Downsizing is the perfect move for those whose kids have flown the coop. You no longer need the space, so why should you have to spend all that time and money maintaining it? The first step in finding the most comfortable home for your retirement years is determining what type of floor plan best suits your needs. There are certain things you’ll need to consider, which we’ve put together for you.

Where to Start?

No matter what your new home goals are, the first thing you need is a list of your needs and wants. This is exactly what it sounds like: needs are something you can’t live without, maybe an office space or extra storage in the kitchen. Wants are things you feel would be nice to have, but they aren’t going to break the deal.

When you have your list finalized, it’ll help keep you on track. You won’t waste time on possible floor plans that won’t work for you and you’ll be able to stay on track with your budget as well.

Establish Your Budget

This is usually the biggest factor you’ll need to take into consideration. The good news here is that because you’re downsizing, many of your expenses will follow suit. A smaller home means less in utilities and a smaller mortgage payment.

Lifestyle and Layout of Your New Home

Now you’re able to look at floor plans and designs that include all of your needs and hopefully, your wants too! Think about your lifestyle – hobbies and such – and how you want your home to work within that. Would something more traditional work, with lots of walls and privacy, or are you thinking about an open floor plan, modern and spacious?

Now, let’s take a look at a list of home goals we typically see in downsizers and some great solutions paired up with them.

Compact Sizes That Are Great For Downsizers

Many home buyers looking to downsize are really looking to shrink their space. A smaller space means spending less time cleaning (especially rooms you don’t use!) and lower energy bills. It’s a win-win situation.

With one bedroom and 960 square feet of living space, the Solace II model is a popular floor plan for anyone wanting to downsize. The bedroom has an attached ensuite with a walk-in closet, and there’s a half bathroom near the foyer for guests. You’ll enjoy a nice open-concept living area and the convenience of being able to do your laundry without having to go up and down the stairs. Best of all, smaller homes come with smaller price tags, so this home is easily affordable. You’ll have enough room in the budget to add some high-end features.

Single-Floor Living For Easy Mobility

If you’re concerned about mobility issues – particularly around going up and down the stairs – you should consider a home that offers single-storey living, such as a bungalow-style home. These are great homes because everything you need is on the main floor, but you still have the option of expanding the living space by finishing the basement.

Sterling is actively developing additional bungalow plans, but one of the ones that we currently offer is the Amity. This home has almost 1,300 square feet of living space, including a second bedroom that you can use as a guest room. You’ll love the little details, such as the bench in the foyer that makes it easier to put on your shoes, and the separate bath and shower and side-by-side sinks in the ensuite.

Plenty Of Space for Entertaining

Part of the fun of retirement is being able to have friends and family over for a visit. If you’re looking forward to this in particular, you’ll want to choose a home that makes it easy for you to entertain.

The McDavid floor plan has a lot of options for those who like to entertain. On the ground level, there’s a wraparound patio and den space, while the main living area has a nice, open-concept area and a balcony. The home has three bedrooms, so there’s space for out-of-town guests, but you’ll find the layout is still compact enough that you won’t feel like you’re constantly cleaning. And at around $326,900, it’s also extremely affordable.

Maintenance-Free Living

Ready to put your lawn-mowing days behind you? You’re not alone! Many retirees are looking for a maintenance-free life. They don’t want to tend to the yard or shovel snow. If you buy a townhome, you won’t have to worry about these things anymore, and best of all, you can get this lifestyle without paying condo fees.

This is true of our Milan townhome model. It offers a nice living space, with a patio and balcony that are perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea. There’s an eating lip at the kitchen island, with enough space to put a small table as well. And upstairs, there are two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, so you can host guests if you’d like.

Make Some Extra Money With A Legal Suite

Maybe you’re interested in adding a legal suite to the basement? Some downsizers want this for their adult children who aren’t quite ready to move out on their own as it gives both of you privacy and security. Others are looking for ways to supplement income and/or lower their monthly mortgage costs.

Sterling offers the option of adding a legal suite to a number of our floor plans. One option is the Allure model. This home is affordable and just the right size for downsizers. It has a nice open-concept living area with the kitchen at the centre of the space. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, including a primary suite with an ensuite and a walk-in closet. There’s also a second-floor laundry room, so you won’t have to worry about lugging heavy baskets up and down the stairs.

Clearly, Sterling offers a little something for everyone who’s looking to downsize; we have many fantastic home styles perfect for downsizers. Come take a tour to see what we have to offer, then talk with one of our Area Managers about how we can meet your unique needs.

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