The following information is intended to answer a number of questions you may have about this unique development. If you are looking for answers to a specific question and you don’t see it here, please leave us your contact information by clicking the “contact us” button at the top of the page and we’ll get back to you right away!

What is a 55+ living community? 

An over 55+ community is designed for mature adults who want to enjoy a bother-free, active, style of living while continuing to experience more wonderful moments among friends and family. It’s a place where folks can find community and social interaction with those of similar age and interests.

What does the term “Senior Living” mean? 

“Senior living” refers to a range of housing options that serve older adults. Most often, the term is used to refer to community, or apartment style properties that offer shared amenities and have some measure of healthcare services available. These options include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. 

What makes Harker Place so unique?

Harker Place is unusual in that it has been intentionally designed to seamlessly join the benefits of an active, upscale, social lifestyle, while also being able to accommodate the needs that come with getting older. Design elements, like no stairs, low step, or zero step showers, support features, along with a variety of other ease of use products, have been integrated into the home so it is just as usable tomorrow as it is today.

How does owning at Harker Place compare to traditional home ownership? 

As each of us gets older, our needs change. The kids leave home, the house gets quiet and all the extra living space ends up being just more to clean and maintain. For more of us each year, the fact that our home has stairs, narrow doors and tight spaces becomes inconvenient, at best. After a health event, these inconveniences become an actual barriers to daily living. 

As the owner of a well designed, perfectly appointed space that will accommodate the changes that life brings, you’ll leave behind both the barriers that cannot be fixed, and the costs, maintenance and repairs that come with owning a home. The same costs (such as snow plowing, landscaping and trash service) that you have in a home are now included in the monthly HOA and it’s the property manager that oversees the bother of coordinating all the services and repairs. This takes the burden off of you and puts time back in your day to pursue more of the things you love to do.

How do I know that becoming an owner is a good investment for me?

While it’s true that all construction costs and home prices have gone through the roof over the last several years, becoming an owner at Harker Place is still an excellent decision. In fact, when compared to the alternatives, you may find that it is actually the least expensive decision for your future. Let’s take a look at the options:

1. Stay in your present home. 

   This is arguably the most desirable option, but if you cannot live comfortably on the main floor, it may not be the best decision, long term. Certain homes can be efficiently modified for continued use but refitting most homes can easily pass $100K in expense and will only address some of the issues. And, if you happen to be living alone, physical safety (falling, medical events) and the lack of social interaction should be a serious consideration as both can significantly affect health and longevity. 

2. Move to an independent living / assisted living community.

   For all of the reasons listed above, this is a good option for many older adults. The communities offer convenience, safety, social interaction, organized activities and even chef-prepared food if you so choose. Most communities also offer an easy transition into a higher level of healthcare related services, as an additional benefit.

   The downside of this option is cost. The average cost of a senior independent living rental in Michigan is $2,190 per month for an apartment that, on average, may only be 500-700 square feet of living space. At the average of $2190 per month, total rent is $26,280 per year, enough to finance and maintain a 7% mortgage (including property taxes) on a $275,000 home.

   As you move on to assisted living, the average cost rises to $4,250 per month. For comparison, rooms will typically decrease in size to the average of 350 square feet. This is a yearly figure of $51,000 in and is enough to maintain a mortgage payment on a $548,000 home.

3.  Move to a condominium ownership community like Harker Place.

   As you can see from the comparisons above, you could spend quite a bit of money for a home in Harker Place and still be money ahead. As it is with all of these community options, you’ll be trading the extra square footage for other amenities. In owning a home at Harker Place you’ll have security, a beautiful, quality space, worry free living and a robust social life. There will be no wasteful rent to fly out the window each month and your unit can be sold just like any other property you own.

   Here is the best part. Whether you ever need services or not, our arrangement with a leading national home healthcare provider, makes it possible for our owners to access the services that you would find in an independent and assisted living environment on an as needed or à la carte basis. This means that you can choose only the services you need and never pay for something you do not.

How would life at Harker Place differ from a traditional condo?

Traditional condo developments generally consist of two to four unit buildings built on either side of a road. More expensive developments feature stand alone buildings constructed in the same configuration. Harker Place will be constructed inside the same building, with common hallways and social spaces, and all units will be accessible from the inside.

While both development styles have advantages and disadvantages, developments like Harker Place offer the 55+ owner livability that cannot be duplicated in a row, or stand alone configuration.

As an example, if you live in a row condominium and your best friend lives at the end of the street, the chances of you getting in your car to visit during an ice and snow storm is virtually nil. No one wants to endure the elements and risk a fall even to travel a short distance. With the configuration of Harker Place, a visit could take place wearing house shoes and your favorite t-shirt.

Another important advantage, (to both the owner and those who love them) is the safety, security and social aspect of the Harker Place lifestyle. In the previous example, it’s obviously safer to go down the hall for a visit without the danger that is present with ice and snow. But, there is also a much larger safety advantage in having people who know you and your patterns living in the same hallway. If you happen to take a fall inside your home, systems now available, such as Google Home, can contact your friend next door, and help is immediately available. 

Last but not least, study after study have shown that living in a vibrant social environment improves a person’s physical health and mental well being, and adds to our longevity and quality of life. In a row condo, your friends and family may only be just down the street, but you may feel just as alone as if they were miles away. 

Is now the right time to buy?

With inflation and interest rates on the rise, you and your family may be concerned, and thinking about where your money and resources would be best put to use. With a volatile stock market and pressure on your 401-K, it might be time to consider how your investments, the value, condition and usability of your current home, and your future needs may all intersect to help you make the best decisions concerning your next steps.

At a time when stock market investments are volatile, smart real estate investments have always acted to preserve capital and provide the opportunity for appreciation. If the presence of potential barriers, and the cost of modifications make it apparent that your current home will not be able to serve your future physical and safety needs, it is almost guaranteed that you will need to make a change into one of the options listed above. Since home ownership options, like Harker Place, are rarely available, your decision to gather your advisors and start the conversation now might end up one of the wisest steps you can take for your future. 

Is it possible for  me to buy in Harker Place if my spouse is not aged 55 yet? 

Absolutely! Only one owner needs to be over 55. Although the terms of the by-laws are still in process, it would be great for you to explore this opportunity. 

Are my furry children welcome? 

Most of us cannot imagine life without our pets. If you are that person, Harker Place is for you. While limitations are still being explored and written, the developers are keenly aware of this important aspect of life and are exploring ways to make our four legged friends even more welcome. 

Are family members allowed to stay with me for a certain period? 

The most important differentiator between renting an apartment at an independent living facility and owning your own home at Harker Place is the fact that you OWN your home. Although living in a community with others comes with certain limitations, being free to have your children and grandchildren visit for a time is a wonderfully important aspect of life. Again, while by-laws balancing time periods and the enjoyment of other owners are still being explored, you can rest assured that your ability to use your home will far exceed the restrictions you will find at senior rental facilities.

Can a disabled person under 55 buy a unit at Harker Place?  

Possibly. While By-Laws govern who may buy in a 55+ community, it is possible that a small number of units could be made available for special needs owners. 

What lifestyle amenities are available? 

Harker Place is planned to provide workout facilities, a common garden area and an outdoor pet space.

Please visit this page periodically as additional information is being added on an ongoing basis. If you have questions that are not addressed here, please contact us directly CONTACT BUTTON and we will be in touch immediately.