Introduction to Multigenerational Living
Nina Kelley thought she’d spend the rest of her life in Westwood, N.J., where she and her husband lived for 50 years, raising four children. But when her husband, Skip Kelley, who served as Westwood’s mayor from 1995 to 2003, died in 2022, she quickly tired of maintaining their 1,560-square-foot house on her own.
The Decision to Move
“After my husband passed away, I found I really didn’t mind living alone,” said Ms. Kelley, 77. “I was devastated, but I wasn’t terribly lonely. But my handling the maintenance and the bills and all the stuff that he and I did together — I just found it exhausting.” Ms. Kelley’s three sons lived locally, “but they work, they’re busy, they have families,” she said. (All three of her sons did offer to have her move in, she added.)
A New Opportunity
Then, last fall, a friend made an unexpected bid on her house. “The first time he walked into my house, he looked around, he goes, ‘I love your house. Do you want to sell it?’” she recalled. Within a few months, Ms. Kelley had sold it to him for $699,000, giving her the jumpstart she needed to find her next home.
Searching for the Perfect Home
Her daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Chris Kellett, both 43, had settled in Rhode Island, and Ms. Kellett wanted her mother close by so they could support each other (both have mitochondrial disease, a genetic condition that leaves their energy depleted). With a budget of about $700,000, they started looking for a home in Rhode Island or southern Massachusetts that would accommodate the three of them, plus Ms. Kelley’s cat and the couple’s dog, Ollie. Ms. Kelley would purchase the property, and the Kelletts would pay a reduced rent in exchange for helping with chores and maintenance.
Multigenerational Home Opportunities
The ideal place would have separate living areas so they could maintain privacy — a trend that’s gaining more traction. “We’re seeing an increase in families coming together and looking for multigenerational home opportunities, or even a property where they can build an accessory dwelling unit in the backyard,” said their agent, Lexi Cardoso of Residential Properties.
Must-Haves for the New Home
The Kelletts wanted Ms. Kelley to be on the main level, and to have a yard for Ollie. There was one other non-negotiable, and it was a big one — or, rather, a long one: Ms. Kelley was taking her 13-foot longarm quilting machine. It didn’t have to have its own room — she’d always kept it in her bedroom — but it did require a significant space. “If we didn’t have floor plans, we’d have to bring the measuring tape,” Ms. Cardoso said.
Finding the Perfect Fit
The Kelletts had lived in Providence, R.I., for years, so they were familiar with the area and would tour new listings first. “We had our pre-assessment routine,” Ms. Kellett said. “We’d look from the lens of: Can this really fit the quilting machine? Is mom going to be interested in this neighborhood? Is it separate enough? All the things.”
Conclusion
Nina Kelley’s journey to finding a new home with her daughter and son-in-law is a great example of how multigenerational living can be a great option for families. With the right mindset and a clear understanding of what each person needs, it’s possible to find a home that works for everyone.
FAQs
Q: What is multigenerational living?
A: Multigenerational living refers to a living arrangement where multiple generations of a family live together in the same household.
Q: What are the benefits of multigenerational living?
A: The benefits of multigenerational living include increased support and companionship, shared responsibilities, and a sense of community.
Q: How can I find a home that works for multigenerational living?
A: To find a home that works for multigenerational living, consider factors such as separate living areas, a yard, and enough space for everyone’s needs. It’s also important to work with a real estate agent who has experience with multigenerational home sales.
