Here are a few facts to get us started...
- As of 2018, there were 71.3 million Americans in the category of "Baby Boomers" born 1946-1964. The only larger segment of the population in 2018 was Millennials/Gen Yers, with 78 million.
- MYTH: Every retiree wants to live in Florida! In fact, while Florida DOES have the largest population of people 65 and older, other states have fast-growing populations of seniors. Among them, California, Texas, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona and Tennessee, because of the warm weather. (I just threw Tennessee in to see if you were paying attention)
- As we grow older, language and problem-solving skills do not diminish. But intuitive emotional right-brain thought tends to take precedence over logical left-brain thought.
- Within six years of retirement, about three in ten people, age 65 and older, choose to go back to work for various reasons. This is called, "Unretirement."
- In 1950, life expectancy was 68. In 2018, it was 79.
- HERE'S A LOCAL FACT / WILLIAMSON COUNTY 2021: Seniors, 65 and older, make up 12.72 percent of the county's population, 28,691. There are currently 225,389 residents of Williamson County.
- A survey by the National Association of Realtors shows that one in five home-buyers age 53-62 purchased a home for multi-generational occupancy, where 2-3 generations live under one roof.
- The largest purchaser of single-family homes in America is the age group of 64-71.
- About 20 percent of Baby Boomers are interested in an active, senior community...according to Del Webb (but they may be a little biased!)
- AND FINALLY: In 2035, US Citizens age 65 and older, will, for the first time, outnumber those age 18 and younger!
YOU ARE MORE THAN A STATISTIC TO US
All of these facts are based on national, and local, statistics. But I use them to illustrate a point: I recognize that, if there are 71.3 million Baby Boomers, there are 71.3 million individual people who make up that number. Each one has unique interests, experiences, each one has a unique set of family values that are instilled in their DNA, and each one should be treated as an individual, not a statistic. Also, I write from experience; I run close to the middle of this Baby Boomer pack.
FACT: Accumulated experiences and life choices make elders a more diverse group than younger generations. We are unique! And we like it that way.
QUESTION: Who are we as half-century Americans? ANSWER: We are fiscally conservative, loyal and frugal.
While we are not skeptical, we do want to know that the individual we choose to work with in the transaction of our home, lives in the same places we do, and has the same values we do. We want to know that they, too, are loyal and frugal. We also want to know that the people we do business with are motivated in the same way we are.
A little humor before we go on: What do you call a person who moves from the North, to Florida, then decides they went a bit too far and moves back to Tennessee to still have four seasons and a little closer (than Florida) to family "up North?" ANSWER: Half-backs!
I think this is interesting. Statistically, our housing cycle goes like this:
- PHASE 1: Up-size: Age 50. Pre-retirement through early retirement, we up-size to homes with larger bedrooms, more space, so that we'll have enough room to accommodate our kids and their families when they come home.
- PHASE 2: Downsize: Age 65. Once our grand kids aren't coming home or spending college breaks with us, we determine we don't need the larger homes and we downsize to something we can manage more on a busy retirement schedule and retirement budget. This is when many seniors consider very active adult communities, and move greater distances away to one of the states I mentioned above where the weather allows us to be active outside more of the year, Arizona, Nevada, Southern California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, etc.
- PHASE 3: Half-back: Age 70-75. For some of us, we may have lost a spouse and we have a stronger desire to be closer to the ones we love, our kids and their families. And so we move half-way back to where we came from to be closer to family.
- PHASE 4: Last Home: Age 80-85. By this stage in life, we hope we are still actively participating in community, the lives of friends and family and we come to the realization that we may need to consider a transitional living situation such as one that allows us to go from independent living to memory care.
A little trivia: (from Wikipedia) "The oldest known and longest continuously running retirement community in the United States is Ryderwood, Washington. Ryderwood was originally established in 1923 as a Long-Bell logging camp, then was sold to Senior Estates, Inc. in 1953 to create a retirement community. Senior Estates, Inc. converted the town into a retirement community. Time Magazine covered the event in the Real Estate section with the article "Old Folks at Home". As of 2019, Ryderwood remains a retirement community."
Many of the decisions we make within the cycle have to do with health. According to www.agingstats.gov 4 in 5 of us report being in great health. We have become more aware of how to retain good health. We want to continue to grow older, living the good life on the move, not sedentary. So, perhaps Del Webb and Trilogy are on to something! Health and independence are two of our greatest concerns. That said, most of us plan (operative word) to have choices as we age so that we can age in place or have the options to move one of several directions when the need calls for it. So, if we're in good health, what options do we have?
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES:
In the Greater Nashville area, there are several communities you might want to consider.
- Del Webb: In Greater Nashville, there are currently two options to live in a Del Webb community.
Mount Juliet (if you are a jet-setter, this one is closest to the airport) Lake Providence Del Webb is an amazing, vibrant, active community! I have shown retirees Lake Providence and they were pleasantly surprised. This ain't your grandparent's retirement home! It's worth a visit. The other option that you currently have in this area is Southern Springs Del Webb in Spring Hill, TN. While this community is not yet completed, the home options are wide-ranging. Like Mount Juliet Del Webb, this community, once completed, is going to cater to the active senior adult. - While The Grove is not a 55+ community, it certainly is worth mentioning within Williamson County. The Grove highlights exquisite living in a golf community. And while there may be families of all ages in the community, the price points of homes generally appeal to older adults who don't mind being slightly removed from the hubbub.
What the above options do NOT include, is transitional living for if and when you need it.
At some point, we will want or have to make decisions on what our next move will be. Let's talk about some of those options, be they "need" to, or "want" to.
AGING IN PLACE:
When we consider aging in place, we have to consider two aspects of that decision.
- DOES OUR CURRENT COMMUNITY ALLOW FOR US TO AGE IN PLACE? While we all want to stay close to what is comfortable and familiar, we have to ask ourselves, "Is staying in my current community going to give me the quality of life I want?" And, there are many factors to consider. While I may have friends and great neighbors, does this community give me the security that I may feel an increasing need for, especially if I've lost a spouse? If not, what are my options to be able to stay close to friends, family and the community I love? (If you live in Williamson County, Tennessee, keep reading...I link you to some of your options below)
- NOTE: If you live in Brentwood, I wrote a blog a while back about one of the neighborhoods that long-time Brentwood residents move to,
Landmark of Brentwood. With only 72 homes in Landmark of Brentwood, they do not come on the market often. It's very unique to Brentwood in that homes are built on quarter acre lots, in a city that is built on "one house, one acre," so downsizing in home size and lot in Brentwood means much less land to take care of. And, while it has no neighborhood amenities, it is a very social neighborhood. Neighbors call each other by name and have regular socials. It is also one of the most convenient neighborhoods to central Brentwood business district and Brentwood retail options. I encourage you to read my blog, once you've finished this one of course! Landmark of Brentwood. - DOES MY CURRENT HOME ALLOW ME TO MAKE MODIFICATIONS FOR ME TO SAFELY STAY IN MY HOME? If the answer to this is "yes" then, will my current home allow me good access to medical care and necessary amenities? If not, what options do I have for moving to a transitional community, one that will allow me to go from independent living to memory care? Or, is moving in with one of my children an option? If you determine that you want to age in place and stay in your home there are several resources that you may require. Here are some of those resources:
- Senior Moving Manager: www.nasmm.org
- National Adult Day Services Association: www.nasmm.org
- Driver Rehab: www.aota.org/older-driver or the Institute for Mobility, Activity and Participation: www.driving.phlp.ufl.edu
- Volunteer Matching: www.volunteermatch.org
- Senior Dating or Friend-Matching: www.agematch.com www.SeniorFriendFinder.com www.SeniorMatch.com
- Senior Employment Services: www.retiredBrains.com or www.SeniorJobBank.com
Independent living is just that, staying as independent as long as possible. But that may not always be possible. Let's talk about some of the options you may have once you reach a point where you must make a decision to leave your home.
HOUSING OPTIONS FOR ASSISTANCE:
At some point, we have to ask ourselves, "At what point do we need to make a transition, on our timeframe and on our terms without family telling us that it's time?" Once we reach a point when we realize that we can no longer stay, or no longer want to stay where we are, what options do we have?
- Active Senior Communities: Within these communities, the National Association of Home Builders research has found that these are the most desired amenities for active adults: 1) walking/jogging trails, 2) outdoor spaces, 3) public transportation, 4) lakes or water features, 5) outdoor swimming pools, 6) security, 7) clubhouses, 8) exercise facilities, 9) business centers
- Senior Apartments: A growing number of seniors are choosing to sell their homes and rent or lease apartments or condos. This frees up their funds to be able to use their home's equity to travel or for pursuing that hobby they've always wanted, or even for starting a new business.
- Co-housing: These are self-contained, intentional neighborhoods of privately owned residences, such as single-family or town homes, clustered around a common courtyard or community center.
- Transitional housing: As mentioned before, these are typically when an individual or couple may start out in an independent living apartment, then transition to semi-independent where you have access to some medical attention on staff, to full care and memory care. In Brentwood, we have some great examples of these. Here are their links:
www.The Heritage at Brentwood: 900 Heritage Way, Brentwood, TN 37027; 615-564-4900
Offers buy-in site-built homes and apartments for independent living, semi-independent living with some medical assistance, and memory care
www.HarmonyatBrentwood.com: 9045 Church Street East, Brentwood, TN 37027 615-338-7789 
Offers resort style independent living (for lease), spacious 1-2 bedroom aparments with full kitchen, washer/dryer. These options also include flexible meal plans. Additionally, Harmony offers Assisted Living and Memory Care.
I visited Harmony at Brentwood and was so impressed with their staff! (And, who wouldn't be impressed seeing their name on a "Welcome" sign as you walk through the door!) From the receptionist, who knew everyone's name and genuinely cared about each one, to the Marketing Director who walked me throughout the facility and introduced me to many, many residents who all seemed very connected to others and enjoying life! I also met the Executive Director who came across to me as a very compassionate individual. I would definitely check Harmony at Brentwood out as a great option. I met several residents who opted to move here from out-of-state because their children and their families live in Brentwood.
While visiting Harmony at Brentwood, I met an enthusiastic woman who helps seniors, whether deciding to age-in-place, or transition to "senior" options discussed in the blog. At the time we met, she was assisting a woman arrange what furniture she brought with her from a larger home, to an independent living home. I would recommend Sara Beth Warne to assist you in this process, if you live within a 40-mile radius of Nashville. She looked as if she played her role with ease and had a genuine care for her clients. She is a specialist in the area and has her NAHB (National Association of Senior Move Managers) certification.
Sara Beth Warne: (629) 999-2499 / sbwarne@aginginplaceservices.net / www.aginginplaceservices.net
WORKING WITH A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL IN THE AREA WHERE YOU LIVE, WORK, PLAY AND PRAY
In 1997, my wife and I moved from Houston to Williamson County and never looked back! We fell in love with Middle Tennessee and thought we would probably grow old here. As we began our new life in Brentwood specifically, we went to an investment firm and hand-picked a repre
sentative we wanted to work with. The man we chose was a man who was a few years our senior. I said to my wife, "I want to be working with a man who is taking no more risks with our money than he would be with his, at our ages."
I believe you are the same way; we are, after all, pretty close to the same age, if you're reading this blog. I hope to have the opportunity to help you in your endeavor to transition to your "relax-and-find-your-second-wind" home. If so, you'll be giving me the pleasure of helping you make decisions that would be appropriate in this season of your life. Feel free to call my mobile number to ask questions, John Magyar / Principal Broker at Meritant Real Estate in Brentwood, 615-482-8999
MY CREDENTIALS AS A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
- Experience--I am dedicated to my real estate profession through continuing education and applying that knowledge to my multi-millions in transactions. Here are some of the specialized certifications and designations that I apply for my clients' benefit. 1) SRS: Seller Representative Specialist; 2) SRES: Seniors Real Estate Specialist, helping seniors make good, sound decisions that are right for them; 3) MRP: Military Relocation Professional, working with relocating military personnel; 4) RENE: Real Estate Negotiation Expert, intense negotiation skills.
- Knowledge--I live, work, play and pray right here in Brentwood. I believe that it is of paramount importance to work with a REALTOR® who thoroughly knows the area where they work. I also believe that a great agent should give back to their community by volunteering to make it better. I have served, or continue to serve, in various volunteer capacities in Brentwood. 1) Brentwood Planning Commission, 2) Brentwood Tree Board, 3) Vice Chairman of the steering committee for Brentwood's 50th celebration, 4) Represent Brentwood on Williamson County Board of Equalization. Additionally, I have also run, though unsuccessful in my bid, for Brentwood City Commissioner. I think it's safe to say, I know Brentwood!
- Communication Skill--I believe that texting and emails are for quick communication, not the only communication method. I appreciate and enjoy a firm hand-shake. I take pleasure in meeting people face-to-face and am more likely to pick up the phone to call instead of texting or emailing.
- Great marketing--Having come from a marketing/advertising world, I fully understand target marketing, demographic and branding. Every home that I market is evaluated on its own merit and then a marketing plan established to give your listing maximum reach with intent of reaching the most prospective buyers.
FINANCE OPTIONS / LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS / TAX RAMIFICATIONS
While these topics may certainly have an impact on your decision to buy or sell real estate in your senior years, and while I have been asked questions related to these topics, I prefer to stay in my own lane and leave the heavy lifting of these topics to professions. That said, I have a list of professionals that you may consider. That list is yours for the asking. Better said, it would be good to consult your professions on these topics as well.
NOTE: All photography by John Magyar
Meritant Real Estate serves all of Middle Tennessee but our forte is Williamson County. We work hard to earn our name, Meritant, which simply means, worthy.
John Magyar, Principal Broker, REALTOR®, RENE, SRS, MRP, SRES
Meritant Real Estate
5115 Maryland Way, Suite 195
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 333-8999 Office
(615) 482-8999 Personal Mobile
john@meritant.com
