55+ Living Guide Spring/Summer 2017 55++LG+Spring+17+Spreads | Page 43

“Downsize” is considered a dirty word to many adults over 55, who might associate it with other potentially age-offensive words like “mature,” “assisted,” “senior,” and even ”adult.” Negative connotations aside, downsizing doesn’t always mean less, and many Americans who em- bark on “downsizing,” actually make a more lateral move to a smarter space - one where less really does mean more. “We’re really not compromising a lot at all. Not really on anything,” says Kathleen Lee. Lee and her husband, Kirk, just closed on a new construction/downsizer home in Wil- ton’s Craw Farm development. As new empty nesters, the Lees began to notice that after the kids moved out, much of their house sat empty as well. “We realized that we really only lived in certain parts of the [larger] house. The home wasn’t a burden; it was just a lot of upkeep for two people.” Enjoying their privacy but looking for something more manageable, the Lees decided to downsize. Once they did, they re-entered the real estate market confidently with a clear idea of what they wanted in their next home: the right location, a single story floor plan, and high quality construction. A confident consumer makes a savvy shopper. Jim Chapman, Chairman of the NAHB’s 55+ Housing In- dustry Council, says older home buyers may be better equipped to compete in the housing market than their younger counterparts. “Downsizing 55+ buyers do their research,” says Chapman, “they know what they want and don’t want to settle for less.” Not only do downsizers not want to settle, but less really is more to many, who consider lower hous- ing costs and single story floor plans just as much of a “downsize” as less square footage. In fact, many downsizers rank less square footage low on their list of priorities. What they really want, according to the Na- tional Association of Homebuilders, is similar to what the Lee’s were looking for. And also, strikingly similar to the real estate wish list of another demographic: the Millennials. “We wanted to be close to the amenities of Saratoga, we love Saratoga,” explains Kathleen. “Ten minutes and boom, you’re in the city [of Saratoga Springs]. It’s close to the highway, it’s close to Lake George and Sacandaga [Lake], so the location was perfect.” Enter Matt McPadden of McPadden Builders, LLC, an area home builder who saw a need in the local new construction market for modestly-sized, quality-craft- ed, single story homes in Saratoga’s surrounding areas. McPadden began building neighborhoods in nearby Wilton and Milton, and has since scored dozens of awards in Saratoga’s widely attended annual Showcase of Homes. (continued) AWARD WINNING NEW CONSTRUCTION W W Wilton Wyndham Way Milton 519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs RoohanRealty.com | 518.587.4500 Craw Farm Wilton Valerie Thompson [email protected] 518.421.7264