BOOMER CHECKLIST
Lori Rust and her husband, Kevin Jordan, were living in Denver when they began looking for a place to retire when they turned 50.
Six years, six states and 35 communities later, the couple bought in AV Homes’ CantaMia in Goodyear.
Jordan, a New York native, wanted to be close to cultural and retail venues. Rust grew up in Montana and wanted open spaces, beautiful views and clean air.
“We started with a blank canvas,” Jordan said. “We were willing to consider most everywhere in the country. We looked at the Carolinas, Florida, Texas, California and Arizona.”
Among their many considerations were a warm climate, access to golf and the ability to get on the course during peak season. Plus, they wanted a good value that allowed them to live within their means and still enjoy life.
“We pulled the trigger and bought in southern Arizona, but it turned out that it wasn’t the right fit for my husband,” Rust said. “So we headed to Phoenix and had a list of active-adult communities to tour.”
She said when they arrived at CantaMia, they didn’t even tour the 14 model homes.
“We simply asked the sales associate
A checklist for Baby Boomer homebuyers: » What are your weather and climate preferences? » Is there quality golf and the ability to get tee times in peak season? » What is the average age of the residents? » What is the proximity to commercial services, culture and restaurants? » Is the cost of living reasonable? » How well-built is the home? » Do the on-site amenities match your lifestyle needs? to tell us the best value he had available,” Rust said.
The sale agents showed them a builder inventory home — one that was built but hadn’t been sold. It was on a lake and had open-space views. It was a great value and met their criteria, but to be certain, they stayed in one of the builder’s furnished, two-bedroom villas for a few days.
The couple bought the house, and Rust recently helped launch a garden club, learning how to nurture plants and herbs in the Sonoran desert.