From A Woman's Perspective: April 20th, 2024

Good morning, Marilyn. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, condo apartments can be the perfect SMART move for seniors looking to SMART size their living arrangements. They are safe, convenient and affordable. I am working with several clients right now searching for the perfect condo apartment, and here are my top 6 things I look for in senior-friendly condos: 

1. Ground-floor units: I love finding my downsizing clients a condo apartment on the ground floor. They provide instant access to outdoor space, usually a terrace or patio, for activities like puttering among the tomato plants or taking Fido for his daily constitutional.

2. “Mature” Building: Another feature of senior-friendly buildings that they were built 20 years ago or more. These buildings tend to offer larger units, and for my downsizing clients, space considerations are at the top of their priorities. In my experience, these older buildings also have a higher population of retired folk, and fewer tenants, meaning they are more likely to be quiet places to live.

3. Location, Location, Location: A key feature of a seniors-friendly condo apartment is the location. Choosing a condo that is near to public transit can be a very valuable feature for a client’s aging-in-place strategy. There might be a time when driving isn’t an option so staying near familiar shops, restaurants, and service providers is definitely a feature we are sure to consider.

4. Assess the amenities: Recreation and entertainment facilities can offer a ton of enjoyment for downsizing seniors. Take stock of what is important, whether entertaining grandkids in the indoor pool or achieving personal health goals in the condo’s fully-equipped gym. Perhaps a separate suite for overnight guests?

5. Budget: As part of a long-term financial plan for retirement, condos can provide a budget-friendly option with fixed costs. Monthly fees that may cover all building amenities and maintenance, as well as individual utility use.

6. Convenience: Imagine no more lawn maintenance this summer or next winter with no snow shoveling! Simply pull into your heated underground parking, and never mind about outside maintenance, either. There is no doubt that condo apartments can offer an attractive care-free retirement. The convenience, community, and safety of condo living are some of the primary features that make these “vertical villages” a popular choice with downsizing seniors.

If you’d like to learn more about the condominium lifestyle option, please reach out to me to request your copy of “Condo Considerations,” a helpful guide book that answers the questions my clients commonly ask. Like everything at SMART Realty Solutions, it’s absolutely free of cost or obligation. You can also request it by visiting our website smartrealtysolution.com

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