CENTRAL / NORTHEAST , Fla. -- A steadily improving national economy and increasing consumer confidence, especially from Baby Boomers in the U.S. Northern states, have prompted more buyer interest for retirement and second homes across Florida, according to Del Webb, the nation’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55 and older.
“We are seeing the first signs of a growing wave of pent-up demand for new homes in our active adult communities in Florida,” said Sean Strickler, vice president of Del Webb in North Florida, which is currently selling in six Del Webb communities in the Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando and Tampa markets.
“A substantial portion of recent newcomers at our Del Webb communities had previously delayed building a new home in retirement, and were dependent on selling their family homes in the Northeastern states. But, with national economic conditions improving and Baby Boomers’ savings increasing, they are no longer delaying their plans for retirement and want to start taking advantage of the legendary Del Webb lifestyle,” Strickler added.
According to recent studies by Del Webb, there is an upward trend of Baby Boomers becoming more financially prepared for retirement and also planning to retire in a different state than they currently live. Florida remains a perennial favorite and a top contender among Baby Boomers looking for their retirement home. “This bodes well for the sustainable homebuyer interest and the willingness of Baby Boomers to sign contracts with Del Webb communities,” Strickler said.
The Sutters, who recently moved into a new home at Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala, had leased an apartment when a buyer made an offer on their home in Ohio almost as soon as it was listed. Having put off their Florida retirement for almost five years waiting for prices to recover, the Sutters paid a small penalty to break their lease to move into their new Florida home.
For recent Del Webb Orlando newcomers James and Amy Setaro, who moved into their new home at Del Webb Orlando in May, the story is the same; as well as for Earl Ellsworth and Joyce Ryan from Raleigh. In just three days of his home being listed Ellsworth sold his home while Ryan home sold hers within 60 days.
“Luckily we found a short-term rental nearby because our new home at Ocala’s Del Webb Stone Creek will be ready for move-in by October,” said Ellsworth.
At Del Webb Ponte Vedra near Jacksonville, three couples: Jerry and Joannie Brandman from Orchard Lake, Michigan, David and Patty Carpenter from Massachusetts, and Bo and Jean Fritz from Pennsylvania accelerated their new home purchases – thanks to quick sales of their family homes.
“That’s the story we’re hearing over and over again, and we expect we’ll hear it a lot more as the economy picks up steam and housing sales improve across the board,” Strickler said.
About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
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