55-Plus Buyers Want Wellness Features And Loved Ones Nearby

The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options. Longer lifespans, greater health, increased affluence and current sensibilities about aging are transforming the neighborhoods designed for late Boomers and Gen X homebuyers.

“We know the story: the 55-and-older population will grow by 12 million between 2025 and 2033,” notes managing principal of John Burns Research and Consulting firm Ken Perlman in a June 4 insights report. “These aren’t your grandparents’ active adult buyers. They are healthy, wealthy, and tech-savvy.” According to Perlman, these are what this homebuyer is seeking. Does it align with your preferences if you fit into this age group?

Family Imperatives

“For 55 plus consumers who plan to move, proximity to family and friends is the top factor influencing location,” Perlman reports in his summary. Those moving to be closer to adult children and grandchildren have a nickname and a trend: “Baby chasers.” I have several friends in my own Baby Boomer social circle who have done this or are contemplating it in the next two years. The pandemic drove home the value of being close to relatives, especially for those families that need help with eldercare or childcare.

Real estate publisher and research firm Zonda* has a Baby Chaser Index, which shows that 25% of Boomer households plan to retire near their children and grandchildren. “As Millennials seek to establish roots and grow their families, they are gravitating toward markets that offer a blend of affordability, job opportunities and lifestyle amenities,” says Ali Wolf, Zonda’s chief economist. (One of my Boomer friends is looking at Austin to be near her son and granddaughter. A family member moved an hour away to live close to her sister and daughter a few years ago.) Austin, Charleston, Jacksonville, Dallas and Raleigh were the top five Baby Chaser destinations on the Index. Burns’ New Home Trends Institute found that 45% of 55 and older consumers live within half an hour of their grandchildren, and 25% spend time with them each week.

Friend Circles

Friend circles are also impacting where older adults choose to move, particularly for singles like myself without children. Co-housing and co-living (“Golden Girls” style) is one option some are seeking, with numerous advantages for those choosing one of them.

“The number one benefit, which greatly affected the Golden Girls’ mental and physical wellness, is the social aspect of shared housing,” Maria Carpiac (nee Claver), director of California State University Long Beach’s Gerontology program, told me for a July 2022 Forbes.com article. Carpiac teaches a course called Women & Aging: Lessons from the Golden Girls.

“More than any other lifestyle factor (including smoking, diet and exercise), we know that having social support is the most important predictor of morbidity (or illness) and mortality,” she shared in that article. A quarter of older Americans live alone, she reported, contributing to an epidemic of loneliness. “Loneliness increases the risk of mortality by 45%.”

Some single individuals in this age group, myself included, don’t want housemates, roommates or the characteristics of co-housing communities, but seek a welcoming community where we can live independently, still close to friends and caring neighbors.

New Home Preferences

According to Perlman, new home developers are looking closely at what our 55-plus generations want. Given that we represent 30% of today’s population and those of us born before 1970 now control 73% of total U.S. net worth, (according to John Burns Research and Consulting’s Bureau of Labor Statistics tabulations), our preferences are being taken seriously:

More than 80% of our generation aspires to homeownership, but dislikes the maintenance that often comes with it, Perlman observes.

One third of 55 plus consumers live alone and are among the 82% of mature single and couples who want a 2,250 square foot or smaller home. For singles, one garage space can be sufficient, using those square feet for other purposes, like a larger kitchen.

63% of these buyers would not live in a home without a laundry room.

The firm’s 2024 survey of 55 and older consumers revealed that 70% of us are prioritizing “a sense of purpose,” approximately 66% are prioritizing family time, and more than half are emphasizing environments that promote movement as part of daily life. (Wellness amenities like walking trails and nature access, walkability to shops and services, fitness centers and programs, and integrated wellness clinics are all trending.)

Not mentioned in the Burns study is a trend toward homes with greater accessibility – often called “aging in place.” These often include single level living or first floor primary suites, elevators for two or three story homes and townhouses, barrier-free entries and showers, roll-out trays and pull-down accessories in cabinets and other features that promote independent living for adults of all ages and abilities.

Homes with universal design features (which also support household members and visitors who may have physical challenges), smart home technology that enhances safety and convenience, as well as social engagement and support systems, including access to telehealth, are all trending, according to SeniorLiving.com, a resource site for individuals and senior living communities.

Conclusion

“The new 55 plus consumers are seeking a community that gives them a sense of purpose, promotes healthy living, and offers services and amenities without the burden of high maintenance or isolation. The best age-qualified / active adult communities will blend a variety of housing products from ‘forever homes’ to low upkeep, attainable luxury in locations that are proximate to friends and families,” Perlman suggests. Is this what you’re seeking too? After a long search, I found my “forever home” in an all-ages community with numerous wellness features, including walkability to friends, shops and services.

Read more at Forbes

Related Links

• 8 Common Plants That Can Actually Cause Damage to Your Property

• Homes Are Sitting on the Market Longer as Cautious Buyers Remain on the Sidelines

• The Priciest Home Style in America Is Also One of the Rarest

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Homes Are Sitting on the Market Longer as Cautious Buyers Remain on the Sidelines

Sellers are waiting out a slumping market as homes continue to linger longer on the market—a clear sign that buyers aren't ready to commit to a purchase.

The median time on the market reached 58 days nationally last week—a day longer than the corresponding week in July 2019, according to the Realtor.com® Weekly Housing Trends report for the week ending July 19.

"The lack of significant buyer response to substantial gains in for-sale inventory has pushed many sellers to reduce prices," explains Jake Krimmel, senior economist at Realtor.com. "The price reduction share reached roughly 1 in 5 homes in June, the highest June share in the data’s history."

The report reveals that annual price growth remained steady, but homes spent more time on the market. New listings were nearly flat year over year, which is a sign that "seller momentum might be losing steam, faced with lackluster buyer demand in much of the country."

It all comes at a time when mortgage interest rates rose yet again. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage increased to 6.75% for the week ending July 17, according to Freddie Mac. That's up from 6.72% the week before.

Despite the increase in mortgage rates, people applying for a mortgage ticked up slightly to 0.8% for the week ending July 18, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

"Big-city home shoppers continue to search for a home in other areas, likely looking for a deal while market headwinds persist," says Krimmel.

Inventory check

New listings rose 7.2% year over year. Meanwhile, the number of homes active on the market climbed 24.4% year over year, slightly lower than last week. It's still the 89th consecutive week of an annual increase in inventory.

"There were more than 1 million homes for sale again last week, marking the 11th week in a row over the threshold and the highest inventory level since November 2019," says Krimmel. "While choices for buyers have expanded, affordability constraints continue to limit buyer activity. The lack of significant buyer response to substantial gains in for-sale inventory has pushed many sellers to reduce prices."

With more people putting their homes up for sale—leading to an increase in inventory—all the homes are spending more time on the market than a year ago. The median time on the market reached 58 days nationally, which is a day longer than the same time in July 2019.

The median list price is also up 0.8% year over year. The median list price per square foot—which adjusts for changes in home size—rose 0.5% year over year.

"With inventory on the rise and more than 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices, the market continues to soften and shift toward more buyer favorability," says Krimmel. "However, without significant movement in mortgage rates or home prices, many buyers are still unable to take advantage."

The part of the country you live in will also make a difference. Inventory and median time on the market have surpassed typical pre-pandemic levels, putting downward pressure on list prices in the South and West. Meanwhile, the Northeast and Midwest remain relatively tight and continue to see modest price growth, according to the June 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends.

Read more at Realtor.com

Related Links

• 8 Common Plants That Can Actually Cause Damage to Your Property

• 7 DIY Skills Every Homeowner Should Learn to Save on Renovation Costs

• The Priciest Home Style in America Is Also One of the Rarest

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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8 Common Plants That Can Actually Cause Damage to Your Property

When it comes to landscaping around your home, it’s easy to focus all your attention (and money) on the pretty stuff. After all, the addition of lush greenery, colorful blooms, and sprawling trees is the quickest way to transform a bland yard into an outdoor oasis—not to mention, plants can be a great way to increase your curb appeal and home value.

The only issue? Some of your selections may actually be putting your home at risk. As much as we love the visual interest and aesthetic charm plants can bring to a landscape, what you choose to grow around your home can have a big impact on both its structure and its safety. That picture-perfect pear tree or tidy ground cover might seem innocent enough, but plants that have sneaky roots, aggressive growth habits, or compromised structures can all cause problems down the line.

Whether you're starting from scratch or rethinking your current landscape, being mindful about placement and plant type can save you a lot of stress and money in the long run, helping you to avoid big-ticket mishaps like blocked gutters, cracked foundations, or wrecked roofs. Below, we’re taking a closer look at the trees and plants you should think twice about planting close to your home.

What to Consider When Planting Your Landscape

According to the pros, deciding what to plant around your house isn’t always about choosing between a “bad” or “good” plant. Instead, you have to take a more holistic look at your selections to determine if your choice is the right pick for both your landscape and your house.

“Any plant can be a problem if planted in a location that does not meet its needs,” says Cynthia Domenghini, PhD, an expert in consumer horticulture at Kansas State University. “This includes a location that is too small to accommodate the mature size of a plant. It’s important not to choose a plant without first doing your research. Know the site conditions and choose a plant that fits into that environment.”

Here are a few factors to consider before planting anything in the ground:

Distance

One of the most important things to consider when planting around your home is the distance a specimen is from the exterior of your house. “As a general rule of thumb, we always plant outside the drip line of the house for any plant,” says landscape designer Susan Calhoun of Plantswoman Design. “This helps plants survive with any rainwater that is available as well as any watering that the owner provided. If there is no roof overhang, we would plant at the mature size distance from the house plus two feet.” When you plant closer than recommended to the side of your home, you run the risk of disrupting your home’s foundation or having to severely prune a shrub or tree in order to keep it small enough to “fit” in your chosen location.

Mature Size

One issue many home gardeners run into when landscaping? Planing for the size of the plant now versus how big it will grow. “Be sure to learn the mature size of any plant, but particularly trees and shrubs, then match the size of the plant to the available growing space,” suggests Darya Barar, a managing consulting urban forester and arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts. “Large trees planted in small sites, close to a house, or in constrained planting areas, will eventually outgrow the space and likely disrupt adjacent areas. As a general suggestion, don’t plant a medium or large tree closer than 20 feet of a home; shrubs should be at least 3 or 4 feet from a structure."

Growth Habit

You shouldn't only consider how big a plant grows, but also how it grows in general. Plants that tend to have disruptive roots, or those that will vine and climb anything within a 10-foot radius are best skipped. “If tree branches grow and overhang a home, litter from falling leaves, fruit and other plant parts will accumulate on roofs and in gutters,” says Barar. “Likewise, vines such as English and Boston ivies may attach themselves to the sides of a structure which will damage the surface.”

Flammability

If you don’t live in an area prone to wild fires, you may think the flammability of a plant is not something you have to worry about—but you’d be wrong. More and more, pros are cautioning homeowners to consider the ramifications of the plants they choose and what they might mean for protecting your home from fires. “We’re seeing an increase in wildfire frequency and severity in recent years as the wildland urban interface (WUI) grows, temperatures warm and droughts are longer and more common,” explains JP McDonnell, a registered consulting arborist with SavATree Consulting Group. “With that has come increasing attention to defensible space management. There are several management zones around a home with recommended tactics to reduce risk of wildfire damage to your property. You can always refer to Firewise USA or local regulations for specific guidance."

8 Plants to Avoid Growing Near Your Home

While you should always be mindful of what you plant in your landscape—and where you plant it—below are the plants experts caution against the most.

English Ivy

Creeping vines, like English ivy, can be notoriously difficult to control, often climbing up nearby structures and compromising the structural integrity. “If [English ivy] is grown near trees, it will likely climb up them," says Domenghini. "The extra weight of the ivy plants can cause tree branches to break, which creates a risk. It's important to know a plant such as this tends to grow quickly, so choosing a suitable location for it to be able to grow and spread without causing problems is essential."

Tree-of-Heaven

A good rule of thumb? Stay away from any plants known to be invasive—they’re often blacklisted for good reason. “If I were to caution homeowners against planting one type of tree or plant, it would be any species known to be invasive,” says Barar. “These species can outcompete native plants, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade landscapes. Examples include tree-of-heaven and purpleleaf plum, which have caused ecological issues across the country. I always recommend checking with local experts or extension services to identify which species are considered invasive in your area.”

Callery (Bradford) Pear

Once the landscape tree du jour in planned communities and suburban centers, bradford pear trees have fallen vastly out of favor due to their structural unpredictability (not to mention their smelly flowers). “This tree is non-native and highly invasive,” says McDonnell. “It can outcompete native vegetation in your yard, and it typically grows with poor branch structure, making it susceptible to failure during storms. Several states have even banned the tree and are working to eradicate it.”

Cherry Blossom Tree

While there’s no denying their beauty, cherry trees are not built for every landscape, especially if you don’t have a lot of lawn to let them sprawl freely. “The roots of a pink cherry tree will seek out water, causing them to clog drainage systems, septic systems, and even irrigation systems,” says Calhoun.

Japanese Forest Grass

Just because a plant or tree isn’t wreaking havoc above ground doesn’t mean everything is dandy below the surface. “Grasses with running root systems can be a bit problem,” says Calhoun. “Japanese forest grass, ribbon grass, and Japanese blood grass all have running root systems, which can become invasive and overrun pathways, driveways and patio areas. They’ll also seek out water sources and clog systems, including the downspout curtain drains, around your foundation.”

Silver Maple Trees

Maple trees are a coveted landscape specimen, thanks in large part to their sprawling size and colorful fall foliage. That said, they’re not the best option for nearby a house, especially if you live in a storm-prone area. “Silver maple trees are notorious for weak wood that’s susceptible to decay and storm failure,” says McDonnell. “The root systems from these trees can also damage sewer lines and cause cracks to develop in sidewalks and driveways,” adds Dr. Domenghini.

Trumpet Creeper

If a plant you’re shopping for has “creeper” or “crawler” in the name, proceed with caution. While many of these plant types can be used successfully as ground cover, you’ll want to keep a close eye on them as they develop. “Trumpet creeper is a vine that’s commonly planted for its showy flowers, but it’s classified as an invasive weed by USDA in certain regions,” explains McDonnell. “It can easily spread through aerial rootlets and climb structures on residential properties, infiltrating siding, gutters, and downspouts and potentially damaging or weakening mortar joints.”

Conifer Trees

Sure, cutting down a Christmas tree from your own yard sounds dreamy—until you consider how much chaos conifer trees can create. “Most full-sized evergreen conifers should not be planted close to the home,” says Calhoun. “These are better suited to forest situations and viewing from a distance. They can be fire hazard because they burn quickly, the roots can reach to the foundation and cause problems there. Needles from the trees will clog gutters and could cause rot in the siding and facias if not removed regularly.”

Read more at Real Simple

Related Links

• Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know

• 7 DIY Skills Every Homeowner Should Learn to Save on Renovation Costs

• The Priciest Home Style in America Is Also One of the Rarest

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Fannie Mae lowers forecasts for mortgage rates, home-price growth

Mortgage rates are expected to end 2025 at 6.4% and 2026 at 6% — downward revisions compared with last month’s forecast figures of 6.5% and 6.1%. That’s according to the July 2025 Economic and Housing Outlook released Thursday by Fannie Mae‘s Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group.

The ESR Group also updated its home-price growth forecast and now projects annual price appreciation of 2.8% in 2025 and 1.1% in 2026. These are also downward revisions compared with the previously projected figures of 4.1% and 2%.

Home sales are forecast at 4.85 million units in 2025 and 5.35 million units in 2026 — each of which represent upward revisions from June.

The ESR Group revised its real gross domestic product (GDP) growth outlook for 2025 and 2026 to 1.3% and 2.3%, respectively, down from estimates of 1.4% and 2.2% in its prior forecast.

It also expects the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to rise 3% year over year in 2025, down from 3.2% in its June forecast. The outlook for 2026 is 2.7%, down from 2.8% previously. Core CPI — which excludes volatile goods like food and energy — is expected to rise 3.2% this year (down from 3.3% previously) and 2.7% in 2026 (unchanged from the prior forecast).

Lastly, the group now projects mortgage origination volume to rise to $1.92 trillion and $2.34 trillion, respectively, in 2025 and 2026. The previously estimated figures were $1.9 trillion and $2.28 trillion.

Read more at Housingwire

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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What homebuyers should do before rate cuts, according to mortgage experts

Whether you're buying a new home or considering mortgage refinancing, the main question is the same right now: When will rates drop? The interest rate environment has remained elevated across various lending products, after all, as the Federal Reserve has maintained the federal funds rate this year to lower the inflation rate.

As a benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate has a major impact on rates for borrowers, and that includes the cost of borrowing money to buy or refinance a home. If there are rate cuts or rate spikes, interest rate changes are likely to follow. So, while not directly tied to mortgage rates, the Fed's decisions have a ripple effect and can influence the direction of where home loan rates head next.

The Federal Reserve is meeting again later this month, but the CME Group FedWatch tool indicates that experts believe it's unlikely that rate cuts will occur when the Fed meets at that time. On the other hand, the tool shows higher chances of rate cuts in September, October and December, which could potentially lead to a drop in mortgage interest rates, and homebuyers who want to take advantage of these rate cuts can do several things now to put themselves in a solid position.

What homebuyers should do before rate cuts, mortgage experts say

Before taking any action, it's important to understand the relationship between the Federal Reserve and mortgage rates.

"When the Fed lowers rates, it directly reduces the prime rate, which means rates on HELOCs, car loans, and credit cards typically go down. Mortgage rates don't move exactly with Fed cuts, but those cuts, and the Fed's economic guidance, impact the bond market, which ultimately drives mortgage rates," says Jill Carrade, a mortgage broker at Pro Mortgage.

So while the Fed rate can impact mortgage rates, the two aren't directly correlated. But in anticipation of rate cuts that may occur later this year, here's what potential borrowers should do now.

Do your research

The real estate market has a learning curve for new borrowers. You want to understand the different terms you might come across, know about potential fees, and review your budget. The last thing you want to do is rush into something as significant as homeownership.

"The biggest thing that someone should do is get prepared…Sit down and talk to somebody and say, 'Well, what does it take to get a mortgage? What do I need to do? Are there things I can prepare for?' And that's going to involve a review of your income versus your bills, and in this case, a good mortgage professional is going to help people with budgeting," says Mark Worthington, a loan officer and branch manager at Churchill Mortgage.

Starting your research now, ahead of any rate cuts, can put you in a stronger position to act when the time is right.

"I think it's also important to note that my perspective is that we won't see any major swings in terms of rates before at least the end of the year, but that just makes it more important to be sort of all ready to go when you find the right property, so you can be ready to act in case you catch a dip," says Sarah DeFlorio, the vice president of mortgage banking at William Raveis Mortgage.

Improve your credit score

Your credit score is one of the many factors that lenders look at when determining home loan rates. Putting in the effort to improve your credit score can help you in both the short term and the long term.

"A higher credit score typically gets better interest rates, which for the same sales price of a home, is a lower payment," says Worthington.

Various factors affect your credit score and carry different weights. However, payment history is one of the most significant, so making on-time payments is crucial. But it's not just making payments by the due date that matters. How much you owe relative to your total credit limit — often referred to as credit utilization — accounts for about 30% of your credit score.

DeFlorio suggests that you pay down any balances you're carrying. While that may not be a possibility for everyone, if it is, it could help.

For the best results, it makes sense to pay off your credit card balances by the due date. But paying off your balances before the statement date could be even more beneficial.

"The trick is you actually pay down the balance so that the statement gets issued at a 0 balance. And then that's the information that gets reported," says DeFlorio.

Additionally, Worthington says to avoid applying for new credit before applying for a mortgage, which could lead to a drop in your credit score.

Look at loan features

According to data from Freddie Mac, mortgage rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped five weeks in a row, but recently ticked up slightly, coming in at 6.72% as of July 10th.

While looking at mortgage interest rates is an important part of your research, DeFlorio suggests looking at different loan features as well.

"We're not going to see too much of a variation in rates for the next few months, but loan features vary from bank to bank. So, for example, what is the bank's float down policy, if they have one? Which would mean, if once you're locked, you may have the ability to get a lower rate if the market shifts in that direction," says DeFlorio.

Find the right home

The mortgage experts we spoke to agreed that finding the right home is generally more important than timing the market. While rate cuts can help, you don't want to miss out on your dream home waiting for the perfect moment.

"When rates drop, many buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines tend to jump back into the market all at once. That increased competition can drive home prices higher and lead to bidding wars. Even if you get a lower rate, you might end up paying more for the home itself. It's important to weigh those trade-offs when deciding on your timing," says Carrade.

Getting into real estate and taking out a mortgage is essentially entering a long-term relationship. When you find the right fit, you can work with a professional to help figure it all out.

"The biggest recommendation is to find the right house. With the right house, your mortgage professional can help find you the best mortgage," says Worthington.

The bottom line

If you're waiting for interest rate cuts to buy a home, you may want to take the steps outlined above to prepare. Doing your research, preparing your finances and improving your credit can help. So when it's time to submit a mortgage application, you're in the best position possible. Working with mortgage brokers who can assist you in the homebuying process can also be a valuable resource. The key is to find the right home for you and a mortgage that fits your budget, regardless of where mortgage interest rates are.

Read more at CBS News

Related Links

• Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know

• 7 DIY Skills Every Homeowner Should Learn to Save on Renovation Costs

• The Priciest Home Style in America Is Also One of the Rarest

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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