Discover Your Ideal Living
Let us help you discover which option is right for you and find the perfect place for you to enjoy the next chapter of your life
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Expert guidance from your home coach Carla Stevens.
Carla is dedicated to providing top-quality service to her clients.
Finding the right home for your next chapter can be a daunting task, but Carla Stevens is here to make the process as smooth as possible. As a home coach and certified Aging-in-Place Specialist through the National Builder Association, Carla is dedicated to helping the 55+ community find the perfect option for their evolving needs. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose Carla for your home search:
Discover the right living option for your next chapter.
Main-Level Living in the Iowa Corridor
Main-level living is an ideal choice for those looking for convenience and accessibility in their next home. These homes are designed to provide everything you need on a single floor, making daily life easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to downsize or simply want to avoid the hassle of stairs, main-level living offers a practical and comfortable solution.
Pros:
- Convenience and Accessibility: Everything you need is on one floor, making it easier to navigate your home.
- Low-Maintenance: Main-level homes often come with services like lawn care and exterior maintenance, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.
- Community and Amenities: Many main-level living communities offer amenities such as clubhouses, fitness centers, and organized social activities, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.
Cons:
- Limited to Main-Level Homes: If you prefer multi-story living, main-level homes may not meet your needs.
- HOA Fees and Restrictions: Some communities may have homeowners association fees and rules to consider.
- Potential Lack of Variety: Focusing on single-floor living might limit the diversity of home designs and layouts available.
Maintenance-Free Living in the Iowa Corridor
Maintenance-free living is perfect for those who want to enjoy their home without the hassle of upkeep. In these communities, services like lawn care, snow removal, and exterior maintenance are taken care of, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. If you’re looking for a stress-free lifestyle with more time for leisure and activities, maintenance-free living is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- No Upkeep Worries: Enjoy your home without the burden of yard work, exterior repairs, or seasonal maintenance.
- More Leisure Time: With maintenance taken care of, you have more time to enjoy hobbies, social activities, and relaxation.
- Beautifully Maintained Community: These neighborhoods often have well-kept common areas and landscaping, enhancing the overall appeal and enjoyment of the community.
Cons:
- HOA Fees: Maintenance-free living typically comes with homeowners association fees to cover the cost of services.
- Less Control: You may have less control over the timing and manner of maintenance tasks.
- Rules and Restrictions: Communities may have regulations regarding home modifications and exterior appearances.
55+ Communities in the Iowa Corridor
55+ communities are specially designed for individuals aged 55 and older, offering a vibrant and active lifestyle with a focus on social engagement and low-maintenance living. These age-restricted environments provide a supportive and enriching atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy their next chapter to the fullest.
Pros:
- Mature Environment: Age-restricted communities foster a peaceful and mature atmosphere, perfect for like-minded individuals.
- Abundant Amenities: Residents enjoy various amenities such as clubhouses, fitness centers, and organized social activities, promoting a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
- Low-Maintenance Living: Services like lawn care, snow removal, and exterior maintenance are often included, allowing for a stress-free lifestyle.
Cons:
- Age Restrictions: These communities are limited to residents aged 55 and older, which might not suit everyone.
- HOA Fees: There may be homeowners association fees and restrictions to consider.
- Limited Age Diversity: The age-restricted nature might mean less diversity in age groups.
Schedule Your Home-Buying Consultation.
Finding the Right Home Starts Here!
I offer home-buyers consultations specifically designed for the 55+ community to help you make an informed decision about purchasing your dream home. As your 55+ home coach REALTOR®, I will take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, ensuring we find a home that meets your criteria and budget. Choose a date and time that works best for you, and let’s start this exciting journey together.
Search available properties in the Iowa Corridor.
Experience a smooth and personalized home-buying journey with the 55+ home coach REALTOR®. From finding the perfect home to closing the deal, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Getting started with the homebuying process.
1. Get Pre-approved
To optimize your property search and make a compelling offer, it’s essential to establish your budget and obtain pre-approval for a mortgage beforehand. I’m here to provide professional guidance in setting a realistic budget and obtaining pre-approval, so you can focus on finding the perfect home for your next chapter.
2. Book Consultation
During this home-buying consultation, I will focus on understanding your goals and needs, providing expert guidance to help you achieve your home-buying objectives. As your 55+ home coach REALTOR®, I will answer any questions you may have and outline a detailed game plan for your purchase.
3. Complete Questionnaire
The client intake form is a crucial step in the home-buying process. This comprehensive form ensures that no important details are missed, which could impact your home search. This form allows me to work efficiently and effectively on your behalf, making the home-buying process smooth and stress-free.
Download My Free Guide
55+ Guide to Making a Move
Download my free guide for “55+ Guide to Making a Move: Should I Stay or Should I Go.” This guide provides expert insights on how to decide which living option is best for you, whether aging in place in your current home or moving to a new home that better suits your needs for the next chapter. Gain invaluable tips to navigate this important decision with confidence.
Here are some frequently asked questions.
Working with a real estate agent to buy a home typically doesn’t cost anything for the home buyer. In most cases, the seller pays the commission to both their own listing agent and the buyer’s agent. This means that as a buyer, you can take advantage of the knowledge and expertise of a real estate agent without having to pay for their services out of pocket. However, it’s important to clarify the commission structure with your agent and ensure that there are no hidden fees or costs associated with their services.
While it is possible to buy a home without hiring a real estate agent, we highly recommend that you do so. Our team of experienced agents can provide you with valuable guidance throughout the home-buying process, from understanding the local market conditions to negotiating with the seller and helping you close the deal. Our agents will work on your behalf to help you find the perfect property and ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
To make a competitive offer on a property, it’s important to work with an experienced agent who can help you understand the current real estate market conditions, evaluate the property’s value, and help you structure an offer that is both appealing to the seller and appropriate for your financial situation. Our team of expert negotiators can help you make a strong and competitive offer on the property you want.
Yes, we highly recommend that you get pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your home search. A pre-approval will give you a better understanding of what you can afford and will help you make a competitive offer when you find a property you like. Our team of agents can guide you through the pre-approval process and help you understand the benefits of having this step completed before you start your search.
Determining how much to budget for a down payment depends on various factors, including the property’s purchase price, your financial situation, and the type of mortgage you are applying for. While the general rule of thumb is to aim for a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price, some mortgages require a minimum down payment of 3.5%. Moreover, several programs are available to assist with down payments. Our team of experienced agents can help you calculate a more specific number based on your unique situation, and we can also pair you with a professional mortgage broker to assist you in obtaining the right mortgage for your needs.
The home-buying process can vary depending on a number of factors, including the current real estate market conditions, your specific needs and preferences, and the type of property you are looking to buy. Typically, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Our team of experienced agents can guide you through the process and provide you with a better understanding of the timeline for your specific situation.
