According to U.S. Commerce Department figures released this month, nationwide housing starts increased 0.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 610,000 units in September; which was due completely to a 4.4 percent gain in the single-family sector. Because of this slight increase in new home construction, the economic outlook is looking up for 2011. Many golf club and active adults communities are encouraged by this positive prediction as they introduce new plans and prices for 2011.

Builders Responding To Consumer Demand

Builders are carefully responding to the small improvement they are seeing in interest among potential home buyers. They are receiving more inquiries from potential customers and are cautiously excited about this renewed consumer interest. The golf club and gated community industry remains confident that their new plans for 2011 will bring even more potential residents to their communities.

Over the past several years as the real estate market has declined, builders have not sat idly by waiting for potential homebuyers to return. Many realized that they needed to hear from retirees about what kind of community they wanted to live in. By conducting market research and focus groups with their target audience, some builders got ahead of the game and are rolling out new plans and amenities that are more in line with their customers’ wants.

Plans From Award Winning Active Adults Communities

The active adults communities that are dipping their toes back into the market are those that have received design and marketing awards and have been featured in industry magazines. They are established communities that have withstood the lows of the real estate market.

Communities poised to do well releasing new plans offer detached and attached single-family homes priced from the $ 130s to $ 3000s. New floor plans offer various size options with one, two or even three bedrooms. These homes open the door to a fantastic active adult lifestyle. With multiple floor plans to choose from, many feature open flowing designs, sunny kitchens, and breakfast nooks, welcoming sun rooms and dining areas, cozy dens and master suites with breathtaking baths. Several plans allow for a lanai, which is great for quiet, relaxing afternoons or entertaining friends and family.

Communities With Golf Club & Amenities

Devoted golfers will feel right at home in active adults communities with private golf courses. Many communities house casual and formal restaurants in their golf club as well, and residents can also find everything for their golfing adventures at well-stocked pro shops. Additionally, men and women alike will be comfortable and find all the amenities they require at the locker facilities. Many clubs boast grand balconies overlooking the course, an aquatic driving range, practice chipping and putting greens.

Also found at many gated communities, residents can enjoy a spa and fitness center, ballroom, tennis and pickle ball courts, restaurants, and often even a community room and studios for a variety of arts and crafts.

Builders are taking advantage of the positive outlook on the nation’s real estate market by offering new plans and pricing for 2011. Retirees looking for a gated community with tons of amenities should take a look at what’s out there!