| You don't get a second chance to make a first | | | | there nice landscaping and does it seem to be well |
| impression! People make value judgments on what | | | | maintained? Start your own pro & con comparison |
| they see during the first 30 seconds of eye contact. | | | | list. Jot down the things you like and the points you |
| This holds true for almost everything, including touring | | | | dislike. |
| a retirement community. | | | | Drive into the community and continue your |
| When the time comes that you begin to consider | | | | evaluation process. Tour the models and admire the |
| moving to a retirement community, you can search | | | | work of the decorators, but pay close attention to |
| the web and read articles like this one to find out | | | | the floorplan. Will it work for you? Will you be |
| more information, but nothing is as eye-opening as | | | | comfortable living there? Look for details. Does it |
| actually touring the site. If you currently live near | | | | have all the features you will require for years of |
| some retirement communities, simply drop into the | | | | enjoyable living? |
| sales office. If you live of out state, many | | | | Remember, curb appeal goes beyond the curb. Head |
| communities may offer you a chance, for a nominal | | | | over to the clubhouse. Does it make a favorable first |
| fee, to fly in so you can stay at the community and | | | | impression? Is the interior clean, comfortable and nice |
| tour the homes, clubhouse and recreational facilities. | | | | enough for you to be willing to spend several hours a |
| These try-before-you-buy programs are a great way | | | | day there? Would your family and friends enjoy |
| to get a feel for what it would be like to live there. | | | | hanging out there? Does it have resort-style |
| Now, back to the issue of what to look for when | | | | amenities? Are there planned activities? Will you be |
| you visit one of these communities. Just remember | | | | able to meet new people there and make new |
| what you learned early in life: *First impressions are | | | | friends? Is it large enough for social events? Are |
| important *Neatness counts *Little things mean a lot | | | | there clubs you can join? Is there a fitness center? |
| * What you see is what you get * You can't judge a | | | | Are there separate rooms for playing cards or billiards |
| book by its cover and *Beauty is skin deep. | | | | or other activities? Do they have a Lifestyle |
| Think of each community you visit as a painting | | | | Activities/Social Director? |
| hanging in a gallery - the composition must be | | | | There are many factors to consider when choosing a |
| appealing to draw favorable attention or you may | | | | retirement community. Certainly curb appeal is |
| lose interest immediately. Is it just a place to live or is | | | | important, but do your homework. There's more to it |
| it a wonderful lifestyle? Would you want to live | | | | than meets the eye. Read, ask questions, and get |
| there? | | | | opinions. Talk to residents about what it's like to live |
| Start at the entrance. Does it have a "wow" factor? | | | | there. Chances are that your first impressions are |
| Is it gated with 24 security or is it open for anyone | | | | right but there's no harm in being thorough. Good luck |
| to drive in at any hour? Is it attractive to you? Is | | | | and enjoy the search. |