60 - Friday, May ¢ Communities being tailored CANADA'S GROWING elderly population is spurring a quiet revolution in the way we think about retirement, says the president of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA). “In many parts of the country, builders and developers are now creating adult or retirement communities that are carefully tailored to the needs and desires of an aging population. Empty nesters and retirees can select from a wide range of lifestyles such as country club, bungalow and residential apartment communi- ties,” said Stephen Mayhew. Each community offers valuable benefits to its members, from low-maintenance homes to exterior home-care programs, to communal facilities and activities. For active seniors, sports facilities and recreation programs can provide fur and relaxation. For residents with health concerns, instant communication systems offer independence with the assurance of assis- tance when required. “When asked why they enjoy their commu- nity, many residents will talk about the intangi- ble features as being the most important: com- munity spirit and a sense of old-fashioned neighborliness,” said Mayhew. -When you are thinking about moving to an adult or retirement community, experts advise that you consider your options carefully to find the place that is just right for you. Make a list of features that are important in order of priority, such as security measures, sports and workshop facilities, green spaces and the availability of “, medical assistance. Visit a number of communities, compare what they have to offer, and ask lots of ques- tions. Talk to the people who live in the com- munities: Are they happy there? What facilities are offered? Does the community organize activities that you would enjoy? Finally, can you sec yourself living there? “. For the vast majority of people getting ready to buy for their retirement, the most important concerns are putting money in their pockets and ensuring long-term financial stability. By buy- ing down from a larger home, empty nesters ‘) ACLH/IC YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A NEW CONDOMINIUM FACING SITE PHONE: 253-0293 and retirees can often end up with a sizeable” amount of free cash that can either be invested for the long terns or used to enhance the quality of life right now _ for travel, entertainment and those extras that are often overshadowed by the demands of family and work in eurlicr stages of life. Being on a fixed income, telirees need to estimate the fixed expenses of homeownership carefully, both now and in the future. Before buying into a retirement community, make sure that you anderstand what you get for your money and, just as importantly, what you don’t gel! In a freehold home, you own the house and the land that it sits on. What kind of mainte- nance arrangements does the community offer? At what cost? What are the obligations on homeowners to keep their property up to a cer- tain standard? Can someone look after your home when you go away on vacation or while you are otherwise unable to care for your home? In acondominium, you are the sole owner of the space that you live in, and a pariner in the corporation that owns the exterior space. Before buying a condominium, be sure that you fully understand how a condominium works, and your rights and obligations as part of the corpo- ration. Find out how much the condominium fees are. Will they be adequate to cover expen- sive repairs 10 to 15 years down the road? “Before taking the plunge and buying a home in a retirement community, consult your lawyer to ensure that you have a clear picture of your financial obligations, both in the short term and the long term. Then you can proceed with peace of mind and enjoy your new home, knowing that you are getting full value for your money and will continue to do so over the years,” said Mayhew. For more information about new homes and renovations be sure to visit the Greater « Vancouver Home Builders’ Association “InfoDesk located in the feature exhibit at the B.C. Spring Home Show at B.C. Place which runs from Feb. 18-27. 2211 WALL STREET (WALL & MCGUL_L) VANCOUVER 1.7 PM. 1-5 BM. . MON.-THURS.. FRE, SAT. & SUN. 5475 ‘BLUEBERRY LANE N. VA i * 13 years old, 3 levels, 4 bdrms, 4 baths in cul-de-sac Grousewoods area. * Extensively updated throughout * Recently painted, carpeted, tiled, marbled * Fam. rm. w/wet bar & {/p off kitchen % ° Spacious living room, vaulted ceiling & ° Sundecks off fam, rm. & master bdrm. « Finished full basement 7 + A must see to appraciate! 2174 KINGS AVE. WEST VAN. 4d * Quality built home in great Dundarave area 4yrs old, 4 bdrms, 4 baths * Spacious vg rm wimarble gas f/p * Fam. rm. off deluxe gourmet kitchen «master bdrm w/jacuzzi, ensuite ° (rg recrm w/gas f/p in basernent * Totally fenced & landscaped backyard wioacklane . E » Tasteful custom drapes & blinds included "633 eae COURT N. VAN: y: * Well kept 5 bdrms, 3 baths, on 3 levels - * Hardwood floors, lvg. rm., kitchen, master.;; ‘odrm., 2 bdrms. * Ensuite master bdrm wfacuzzi * Spacious family room in bsmt. ¢ Bright open kitchen w/eating room f-¢ Huge sundeck on main * One of the most unobstructed views of the’ city, ocean & mtn. in N. Van. 5532 WOODCHUCK PLACE. _N. VAN, : * 14 yrs, old, 4 bdrms, 3 baths, 2 f/p’s, 3 lvels in cds, Grousewoods area | « Newly updated throughout ¢ All new top quality appliances * Oak cabinetry & ceramic on sink * Garden offers waterfall, pond, wai out deck, swings & hot spa ‘ * New solarium off famrm . * Fully fenced & attractively landscaped back-. yard backing onto greenbelt G VANCOUVER’S FABULOUS BURRARD INLET =e” Seaside style bay windows with window, seats aay Most suites with ocean & mountain views ==" Minutes to downtown & Northshore —=ug” Large garden raoi-top deci Completion: December 1994 CARES. | Reai Estate Marketing 525-3131