What’s Out:

• 10-foot ceilings: Harff asks: “Do you really need that?” Boomers and “Silent Generation” consumers are going to want reduced heating and cooling costs. Higher ceilings equal more space, which equals higher utility bills….
• Loading up on high-cost green features: 50+ homebuyers love the idea of having green features in the home, but very few of them are willing to pay extra for them.
• Luxury and Excess: Granite is nice, but is increasingly considered unnecessary by these consumers, says Harff.

Read more of Brian Shappell’s interview with Harff at http://www.seniorsnews.net/emailstory/HSR/3383 to learn about other trends that are out and what builders can do to prosper in an uncertain market.

Builders of new homes for Baby Boomers and other 50+/mature buyers are looking at how to survive and thrive in the coming year.  The only way to make money is to create new products that don’t compete against all the supply currently in the marketplace.  

Creating Results has been working with clients to develop products that are more affordable and yet so appealing that they motivate people to move. We’re changing services and amenities, and getting creative with designs (not to mention the marketing). 

We’d love to hear from you – what do you think is going to be in or out at active adult communities in 2010?