Some of my clients are thinking about transitioning into a retirement community. Selling your home is only part of the process.   The question is where will one live. If family members are close by, seniors have the support of loved ones. However many older residents in our community have no family members at all, or their children live in an other state and find it difficult to do the research. I have decided to learn more about the options available. Yesterday a client and I visited the Saratoga Retirement Community in Saratoga. The main Spanish style building built in 1912 was completely remodeled about three years ago and is absolutely beautiful! The grounds on this 37 acres campus are lovely and the pool facilities are impressive. There are one-, two-, and two bedroom plus den floor plans available for the apartments.  Cottages have their own one car garage. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), residential living, assisted living services, specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and skilled nursing care are offered. There is an entrance fee and a monthly fee. Please contact the Saratoga Retirement Community for the current fee schedule. We ended our visit with a delightful lunch which could have been served at one of the best restaurants in the area. The Saratoga Retirement Community is definitely worth a visit!

www.saratogaretirement.org

Pacific Retirement Services, Inc. is building a new retirement campus in Foster City. If this project will be anything like their Saratoga campus, seniors (62 years and older) have a lot to look forward to. The Foster City building should be completed in 3 years or less. According to their website, plans call for 251 residential living apartments and 36 assisted living apartments. For seniors who are thinking about selling their current home in the near future, this might be an opportunity to stay in San Mateo county and to enjoy the comfort of a continuing care environment in a luxurious setting.

For more information go to: www.retirement.org

This lovely Mediterranean style house on 2212 Hillside Drive was a 3 bedroom/2bath home with hardwood floors and lots of potential. A wonderful opportunity for someone to start out in one of the most desirable neighborhoods of Burlingame. It sold in June of 2006 for $ 1,200,000 and has been reduced to a pile of dust as of today. First time Burlingame home buyers often compete with contractors and developers and lose. This trend is changing our city!

Much is happening in the Easton Addition of Burlingame. Yes, we do have empty houses in our neighborhood but not because of foreclosures or short sales. This lovely starter home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on 2516 Hale Drive was sold in October 2006 for $ 1,013,000. Apparently purchased for the lot value, the new owner has been waiting for the permits to re-built.  New homes in this neighborhood sell currently for $2,300.000 and up.

Luxury awaits you at this active adult community in San Mateo. If you own some prime Real Estate on the San Francisco Peninsula and are ready to downsize, consider buying a condominium at the Versailles. You or your partner have to be 55 or older to live here. 50% of the 61 units have sold and I understand the first owners are moving in. Currently only the 2 bedroom/2 bath units are still available. Depending on the squarefootage these condos sell from  $ 1,035,000 to $ 2,160,000. The largest floor plan includes a den or offer an additional half bath. There is a monthly fee to cover meal-plans and amenities that will make you feel like a king or queen. This beautiful facility will offer a concierge service, an indoor pool and fitness center, a club lounge, an European spa, a business center, room service and limousine rides to name a few. The roof top has a walking track and a putting green. Centrally located at 10 Crystal Springs Road in San Mateo, restaurants, the movie theatre and Central Park are just a short walk away. If you qualify for Proposition 60 you can keep your current property tax. Are you a pet owner? The Versailles is pet friendly. Please check for weight restrictions to make sure that your pet will receive a royal welcome here.

For more information go to: www.versailleslife.com