On The Market
By Nancy Puder

There is a rising demand for multi-generational homes that will provide a private living area for parents in addition to your own family.  Here are the top 5 reasons why buyers are looking for a home that will provide additional living quarters for parents or additional family members.
1. Families with children sometimes need help with child care, especially if mom and dad work outside the home.  While older parents may not need to provide full-time child care, they might be more available on occasion to “help out” or in the event of an emergency.
2. Adult children are thinking ahead and wish to have aging parents live close by now while thinking and planning for the future.  Often older parents are still quite active and independent but would like to have a living situation in place while they continue to enjoy their later years.
3. Economically, it sometimes makes sense.  Parents and families can pool their resources to find the right property that will fit their own situation.  In many cases, they can buy a nicer home in the area that they want to live in.
4. Older parents who like to travel need a home to stay in when they are in town.  Some buyers find this arrangement attractive, as it fits their current needs while keeping an eye on the future when the aging parent may not be as active.
5. Strong family ties – This reason particularly warms my heart, as I meet and work with families who really enjoy one another and want to stay close.  This seems to trend with families today who are respectfully supporting each other’s financial and emotional needs.
When looking to buy a home that fits your needs and your parents, it is important to find one that has a designated area, either inside the home or on the property, where older parents can have their privacy.  Ideally, the parent-suite would have a separate living area which would include a private bathroom and perhaps an outside area like a private patio for their exclusive use.
If you are looking for a home that is a good fit  for your family AND your parents, call me at (805) 710-2415.  I have some brand new homes right now that are designed to accommodate families and older parents or additional family members who need their own living space.

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker with Nancy Puder & Associates, the premier real estate boutique company in Arroyo Grande, Calif. Nancy Puder is one of the largest listing brokers on the Central Coast. Call or Text Nancy (805) 710-2415 with your real estate questions anytime. She always enjoys hearing from you!  To access other articles written by Nancy Puder, go to: www.nancypuderassociates.com.  Readers can also email:  with questions or to discuss their real estate needs.