The NEXTadventure home stands for what a 55-plus buyer wants from where they are going to live. The elements that went into this concept home were teased out from years of experience from 55-plus housing experts, along with new research. But, just having these two elements at your fingertips doesn’t create sales.
“The NEXTadventure Home was an extremely unique project for us because we rarely have the opportunity to work this closely and consistently with the home's architect and builder," says Lita Dirks, CEO of Lita Dirks & Co. and interior designer on the project. "We wanted to have fun and create a home that potential buyers could be excited about. After all, the active adult is looking for their next adventure.”
Dirks also says that the research helped guide them to features that appeal to the 55-plus crowd, including elements that support ease of living, organization, and entertainment. The NEXTadventure home focuses on a bright, open floor plan, unique storage opportunities, and a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. This was accomplished in certain features such as a multi-functioning flex space, sliding glass doors, and an open, airy great room with easy flow to the kitchen.
Amy Miller, senior designer and project manager at Lita Dirks & Co., also worked alongside the Taylor Morrison team on the NEXTadventure home.
“With upfront collaboration and planning between our team, BUILDER magazine, Housing Design Matters, Taylor Morrison, and product manufacturers, we gained invaluable knowledge on how other skilled professionals tailor a home to attract the 55-plus buyer,” Miller says. “The extensive group effort between all partners taught us how to marry practicality with good design as the importance of function, flow, and pleasing aesthetics were not overlooked.”
Dirks and Deryl Patterson, president of Housing Design Matters and architect on the project, advise that the key to understanding how to incite your buyers is to have a product that features these desirables and to communicate those assets effectively during the sales process.
They teamed up to offer these downloadable tips: 20 trends that will convert 55-plus shoppers into buyers. Read them, incorporate them in your homes, and communicate them to your buyers.
To see the rest of their great tips and solutions for 55-plus buyers, visit www.builderonline.com/nextadventure.
