Happy New Year!
It's 2010... Is it the Right Time to Make the Move?

Mary and Jim Green were living comfortably in the home where they raised their family. However, the kids have moved out and started lives of their own. Mary and Jim remodeled their bedrooms and turned them into a home office and a den. The house had all the space they wanted and what's more, it was mortgage free. No wonder everyone was surprised when the Greens decided to move. Why now, when everything seemed so comfortable and affordable?

The answer was easy for them. They realized that they were in a new phase of their life and didn't want the same things that were important to them years ago. They were tired of home maintenance and repairs. Although they were still both working, they were interested in having more time to start to enjoy hobbies, travel and the best of life's experiences.

HOW TO DECIDE WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU.
If you have been asking about when (or if) you should move, here is a simple way to determine the right time. Ask yourself three questions.
1). What was important to me when I bought this house?
2). What has changed?
3). What is important to me for the next 20 - 30 years?
Take each question separately, and be sure to write down your answers.

The Green's bought their house when the children were just born. It was important at that time to be near schools; to have a big back yard where the kids could play; to have other children in the area; and to have a big kitchen for family meals.

Now what has changed? Take each item you wrote down and review it.

In the Green's case, the children have grown and moved on with their own lives, so all of the reasons they purchased their home no longer have merit.

Then, what is important to you now and in the years ahead?

This may take a little more thinking, Most adults 55+ are quick to say what they do not want. They do not want to be tied to home maintenance, They don't want to rake leaves or shovel snow. They don't want to climb stairs, Use your PHD's, your Plans, Hopes and Desires to answer the 3rd question.

Your PHD's could consist of:
Traveling, more leisure time, pursue hobbies and interests, keeping up with fitness or as simple as wanting a new lifestyle.

Now review your answers to the three questions. If the reasons why you bought your current home have mostly changed and your PHD's are different now, you may want to start your search for an active adult community. A community where you can pursue your hobbies, have neighbors that share similar interests and experiences and an environment that helps make life easier and more fulfilling today and in the years to come.der.

Winter 2010 Update - Amenities abound!
Westlake Village is now offering leasing options.

We are leasing now at Westlake Village, for a 1326 sq. ft. two bedroom single story home with garage starting at $875.00 a month, or a 1406 sq. ft. three bedroom, 1 ½ bath two story with garage for $925.00 a month or 2 ½ bath, with garage for $975.00 a month. Glass enclosed porches are available for an additional $100.00 per month. We are asking for a 3 year lease, with a 2 month security deposit. A small pet can be included with a pet agreement as well.

When you lease your unit, you have no taxes and no association fees. Amenities now include a Common House, Pavilion, Garden Area and Lake. A Physical Fitness Center, Clubhouse, and other amenities are being planned as the Community grows. We offer stress free living, high quality, age restricted, energy homes, with all new appliances.

Trying to decide whether to make a change in your life is a very difficult decision and very stressful. So many adults 55+ do not want to be tied to home maintenance. They do not want to rake leaves or shovel snow. Community living at Westlake gives you times to pursue your hobbies and other interests. Life becomes easier instead of harder here at Westlake; it opens doors to new experiences and friendships in your second half of life.

We invite you to stop in our totally electric, maintenance free, energy efficient homes, they are very attractive and worth coming to see. If we are not here, many of the residents will give you a personal tour. They are very proud of their beautiful homes, and new lifestyles. To us there is no better advertising than happy, satisfied residents.