | greeting you. Ask them if they like living there. Notice |
| are building more retirement communities and | | | | if the landscaping is well kept and beautiful. What |
| discovering what features boomers want making | | | | amenities are offered. Where do you put out your |
| them more appealing, more boomers are considering | | | | trash and do your laundry. Seriously, both of these |
| retirement at active adult retirement communities. | | | | are conveniently right outside my door. My trash |
| Here are ten things you should know when you begin | | | | shute makes my life a lot easier. The building is |
| your research into active adult retirement | | | | cleaned every week. Sometimes, of course, you will |
| communities: | | | | have your own machines in your home. Make sure |
| 1) Choose an Area: First thing decide where you | | | | the floorplan makes your life easier. Are there any |
| would like to live by region, state and then city. A | | | | unique health programs for seniors such as |
| variety of websites now cover this subject | | | | restaurants serving a menu that is lower in fat, salt |
| thoroughly and are very helpful. My website also | | | | and sugar. Get the newspaper or activities calendar |
| gives descriptions of the areas if you are wondering | | | | and ask if there are resales, check out the local real |
| what it would be like to live in California, for instance. | | | | estate office. They can also give you an objective |
| Find the communities listed under that area or city. | | | | opinion on the community. |
| The type of community we are talking about here | | | | 6) Is there transportation for residents? Is there a |
| will be categorized as Active Adult and sometimes | | | | shuttle bus? This is wonderful if you take the one car |
| Independent Living. Make a list of the active adult | | | | to work and your spouse stays home all day. You |
| communities you want to consider further. There are | | | | may not want the expense of two cars anymore or |
| many types of active-adult communities so notice | | | | any car at all. You don't want to be stuck in your |
| what kind it is. For instance, some communities only | | | | home and no way to get around. How far is the |
| have rental apartments. There are some that are | | | | shopping center. Can you walk? |
| manufactured homes only or RV. Some have | | | | 7) Where are the grocery store and major shopping: |
| assisted living available. The most common type is | | | | Is there a shopping center located nearby and where |
| the outright purchase plus homeowners fee. | | | | is the major shopping mall. Ours is conveniently next |
| 2) Make a list of your wants and needs: Is a | | | | to the community and we can walk if we want to. |
| golfcourse necessary? What are your hobbies and | | | | 8) Emergency Services and Hospitals: Fortunately, |
| can you pursue them there. What other activities are | | | | most active adult communities are located near these |
| there that you may wish to try in the future. Do you | | | | facilities since adult community homebuilders know it |
| want a resort-type active adult community. Is having | | | | is important. However, some that are in more |
| a college nearby important or your favorite medical | | | | remote areas may not be near enough and you may |
| facilities. How about scenery. Is a view important to | | | | have to weigh this in your decision. |
| you. Make a list putting your highest priorities first. | | | | 9) Security Services: What does this consist of? Is it |
| 3) Decide on your budget: Do you wish to purchase | | | | an electronic gate only, a 24-hour manned gate, or |
| or rent. What is the homeowner's fee and what does | | | | manned gate and patrol. The manned gate plus |
| it cover. Are there any other fees. Make a list of | | | | 24-hour patrol is best. Our security service also |
| your total expenses. What is the policy regarding | | | | handles just about anything that may come up that |
| raising fees. Are there other active adult community | | | | we need assistance with or are concerned about. It |
| plans that you find more desirable than outright | | | | is wonderful and gives so much peace of mind. |
| purchase. There are many types of financial plans, | | | | 10) Now choose which communities you like best: |
| however, the most typical is purchase plus a fee. My | | | | Once you are in a community, you will only then |
| fee covers property tax and insurance, utilities, basic | | | | know how important having all these conveniences |
| cable TV, security services, Clubhouse, and amenities | | | | will be to you. Get the names of persons you came |
| such as fitness center and tennis. My tai chi class is | | | | in contact with for any questions you may have later. |
| an additional small fee. Usually there is an extra fee | | | | Narrow your list down to only one or two. Get more |
| for golf and outdoor pool. For the greatest security, | | | | details on the community and maybe try to rent |
| make sure you can cover your monthly expenses for | | | | there first to try it out. Retirement communities |
| the rest of your life. | | | | usually have short-term rentals available. You may |
| 4) Make appointments to Visit: A good plan is to | | | | wish to do a follow-up visit. |
| contact the community or homebuilder and let them | | | | Choosing which adult community you will reside in will |
| know you are interested. I find the retirement | | | | be easier than you think. The people you come in |
| community will then send a generous packet of | | | | contact with at retirement communities are very |
| information. Sometimes they may have a visitor's | | | | gracious and helpful. Soon you will enjoy the new |
| program offering a tour of the property and | | | | sense of freedom and pleasure that only a great |
| sometimes an overnight stay at reasonable rates. | | | | active adult retirement community can offer. |
| Visiting gives you more detailed information. | | | | |