Senior specialist offers tips on choosing an adult communit

Make a list of your favorite activities and make sure the community features them or plans to feature them

   Active adult communities represent the fastest growing segment in the home building industry.
   They offer homebuyers 55 years old and up a smaller, more manageable living space, zero outdoor maintenance responsibilities and a wealth of social activities via clubhouses and outdoor amenities.
   On the surface, many of these new-home neighborhoods may seem identical. However, they are as unique as snowflakes, said Senior Real Estate Specialist Connie Cornish of the Monroe office of Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate. The sales associate serves the four corners of central New Jersey — Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer and Somerset counties.
   "Every community is different," she said. "There are some that focus more on outdoor activities than indoor. There may be some where the average age is 75 and some where it’s 55."
   Cornish offers the following five tips that everyone should consider before choosing an active adult community:

  •    Remember that you are buying a lifestyle, not just a house. Make a list of your favorite activities and make sure the community features them or plans to feature them. For example, if you enjoy long walks, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to move somewhere that doesn’t feature walking trails.
  •    Don’t rush into a decision. Research shows that active adult homebuyers can often take up to 18 months before they commit to purchase a home. This is a major decision and there’s no hurry. And, of course, start looking for your home before you sell your existing home.
  •     Keep an eye on tomorrow. While many of those who live in an active adult community aren’t retired, they will most likely be some day. Make sure the community you pick is convenient to more than just your job. It should be close to your family, friends and favorite activities.
  •     To ranch or not to ranch. While stairs are something many active adults don’t want any part of, there are pros and cons. Many active adult home designs include a small second level loft area that includes just enough space for house guests who come to visit. Think about how many visitors you’re likely to get and whether that extra space will come in handy.
  •     Consider a multi-generational neighborhood if an active adult community is not for you. This relatively new community concept is quickly taking hold across the country. Multigenerational neighborhoods offer a mix of housing, from town homes and condos for first-time buyers and young families to single-family homes and active adult residences.

Connie Cornish has more than 26 years experience in the real estate industry. In addition to being a senior real estate specialist, she’s a certified relocation specialist, certified residential specialist and certified real estate brokerage manager.
   She is also a member of the Middlesex, Mercer and Garden State Multiple Listing Service.
   To speak with Connie Cornish about your real estate needs, contact her at (609) 395-6600 or [email protected] or visit her online at www.gnrgmac.com/conniecornish.
   The Monroe office of Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate is located at 1600 Perrineville Rd., Suite 30, in the Concordia Shopping Center. The office serves the diverse township of Monroe as well as all of Middlesex County.