When homeowners are looking to downsize their properties, they really don’t want to downsize their high standard of living. “They still want a really nice kitchen and top-notch finishes,” says Gabrielle Dodson, a Realtor® with COMPASS. “They want a good-sized primary bedroom, bathroom, and pantry.”
Basically, she explains, they want larger spaces where they need it, but not where they don't. They’re not looking for larger secondary bedrooms or huge bonus/playrooms, but instead want a big open kitchen with a seating/breakfast area, maybe a family room and perhaps even an elevator to lessen the burden of stairs. They're used to top-of-the-line appliances and don’t necessarily want to give those up.
Fortunately for these discriminating homeowners, new luxury townhouses are now available at 5611 Franklin Pike in Brentwood that check all of these boxes and more. As of the end of May, several of the units have sold, and only four more are available.
One of them, unit #105, is a showstopper. The open floor plan living room, kitchen, and dining room with modern designer finishes is just gorgeous, and those, along with a pantry and a half-bath, are all on the first level. It has two en-suite bedrooms on the second level with dual walk-in closets and custom-tiled showers. Three baths in total make up almost 1,450 square feet of space with wood and tile flooring.
Instead of a yard to maintain, there is a private covered rooftop deck with storage space and great views of Oak Hill. Another unique amenity is an elevator that goes directly from the private gated garage (where residents have two parking spaces) to the main level of each unit. No hallways or corridors to walk down to get to your front door.
The convenient location means there are lots of places to walk or bike. “Most suburban neighborhoods don't offer this level of accessibility,” she says. These homes are also near restaurants and other conveniences, including grocery stores and pharmacies. “You're still in Brentwood, but of course, you're right near Green Hills and Davidson County, closer to the airport, and that walkability is a great amenity, especially as we get more people moving here from out of town.” No more worrying about rush hour traffic to grab a bite to eat or pick up a prescription.
The reasonable HOA fees include water, maintenance, and trash pickup, so there’s no need to worry about these mundane tasks. Maintenance is a thing of the past. “It seems like when people retire, they travel a lot more and don't want to be tied down to landscaping and other maintenance of larger homes anymore,” says Gabrielle.
Since many people considering this type of living are always in town, there’s another benefit to consider. “Maybe they're here six months out of a year, or maybe they travel twice a month to different places,” she says. “So, these townhomes can be short-term rentals through Airbnb or VRBO®. Owners can rent out their units as much or as little as they want, and they’ve got a potential cash-flowing asset.”
Gabrielle, who has lived in Brentwood for almost 30 years and is a graduate of Brentwood High School, is very familiar with the Middle Tennessee market. She enjoys using her real estate knowledge and her business skills (she has an MBA) to help people find exactly what they need at different points in their lives.
“It's about finding that perfect fit for people,” she says. “You meet with clients, listen to them, and figure out what they're looking for or what they may not know they're looking for by asking the right questions and having conversations.”
This type of building, she says, is the first of its kind in the area. “Once this concept becomes a bit more familiar and available, it's going to resonate with families looking to make such a change. People will look for properties that offer these types of amenities and potential revenue-producing opportunities.” Safety is important to people, and living in Brentwood provides that peace of mind.
Since there’s nothing to maintain and everything is brand new, there’s a lot more time for fun. When not traveling, homeowners can enjoy shopping and dining right outside their front door or by driving into nearby Green Hills or Cool Springs. They can also take advantage of community amenities such as pools, tennis access, pickleball, or one of the many country clubs in the area.
“They can enjoy a carefree lifestyle,” says Gabrielle.
Zillow.com/HomeDetails/5611-Franklin-Pike-105-Brentwood-TN-37027/337061179_zpid/
“Most suburban neighborhoods don't offer this level of accessibility.”
“It's about finding that perfect fit for people.”