Smaller and Simpler is the Goal for Many Homebuyers

Some houses, like people, are just too high maintenance. More than once, I've sold a bigger house with a big yard with more "bells and whistles" to a family, only to have them tell me later they missed the cozy little house they'd left.

Sometimes bigger isn't better when it comes to houses, because it also means bigger everything else—utility bills, maintenance, cleaning. It's common for homebuyers to want to downsize for many reasons, such as divorce or loss of a spouse, retirement, an empty nest or too much yard to tend.

Many homebuyers who are downsizing are also at the point in their lives when, while they may want a home that's simpler to manage and navigate, they don't want to feel cramped or have to sell their furniture. These people usually opt for a single-level home with a small yard.

Others get to a point in their lives where they never want to see another lawnmower or screwdriver as long as they live. These people often look for a ground-level condo or a small patio home or single-level townhome. (The latter will have an attached garage.)

However, the most common reason I hear for downsizing? Knee problems. Houses with stairs or too many levels or steps,  steep driveways or multi-tiered lots just aren't worth the effort anymore.

Here are a few new listings in Clayton and Concord that are single-level with manageable floorplans and flat, low-maintenance yards or patios: 

4483 Sweet Shrub, Concord

4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,805 sq. ft.

$474,000

This single-level home with a small yard is in the Crossings, a community that offers particularly nice amenities. For a low monthly HOA payment of $95, it offers a dog park, several pools, tennis courts, clubhouse, security and a beautiful walking path along an almost mile-long greenbelt. It's popular with families, because kids get to attend Foothill Middle and Northgate High in Walnut Creek. But it's also home to many retirees because of its single-level floorplans with small, manageable yards. This home has been tastefully updated with plantation shutters, hardwood floors and granite slab counter tops in the kitchen.

3171 San Gabriel, Concord

3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,499 sq. ft.

$397,000

Ygnacio Woods is a popular neighborhood in Concord known for its pretty tree-lined streets and proximity to shopping centers, the Walnut Creek border and regional trails. This single-level home is large enough to be comfortable, but small enough to manage easily. It has a living room with a terrific fireplace and a separate family room adjacent to the kitchen and the formal living room. It also has hardwood floors, fresh paint and a newer heating and forced air system, as well as a new roof. It also has nice views of Mount Diablo.

10 Mount Wilson, Clayton

2 bedroom, 2 bath, 966 sq. ft.

$199,000

This affordable, single-story townhome is a very popular model for downsizers and retirees. Near downtown Clayton and surrounded by beautiful views of Mount Diablo, it has an updated kitchen with new appliances, cabinets and flooring. It also has new interior paint and carpet throughout, upgraded bathrooms, a large patio area and an attached two-car garage. The community also has its own swimming pool.

6013 Golden Eagle Way, Clayton

3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,816 sq. ft.

$469,000

This single-level home is in Oakhurst Country Club. It's a gorgeous, updated single-story home with views of rolling hills. It features upgraded tile floors and light fixtures and an airy neutral decor throughout. There's a large combination living/dining room with semi-vaulted ceiling. The kitchen has tile counters and an island, maple cabinets, a recipe desk, a pantry and breakfast nook with views.