Columbus, OH -- Responding to the growing demand for low-maintenance, single-level housing, this year’s BIA Parade of Homes features three beautifully-designed contemporary ranch homes aimed at buyers who seek a simpler lifestyle, yet want a home that’s fully loaded with high-end appliances, top-of-the-line finishes and luxury appointments. Ambassador Homes, Westport Homes and Maple Craft Custom Homes all seized the opportunity to build an in-demand floorplan geared to empty nesters, rather than a large multi-level, younger family home.
According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 75 percent of baby boomers (buyers age 51-70) prefer a single-story home. That number jumps to 88 percent among seniors. In addition to looking for a home that will work well into their old age, these buyers are more active than ever. They plan to more fully enjoy pre- and post-retirement years, trading hours of housekeeping, yard work and maintenance with more time for hobbies, travel and leisure pursuits. The 2017 Parade’s proximity to boating, watersports and other leisure activities available at nearby Alum Creek makes these ranch homes even more desirable to this demographic.
“Homebuyers over the age of 50 are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, creating the highest percentage of new home buyers,” said BIA Interim Executive Director Tracy Schiefferle. “These buyers prefer open floor plans and first-floor owner’s suites, both of which featured prominently in our three ranch homes.”
The Ambassador Homes parade entry features a finished lower level, with a bar area and a bonus room decorated as a study. The four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home boasts a modern, contemporary vibe with clean lines and is ideal for homeowners who are looking to downsize and simplify.
The Westport Homes ranch also offers extra living space on the finished lower level, in addition to its three bedrooms and 3.5 baths. A large finished bar, media center and gaming center style the finished basement as a man cave that’s ideal for entertaining. The open-concept floor plan and formal dining room are aimed at the preferences of older homebuyers.
The Maple Craft home is a customized, contemporary ranch, adapted to meet the needs of people of all abilities and ages. Wider doorways and a zero-entry shower allow for wheelchair accessibility, while a covered porch with retractable screen off of the great room offers a stunning view of the beautiful lot, as well as extending the living space to the outdoors. This ranch provides low-maintenance living, but its three bedrooms, two full baths and two half baths ensure there’s still plenty of space for visitors.
The 2017 BIA Parade of Homes opens on Labor Day Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 2 and continues through Sunday, Sept. 17 at Cheshire Woods in Delaware County. Parade hours are Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door and advance discount tickets are available online for $13. Children 12 and under are free and parking is $5 per car. The Parade is sponsored by AEP Ohio, America’s Floor Source, Columbia Gas of Ohio, EverDry Waterproofing, First Federal Lending and LP SmartSide. Additional information, including a complete event schedule, is available at BIAparade.com.