CONDO LIFE
Condo living and the art of downsizing.
There comes a time when the thought enters your mind that downsizing is the next step in your living situation, and that’s how condo living can simplify your life.
Homelight.com’s January 2019 article, When to Downsize Your Home: 7 Signs It’s Time to Put That Big Old
House on the Market, hits all the important reasons to downsize, stating that in a recent Merrill Lynch survey of age 50-plus retirees, 51 percent of those who have moved since retiring opted for a smaller home.
Primary reasons to consider downsizing range from your monthly housing expenses have risen above 30 percent to you could be falling behind on your home maintenance, your home has features that no longer fit your lifestyle and your career no longer ties you to your location.
So, what’s the next step if looking to get started because it’s more than putting your home on the market? It entails choosing a great space, sizing the furniture, deciding on a location, and being able to enjoy your favorite amenities designed to enhance your living situation.
Derek Darnell, president of Pelican Builders, said that the “how to” portion is a key element, as is the decision itself.
“A vital component is both partners in an empty nester situation or a single individual deciding that the time and circumstances in their life are right for taking that step,” said Darnell. “It is not an easy decision given that these people are facing giving up homes they’ve lived in at times upwards of 30 years.”
Darnell said this then leads into the “why downsize” question.
“Downsizing will mitigate the annoying and oftentimes frustrating upkeep that comes with maintaining a massive home. Downsizing to a condo takes away the minutiae of home upkeep. It creates a true lock-and-leave lifestyle that allows empty nesters to head out into the cultural diversity of Houston and explore its incredible artistic, entertainment, and food options without worrying about all of the things needing to be fixed at home,” he said.
Multiple features are ideal for downsizing in luxury condos.
“The luxury lifestyle that we are offering at our properties is designed to free residents of the more burdensome elements of homeownership and the extensive upkeep it requires. This is at a point in people’s lives when the kids have left the nest and there is no longer the need for that much space,” said Darnell.
Various condos provide features to deliver a downsize worthy effort, according to Darnell.
At The Revere, residents can enjoy low HOA fees that stand in contrast to the higher property taxes that come with homeownership, 24/7 concierge, on-site valet, oversized balconies and an on-site porter.
The Hawthorne offers a fifth-floor amenity oasis, guest suites, 24-hour concierge, porter and valet as well as onsite laundry and dry cleaning, pet walking/ grooming and on-site technology consultant.
Lastly, The Westmore delivers low HOA fees, proximity to Upper Kirby dining and retail destinations, same-floor storage space, prewiring for smart home automation, expansive windows, and two assigned parking spaces per home.
Darnell said homeowners are seeing the value in downsizing to some of Houston’s condos.
“We are seeing a major trend in buyers coming to The Hawthorne from the neighborhoods of Tanglewood, Hunter’s Creek Village, and Piney Point Village who are ready to take that step towards downsizing their current living situation and pursuing lock-and-leave vertical living,” he said.