Are older buyers staying in Colorado? Sales at Del Webb’s Anthem say yes.
By Mark Samuelson
Can you really sell people whose kids have flown the coop on the idea of staying in Colorado, rather than retiring to places with cactus and palm trees? You can…and some of the most recent converts want to tell you why Saturday, Aug. 22, at an “island luau” at Anthem Ranch, complete with tropical cocktails.
Anthem Ranch’s Nathan Freeman (left), Mary Kermoade, David Foster and (not shown) Melanie Dube show off one of nine ranches you can tour, along with lavish amenities covered by an HOA dues currently only $148/month.
What they WON’T have to do is convince you that this master-planned community in north Broomfield is pretty enough to attract older buyers (around 40% of them aren’t retired at all, still working). In addition to nine ranch single-family models from the mid $200s, you’ll see gorgeous views of the Indian Peaks, set against nine manicured lakes wrapped by 800 acres of open space and 48 miles of walking/bike trails; along with a spectacular ‘Aspen Lodge’ with indoor/outdoor pools and state-of-the-art fitness center.
“Around 40% of our move-ins come from out of state, places where they know Del Webb,” says Melanie Dube, sales counselor, who noted that one 79-year-old arrival is now biking 35 miles a day around Anthem Ranch. But the sales balance is changing, adds consultant Nathan Freeman.
“Over the last 90 days, we’re seeing awesome response from Broomfield, Lafayette and Arvada.” When I arrived, Freeman was greeting a Louisville couple who were among a dozen sales this past month. “They listed their older house last Friday, had three offers within days and sold for $3,000 more than they were asking.”
If you’re from Boulder, Freeman adds, “you can probably take your 1960 home and trade it for one of our ‘Aspen’ plans,”…big ranch with large entertaining area and a deck with a private entrance from the master. You can tour it today…and see a couple of quick-delivery homes where it’s paired to a view site and a walk-out lower level.
You’ll also get to talk with homeowners anxious to tell you how this close-knit community has worked for them…such as Don Gemelli and his wife, who moved from Illinois to be closer to an assortment of grandkids. He’s now an ‘ambassador’ at Aspen Lodge, site of dozens of clubs that have popped up, including a golf group that gets discounts making the rounds between six courses that are within a few miles of here.
At Saturday’s (Aug. 22) luau, you can try a pitch shot (for prizes) at a floating green on the lake behind the models; pilot an RC sailboat; and enjoy Beach Boys classics by a live group. “But our goal,” says Freeman, “is to get you in front of our homeowners. They’re going to tell you, ‘I wish I would have done this sooner.’”
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If you go…
WHERE: Luau & club expo today at Anthem Ranch, Del Webb-designed active adult community, 9 ranch-style models, island cuisine, cocktails. 16583 Las Brisas Dr., Broomfield; I-25 north past 470 to Hwy 7, west 2 mi. to Lowell, left (south) 2 blks to Anthem Ranch, west. Or from Broomfield, take Lowell n. from 144th, past Northwest Pkwy, 1 mi.
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PRICE: From $240s; homes for immediate move-in from $260s
WHEN: Sat & Sun. 9:30-5
PHONE: 303-604-5454 WEB: www.delwebb.com/colorado
Tags: Broomfield, Colorado active adults, Del Webb, retirement community, senior communities
