Community News

As the huge wave of Boomers have come of age and are seeking comfort and security in their mature years, a new set of real estate terms and trends has emerged.  Not too many years ago, who knew what Universal Design meant.  How about Aging in Place?  Retrofitting for Accessibility? Older people have the highest rate of homeownership in the country – about 80 percent.  The great majority live in single-family homes, most of which are poorly suited for the disabilities that are common in later life.  The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard has identified three of the most common accessibility features that allow seniors to safely enjoy their living spaces: entrances without steps, single-floor living, and with hallways and doorways that accommodate wheelchairs.  The Center's research found that less than 4 percent of the U.S. housing stock has all three of these. Add two more important elements for ageing in place – doors with lever handles and light switches and electrical outlets that can be reached from a wheelchair – and the proportion drops to 1 percent. These and other home modifications have long been advocated by architects and occupational therapists – known collectively as "universal design". Older adults are fervent remodelers: those over 55 account for more than half of all home improvement spending, the Harvard survey reported.  Astute contractors and interior designers and even new home builders are increasingly incorporating universal design features into their new home and renovation offerings. The Knolls at Hillcrest in Bozeman is the first new home community in Montana to incorporate the concepts of universal design into all of its 15 different floor plans. Doug East is a Baby Boomer who has the specific training and experience necessary to assist seniors with their downsizing planning. He and his wife have lived through the process themselves and Doug has many real-life insights to help his senior clients with their downsizing plans.