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55-Plus Buyers Want Wellness Features And Loved Ones Nearby

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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

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

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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

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Featured at West + Main Louisville: Jean Philippe Menetrier

 

Join us for First Friday in Louisville ft. Jean Philippe Menetrier

920 Main St
8.1.2025, 6-9pm

Meet Jean Philippe Menetrier

Jean Philippe (JP) Menetrier was born in Besançon; a small town in the Burgundy region of France. The introverted middle child of three boys, JP grew up on an active farm and was enchanted by nature and the outdoors from a young age. Once introduced to music and film in his teen years JP’s imagination started to incorporate counterculture and the arts. He DJ’d vinyl throughout his college and following years and maintains his hearty collection to this day.

After moving to the United States in 2007, JP began experimenting with black and white photography as well as found object sculpting. His artistic passions developed into abstract painting and drawing during early COVID isolation. His passion to create art is only surpassed by his love of his daughter (Vezia), and sneakers (Jordans).

You can visit JP and his other artworks currently hanging at Honey Hill Coffee Shop, the ART Hotel, and Satchel’s on 6th Restaurant.

 
 

Learn more about JP in our Q+A!

What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working with a mix of acrylic and ink on heavy paper. I also have another station in the studio where I’m combining graphite with colored powder. I always keep sketchbooks and my iPad nearby so I can create wherever I go.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Close friends have reminded me to accept that my work won’t resonate with everyone—and that’s okay. It makes it all the more meaningful when someone truly connects with it.

What is your dream project?
My dream project would be something massive. When I visited the Rubell Museum in Miami, I saw a canvas as big as a warehouse wall—they had to assemble it inside the space. I was awestruck and thought, “One day, I’ll do that too.”

If you had a choice between two superpowers—being invisible or flying—which would you choose?
I’d prefer to fly. Ideally, I’d like to be a bird.

How did your business come to exist?
I work at Satchel’s on 6th restaurant, and for years I’ve had my artwork displayed on the walls there. Over time, I built a strong community of supporters, friends, and buyers—many of whom continue to follow and support my work through social media.

What are your thoughts on your city’s creative scene for artists, designers, makers, and small businesses?
I tend to be introverted and in my own creative bubble, so I haven’t always reached out as much as I could. But I’m working on that.

Where do you find inspiration?
It comes from a love of the process—creating something, playing with color and texture, and exploring new techniques. I try to let myself feel free to experiment without overthinking.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love being outdoors—biking, walking, and dipping my feet in the cold river in Golden (lol). I also enjoy reading, traveling, yoga, and meditation.

 
 

Get in touch with JP


Instagram: @jean_philippe_m

If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Joy at joym@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!

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8 Common Plants That Can Actually Cause Damage to Your Property

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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

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

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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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