Early in his career as a custom home builder, Joe Sortino says he spotted a trend: The aging baby boomer population would need homes to accommodate their changing lifestyles.
Written by
Mary Chao
Sortino, who does business under the name Sortino Properties, began to concentrate on the market for downsizing empty nesters, with new home communities in Greece and Pittsford; his latest is in Webster, near Lake Ontario.
The demand for single-story living continues to grow as this population looks for homes that suit how they want to live now. Local builders like Sortino are fine-tuning properties for this market.
As baby boomers regain their losses from the stock market collapse of a few years ago, builders are seeing more demand for new single-story homes, said Rick Herman, CEO of Rochester Homebuilders’ Association.
Empty nesters who are looking to downsize have options when it comes to new-build homes, Herman said, noting that there are single-family detached homes, townhomes, condominiums, doubles and multi-units.
Sortino’s Webster development, named Cambridge Court, features ranch-style townhomes that start at $179,900 for about 1,500 square feet of living space. It is built for an active senior, with features that will allow for future comfort, such as extra-wide doors to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs. Another thoughtful feature is the flared door handles, which make it easier for people with arthritis to grasp them, Sortino says.
The floor plan features open spaces where the living room, dining area and kitchen all flow into one. Details such as crown moldings highlight the living space.
By talking with and listening to his customers, Sortino says he is able to improve on his projects. He is planning a new development in the village of Churchville, where new townhome prices will start at $159,900.
George and Audrey Graban will soon be moving into Sortino’s Webster development, downsizing from a larger home on Sodus Bay. “We decided to go small,” says Audrey Graban.
One of the appealing attractions of the townhome is the full unfinished basement with extra space, as they have two children and five grandchildren, George Graban said.
Many empty nesters no longer want the hassle of yard work, preferring a homeowner’s association to take care of lawn mowing and snow shoveling, Sortino said, noting that some may be snowbirds who may want a place half a year in the Rochester area.
The demand for new housing rebounded significantly this year, said Sortino, who is also president of the homebuilders association.
As the consumer confidence continues to get better and baby boomers continue to grow older, the demand for new-build homes that suit their lifestyles will remain strong, Herman said.