12-07-09 Regular Meeting and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

home and communitv options. The 2008 Livable Communities Award winners offer some great examples of appealing, user-friendly design." The number of persons age 65 and older is expected grow to 70 million by 2030. "The winners of the 2008 Livable Communities Awards have clearly taken note of the increasing demand for more accessible, livable homes and communities, and are on the leading edge of change," said Sandy Dunn, Chairman of the Board of NAHB and a home builder from Point Pleasant, W.Va. "The trend-setting homes and communities we honor with the 2008 Livable Communities Awards meet the demands of both today and tomorrow's homeowners by combining easy living with inviting design." STUDY REVEALS WHAT OLDER HOMEOWNERS PREFER LAS VEGAS (National Association of Home Builders) - A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Metlife Mature Market Institute revealed what consumers age 55 and older are looking for in a home. The data, which was presented this week at the International Builders' Show, uncovered a strong similarity in housing preferences between consumers in the 55- to 64-year-old age group and those in the 65 and older group. However, there were exceptions. The younqer aqe group showed more interest in technologv-heavv features, while the older group expressed a stronqer preference for sinqle-story floor plans or ones with first-floor master bedrooms and a variety of universal design features. According to John Migliaccio, director of research with MetLife Market Institute, one striking difference had to do with the desire for home services and community services. "Very telling is that the younger group reported enthusiastically that they want services like home maintenance and repair as part of their next home purchase, along with services typically connected to older homeowners, such as housekeeping, onsite health care and transportation," he said. Paul Emrath of NAHB pointed out that the share of households that will want lower maintenance housing is large and growing larger as baby boomers age. He cautioned that the current financial situation has led to sharply decreased construction of communities that serve the market. Without a chance in the availability of capital for development and construction, there could well be a shortage of such housing when it is most needed. Future Home Buvers News Release January 25, 2010 HousingZone 2010 The survey found top priorities to include price, enerqv-efficiencv, organization and comfort. Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 20, 2010 - Better Homes and Gardens revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and overall priorities guiding current and future home improvement projects. A Smaller and More Energy-Efficient Home Continuing the "downsizing" trend, more consumers (36% in 2009; 32% in 2008) expect their next home to be "somewhat smaller" or "much smaller." An Organized, Multi-Tasking Home with No Wasted Space The home office is a priority as 59% of consumers plan to have one in the home. America's love affair with the large garage continues to flourish with 37% now wanting a 3-car or larger garage compared to 29% in 2008. A Family-Friendly Home Nearly two-thirds (62%) consider a comfortable family gathering space to be top priority in the next home. There is also an increased desire (51 % vs 44% in 2008) for a wall-mounted flat screen TV in the main family living area and for networked computers/home entertainment center (48% vs 43% in 2008). About the Study