By Liz Witbeck
One trend in the real estate field in recent years is that people want less space as they get older. People are looking for something smaller and more affordable. This is especially common with folks who have retired.
“Ninety percent of people who walk through our doors are looking to downsize,” said Vickie Rehberg a real estate salesperson for Better Way Realty in Fort Edward.
Rehberg moved to New York four years ago from Florida, where she was a licensed Realtor. She has extensive experience working with buyers looking to downsize.
Rehberg herself knows how it feels to downsize a home, because she did it herself. When living in Florida, she lived in a home that was more than 3,000 square feet. When she decided to move to New York to be closer to her son, she purchased a home that was less than 1,000 square feet.
“It’s a big relief” said Rehberg. “You think, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’”
For people looking to retire, Glens Falls, Queensbury and the surrounding region offer many options.
Tom VanAernem, owner of VanAernem Realty and Associates in Hudson Falls, recommended people look into senior housing or look into building their own homes when considering downsizing.
While moving may seem stressful, there are advantages and opportunities involved in finding a smaller home. Downsizing has many benefits that homeowners should consider, he said
“This area offers so much. People aren’t fleeing New York like they used to. This area offers things for you intellectually and physically,” said Joan Taub, a licensed associate real estate broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices which has offices in Lake George and Glens Falls. .
For the person who enjoys living downtown, there are many condominium apartment buildings. People can enjoy walking to the stores and restaurants in downtown Glens Falls.
Taub said one of the biggest draws to condo living is the lack of maintenance. Monthly condo fees cover maintenance such as snow shoveling, lawn care, and repair, so owners do not have to stress about such things.
Many people want to live in a neighborhood. Glens Falls, Queensbury, and surrounding areas provide townhomes for people looking to downsize.
One of the current projects by Better Way Realty and Cerrone Builders is the Village at Sweet Road. This project in Queensbury features 29 luxury homes in a park-like setting, complete with walking trails, street lights, and landscaping.
Another recent project is the Wood Creek Estates in South Glens Falls. These single-family homes are nestled in a cul-de-sac, and have many amenities. There are 34 homes within this secluded community. With features such as granite countertops, maple cabinetry, fireplaces, and hardwood floors, these homes are a little piece of luxury.
These homes offer many opportunities for older residents looking to downsize. Open concept floor plans are especially good, said Rehberg, because they give the feeling of more space in the home and have lots of windows.
Rehberg said that many residents enjoy living in single-family townhomes such as these, where they can still mow their own lawn, do repairs on their home, and keep up with their own maintenance like they did in their previous, larger house.
But for homeowners who want more freedom, there are many options for maintenance-free living.
“It gives you more freedom to do the things you want. There is less stuff that anchors you. There is more freedom to travel. You can have more of a social life” said Rehberg.
What is the best advice for people who may be considering downsizing their home?
“Evaluate what is most important to you” said Taub. “Do you want to be close to family? Do you need to have everything all on one floor?” These are the types of questions to consider when thinking about properties.
“Contact a Realtor,” said VanAernem. “You want to work with somebody who is full time in this business. I recommend doing this through a professional.”
VanAernem recommended that people do their own online research. Even something as simple as driving around neighborhoods and looking for “for sale” signs can be helpful, he said.
“Don’t be afraid of the process. You have nothing to lose” said Rehberg.