For Retirees and Near-retirees Only

As has been stated previously in this space, the time to buy in Florida is now. Prices are lower than they have been in years.  Take advantage of these opportunities — they won’t last forever. As reported by the National Association of Realtors®, the Pending Home Sales Index posted its 8th consecutive monthly gain in September.  It’s the longest winning streak in the history of the index and Pending Home Sales are now at their highest levels since December 2006.  When the Pending Home Sales Index rises, it tells us that market activity has picked up.  September data confirms what we’ve been noticing since February — the buyers’ market appears to be ending.

That the time to buy is now is especially true for retirees and others looking for a relaxed lifestyle in a warm climate.  I know about cold winters.  I was raised in the Detroit area and have close family there, so I feel your cold-weather pain.

Have you visited web sites like greatplacestoretire.com and city-data.com ?   On those sites, Lakeland and Winter Haven are recognized as great places to retire.  I completely agree.

Most retirees I know enjoy smaller homes and don’t enjoy mowing the grass — although many do enjoy the benefits of  year-round gardening.  If that fits you, then a condo or a 55+ community may be for you.   I’m going to divide this into two postings in order to talk about both concepts.  First, condominiums.

I live in a condo in Lakeland.  Many of my neighbors are over 55, but it is not a 55+ community.  Previously, I have lived in 2 other condominium complexes, also in Lakeland, so I can tell you from experience that condo living has much to recommend it.  For example, the condominium maintains the exterior of each home.  Last week, two men came to clean out the gutters.  They told me first why they were at my house so that I wouldn’t be surprised to find two men on my roof.   I like the fact that this household chore was taken care of by the association, and I like it that the men told me why they were there.  Amenities at my complex (Stonewater) include a very nice pool with hot tub, tennis court, clubhouse, and electronic gate.

I have my condo on the market for sale because it is too big for me since my daughter is away at college and my husband passed away.  However, I enjoy living in this community, which is convenient to everything I need, and I would gladly trade down to a smaller unit in the same complex.

If you would like, you can see my home and community from the air.  Go to Google maps; put Stonewater Dr, Lakeland, FL in the search box.  Click the “satellite” button, then under the “more” button check the “real estate” box.  Mine is the first house on the list (A), 3105 Stonewater Drive, and you can click on it for a description and for photos.   As you’ll see, it boasts water views and a large fairly new shopping village is just a short distance away (Lakeside Village).  It’s also within walking distance of such staples as Target and Publix and offers good access to Polk Parkway.  A top-rated “links” style golf course is situated right across the street.   Great medical facilities and employment centers are also convenient.  Maybe you or someone you know would like to talk further with me about this house.  If so, please just contact me.  The golf course, by the way, is Grasslands Golf & Country Club at Oakbridge.

One more thing about condominiums that I want to be sure to mention.  In Lakeland, most condominium complexes are townhouse style, rather than apartment building style. As a Realtor, when I speak to folks about condominiums, often their first response is based on the belief that a condo is an apartment in a building.  That is not the case here in Lakeland.  “Condominium” refers to a type of ownership, rather than a style of construction, but that’s for another conversation.

As I type this on November 7, 2009, the day is fabulous.  The temperature is in the low 80′s, it’s breezy, and clouds are scudding across a gorgeous azure sky.  Welcome to the beginning of the very best time of year to be in Florida!