In May of this year I sat down with Mark and Kate to discuss the sale of their home. This was going to be their ‘forever home.’ Since their purchase three years ago, Kate and Mark invested in remodeling the kitchen and opening the floorplan. They planted and cultivated a robust organic garden, filled their new chicken coop, and cleared much of the five acres to create more useable spaces.
Just three years later, with their second newborn son on his lap, Mark explained why they were choosing to sell and move on. “Having our second child was eye-opening. It became clear to Kate and me that we needed to move closer to family.”Without hesitation they sold the home, packed the POD and moved to Illinois. By August, the extended family was together again in Iowa.
Kate and Mark are not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors survey (130,000+ homebuyers/sellers in 2020 NAR), for the second consecutive year, sellers cited their desire to be closer to family as their top reason for selling. And because half of all office-using workers are still working from home due to COVID, (NAR, Nov 2020) the requirement of being able to commute to work no longer applies and in many cases may not come back post-pandemic. This shift enables us to move closer to family without it costing our jobs.
In fact, many US families are opting to not just move closer to one another, but to combine households. At last count, the US Census found that one in five households are multigenerational. Sixty-four million homes had at least two adult generations living together (multi-gen).
The most common multi-gen household arrangement consists of three generations, typically one or more working age adult, their child or children and either grandparents or grandchildren. People are living longer each generation. Both the senior parents and the grown children find peace of mind when the parents are geographically nearby as they age. In addition, the financial benefits of multi-gen households can be significant. Consider saving on childcare and on in-home healthcare for seniors, not to mention splitting the mortgage, utility bills, etc.
If done well, the synergy can be extremely positive. Oxford University research shows that grandparents in the household play a vital role in children’s well-being and stability. Children with close ties to grandparents have less emotional and behavioral problems according to the study.
COVID has provoked the conversation of possibilities of multi-gen living across the US. For many, it is prudent to take a look at the option. Buyers purchasing after March have been more likely to prioritize the ability of their home to be used multi-generationally. And by April, 15% of Buyers named this as a priority in their choice of homes that they purchased. (NAR, 2020)
Today might not be the day to implement this if by doing so it increases the risk of exposure to the virus to family members. And if your family is considering blending generations a frank conversation addressing expectations (financial and daily dynamics) is warranted.
From my experience, there are essential features in a house that will significantly increase the odds of your successful implementation of your family’s multi-gen housing plan. Privacy is essential. Each generation needs a space which is theirs and is honored as their private quarters. The separation will need to provide sound insulation allowing the ability to truly get away from the larger group. One level access is a consideration for safe daily navigation by seniors. Often a separate entrance provides autonomy so those who work or play late or early are not a disruption.
Many homebuyers appear to be altering their decisions on how to happily share that space with loved ones. As baby boomers are now celebrating their 56-74th birthdays, they will very likely begin to consider new housing options for themselves while still feeling a responsibility to their parents and their adult children. Whether you retrofit your current home, purchase a home to convert or build a new home to accommodate multi-gen living, is a viable option if done well.
Marcia Edwards, MBA is a Principal Broker at Windermere Real Estate of Lane County. Marcia offers expertise to homebuyers and sellers in the Eugene area. To learn all the steps to selling smart, contact Marcia at me@marciaedwards.com or 541-221-1454. RealEstateSmart.org.