Hot Real Estate Market Provides New Options for Seniors Looking to Downsize

The booming Westchester real estate market has been a boon for older adults looking to downsize. Sales prices rose 9.4 percent in the first quarter in Westchester, according to Houlihan Lawrence, a leading real estate brokerage serving New York City’s northern suburbs.

Low inventory has allowed many seniors to sell quickly and get top dollar for their homes.

But while some seniors say they would like to take advantage of the sellers’ market, they aren’t quite ready to move into independent living communities. Now there is a great interim option – moving to a smaller home in a senior living community.  Broadview at Purchase College has just such an option.

“We loved the idea of moving into a community of like-minded people with plenty of social activities, but we hated to give up living in our own home.” said MJ Karger, who recently moved into one of Broadview at Purchase’s Villa Homes.  “At Broadview, we found the best of both worlds.”

MJ and her husband Tom moved into their Villa Home in December. MJ said she and husband are thrilled with the spacious, open floor plan, high ceilings, two-car garage and the outdoor living space, backed up by wooded areas on the campus of Purchase College.

“You don’t feel like you have to get rid of everything in your home. There’s ample space for everything,’’ said MJ. “And for Tom it’s wonderful. There are no outdoor responsibilities. Just call the concierge.’’

Maureen Campbell, Premier Transitions Relocation & Senior Services, has been working with seniors to help them sell their properties as part of her downsizing business. Maureen is currently working with Broadview at Purchase Senior Living Community to help its prospective clients with their moves. Maureen says: “This is the best market for seniors I’ve seen. I’ve been working with seniors for 20 years and I’ve never seen a market like this.’’

Campbell said that couples she has worked with are selling their homes within weeks, sometimes for several hundred thousand above asking price.

The Kargers said that this was also their experience. Their Yorktown home was on the market for only 3-5 days and they got eight offers, most over asking price.

“We have been ecstatic,’ said MJ.  “Everything about this place has fulfilled our wishes and hopes.’’

Broadview Villas are one-level, 2-bedroom homes and offer eight different floor plans ranging from 1,972 to 2,224 square feet. Prices range from $1.7 – $2.4 million with 90 percent refundable upon move out. To learn more about Villa Homes at Broadview visit https://www.broadviewseniorliving.org/villas/