As a writer on design/architecture and resident in a 55-plus community, I have learned so much about creating a dream environment. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions about buying a new home.

Let's Get Started

I suggest making many research visits to help you collect enough data for that precious decision about a new home. Here's what you should take along:

• a writing tablet
• a few pens
• a 25-foot tape measure
• a digital camera
• a highlighter pen
• small recorder (optional)
• a pocket accordion folder

The accordion folder is to file all the material you'll receive at the model home or pre-owned home visits. You'll be so glad you have it. You'll receive floor plans, but you may also want to measure certain nooks and crannies. Use the recorder to mention items of interest to you and your family.

If you are visiting model homes, there will be a sales office. Here you'll get standard floor plans and will be able to see the standard grade of cabinets, flooring, countertops, appliances, and lighting fixtures. There will also be options and upgrades. Some homes have an upstairs storage loft, which is a costly option. Find out if the lot size is standard or a premium lot. Many premium lots are usually on corners, are larger, or located facing a pond or golf course.

Sales Office or Home for Sale

If you visit a home for sale, go with your realtor since communities generally do not allow for sale signs on the premises and you’ll need professional guidance. Ask about exterior maintenance such as snow removal if that’s a possibility, lawn care management, sprinkler system, watering, tree and shrub care, and if you can add your own touches to the landscaping.

HOA (Homeowners Association)

If you want to change the front door, add shutters or put in a patio or deck, it must meet standards set by the HOA. There have been times when residents in our village put in a different color front door. Another added a glass door to go in front of the main door. They did not get a written permission form and were ordered to remove them immediately. Check on HOA monthly fees which can vary widely.

Landscaping

Another resident had a landscaper install a front walkway and front garden wall. All had to be removed. When you move into a community like this, you start with a small amount of landscaping – maybe a tree, a few shrubs and mulch. The sprinkler system will reach all of this. Any added gardening is under your care, but only upon a rendering presented to the HOA board. It may or not be approved. Mailboxes remain the same style and color throughout the villages. Usually there are "community properties" separating back-to-back properties/houses. They consist of high and low shrubs, fir trees and some flowers which is maintained by the landscaping crew.

Grandchildren

Most community have an indoor and outdoor pool. Grandchildren are welcome during certain hours daily, and grandparents are thrilled to show them off. Many will ask if their grown children are welcome to stay longer than a visit. Probably yes, as long as they abide by the rules. With today's high unemployment and recent discharges from military service, we find more grown children using the extra bedroom until they can get resettled on their own.

Automobiles

One or two-car garages are not large. You can share storage with one car. Or many keep their cars in the short driveway and use the garage for full storage. Usually, no trucks are allowed, nor a third car. There just is not enough room.

45-plus Communities

Be sure and ask if this 55-plus community plans to one day turn into a 45-plus. Remember, these homes were originally built for the "active" adult. But one day, we must all mature into those golden years. (Sorry, had to say it!) And the baby boomers will do the same. Many communities have found that they could not sell older homes unless they lowered the age. As long as there are no children under the age limit, there's no problem. Most are still employed as are those at a 55-plus environment.

Enjoy those research visits to find the right home for your needs.

Patricia Johnson is a retired interior designer/architect who enjoys helping seniors ease the chore of moving.