Timothy Powers, Alamo mortgage broker and real estate expert, explains that now may be the ideal time for scaling down.
At the height of the economic boom, says Timothy Powers, Alamo home sales trended toward one central theme: more is more. Now, however, homebuyers are shifting toward quality over indulgence. For many, notes Timothy Powers, Alamo life now means smaller homes and focusing on needs over wants. Reasons for this change of heart, says Timothy Powers, is Alamo’s 11% unemployment rate as well as a slow-to-recover nationwide economy.
What seems to be the biggest shift in attitude, reports Timothy Powers, is Alamo residents and Californians are learning that there are certain things they can do without. Baby boomers are especially open to downsizing, as many have children who have left the nest. According to Timothy Powers, of Alamo’s population, half are over the age of 45. With this amount of people whose children are grown, there is less of a need for large, sprawling homes. This group isn’t spending as much these days, either. According to Timothy Powers, Alamo residents are saving the money they were spending on large mortgages and tucking it away for a rainy day.
There is a laundry list of benefits for people who buy smaller, notes Timothy Powers. In Alamo, many people have endured major financial adjustments and setbacks, so having a smaller space to furnish and upkeep falls more in line with today’s shrinking budgets. Also, notes Timothy Powers, Alamo residents are working longer, so when retirement finally approaches, a smaller dwelling allows them more freedom to enjoy their golden years. If they haven’t spent all of their nest egg paying for a home they can’t use, reports Timothy Powers, Alamo retirees have more funds for traveling or other pleasures.
According to Timothy Powers, Alamo baby boomers are seeking shelter in multi-housing units, like condos and townhouses. These communities are ideal for the busy working-class as many offer services, like lawn maintenance, built into their association fees. Also, says Timothy Powers, as Alamo boomers vacation, a condo is a great choice since there are neighbors who can more easily help look after their home while they are away.
Retirees aren’t the only group opting for less housing, claims Timothy Powers. His Alamo mortgage company, Paragon Mortgage Bankers, noticed an increase in young families choosing planned community living over single-family housing. Gated condominiums and town home developments offer amenities that families appreciate, says Timothy Powers. Many planned unit developments offer swimming pools, parks, and organized events – something most traditional neighborhoods don’t.
All in all, says Timothy Powers, Alamo offers many different housing options. Each family is different and should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option against each other before committing. Timothy Powers may be reached at Paragon Mortgage Bankers by calling (925)855-1810 22.
Timothy Powers is a real estate and mortgage broker from Alamo, California. He is the principal broker at Intero Real Estate Services and began his own mortgage firm, Paragon Mortgage Bankers, Inc., in 1996. His newest venture, East Bay Foreclosure Support, offers free financial, emotional, and physical support for military families – as well as those facing terminal illnesses – who are dealing with the effects of foreclosure. Timothy Powers holds a BS in Business Administration and has been a licensed Realtor® since 1989.