In a time when family ties are often weakened, many American Muslim homebuyers still want to stay close to family. Sometimes \u201cclose\u201d can even mean right down the hall in the same house.<\/p>\n
Often it\u2019s young parents who want their children to grow up near grandparents, hearing stories from the old days and passing down culture, language, and values. Another reason is to allow young adults to look out for their parents as they grow older. One study found that healthy people of varying ages actually live longer in multigenerational households<\/a>. There are financial benefits too: Sharing resources can enable an extended family to buy a bigger house in a nicer neighborhood. And extra caregivers around to watch the kids can relieve financial pressure while bringing joy to both the oldest and youngest in the house.<\/p>\n Salman Ali, Guidance Residential\u2019s Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, can speak from experience about how multigenerational living can work, because this is the arrangement his family has chosen. It\u2019s about getting back to the teachings of the Islamic faith, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we were infants and we couldn\u2019t change our own diapers or eat our own food, our parents were patient with us,\u201d he said. He felt that it was important to give back.<\/p>\n Multigenerational living has actually been on the rise<\/a> in America in recent years. According to the most recent Pew research, the number of families living in multigenerational households rose 30% from 2007 to 2014 \u2013 a huge increase in just seven years. It\u2019s not just new college graduates anymore\u2014one-third of people 25-29 live in these extended households. The number has been on the rise across racial groups, partly spurred by tough economic times. But the trend also has been driven in part by immigrants, who often come from communities where closer ties are the norm.<\/p>\n But how do different generations combine households while meeting everyone\u2019s needs and maintaining personal space? That\u2019s a question many customers wrestle with, and there\u2019s more than one solution.<\/p>\n For some families, the solution is to buy homes close to family members. For others, like Guidance\u2019s Ali, that\u2019s not enough\u2014they want to live under one roof.<\/p>\n The most obvious challenge is to find the right home. Some families look for a house with a main-floor master bedroom for the grandparents to use while the parents and children stake out space upstairs. A walk-out basement converted to an in-law suite could be an ideal option.<\/p>\n Modifications also can help smooth the way, like eliminating raised thresholds and installing walk-in bathtubs. Some families choose to build a full custom addition onto an existing home. Some builders are even taking notice and offering floor plans that incorporate space for a private apartment.<\/p>\n Ali insisted that his parents take the spacious master suite in their home as a matter of principle and respect. While some families want separate spaces for privacy\u2019s sake, in Ali\u2019s home, that big separate suite represents the opposite\u2014it gives the grandparents a living area where the rest of the family can visit them after dinner.<\/p>\n \u201cThey don\u2019t feel like they\u2019re alone\u2014they get that attention,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Finding the right home is just the first hurdle. Financial advisors recommend talking through all of the details ahead of time, such as who will pay which expenses and take care of which responsibilities. Make sure everyone agrees which spaces are shared and which can serve as private retreats for each person or group. The kitchen can be an especially difficult space to share. Who will cook for whom? Who will clean it and when? Will everyone eat together?<\/p>\n These conversations aren\u2019t over after you move in\u2014plan to hold family meetings on a set schedule to resolve issues as they arise, so they don\u2019t fester and cause resentment. Clear expectations and regular communication are keys to success.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re ironing out the sticky subjects, though, don\u2019t forget to take advantage of the great benefits too. Start traditions to enjoy each other\u2019s company. Grab the calendar and set time aside for special events\u2014family outings, game nights, maybe some old-time movies with special treats.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to set up a multigenerational home, Ali recommends asking your Realtor to help you search. He said, \u201cMake your needs and requirements crystal clear to your real estate agent\u2014\u2019We need an in-law suite or we need a bedroom and full bathroom on the ground level\u2019\u2014and then the agent can narrow down that search to exactly what you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s difficult,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019m a big believer that if you\u2019re good, you\u2019ll find good. If you have these good intentions, you\u2019ll find it. It might take a little bit longer, but there are things out there that can really accommodate.\u201d<\/p>\n Your Guidance Residential Account Executive is here to help with any questions. Looking to refinance or purchase?<\/strong> Rates have dropped to historic lows!<\/strong><\/em> Have a friend or family member who is looking for a home? Call 1.866.Guidance, or start an application<\/strong><\/a> today.<\/p>\n