Why Were Phil and Belinda Looking for a Change?
Phil, a retired insurance claims adjuster, and Belinda, a retired nurse, were ready to simplify life. Their old house was too large, expensive to maintain, and increasingly difficult to manage. They wanted a fresh start in a home that was easier to care for—and ideally, one that kept them close to their kids.
What Was the Challenge With Their Kids?
Their son and daughter were both in their 20s but didn’t have the income to qualify for their own homes. Each was living with roommates in separate apartments, and neither liked the lack of privacy or stability. They wanted independence without the chaos of shared apartments.
How Did R5 Homes Solve the Problem?
Their daughter, Macy, connected with a real estate agent who introduced them to R5’s Flex-ADU concept. The idea was simple but powerful: one new home where Phil and Belinda lived upstairs, and the kids rented the ADU downstairs. This way, the family could share a single property but still enjoy independent living.
How Did the Setup Work for Everyone?
The ADU was built with:
- A separate entrance for the kids
- Their own kitchen, HVAC, and soundproofing so noise and smells didn’t travel upstairs
- A private living area where they could host friends, play music, and live on their own terms
Meanwhile, Phil and Belinda had a quiet, private space upstairs with a yard they all shared. Family connection was just a staircase away, but everyone enjoyed independence.
How Did the Numbers Work Out?
Here’s how the mortgage was structured for their Flex-ADU home:
- Phil & Belinda’s portion upstairs: $2,500/month
- Kids’ combined rent downstairs: $1,600/month (split between the son and daughter)
- Total mortgage: $4,100/month
This setup let Phil and Belinda downsize into a brand-new, low-maintenance home while keeping their costs affordable. Their kids enjoyed independence in their own space, and when they eventually moved out, Phil and Belinda seamlessly rented the ADU to new tenants.
What Happened When the Kids Moved Out?
Eventually, as the kids advanced in their careers and relationships, they left the ADU. Phil and Belinda transitioned by renting the downstairs unit to outside tenants at market rates. The mortgage stayed manageable, and their home continued to generate income while keeping them in the same area as their family.
Why Did This Work So Well for Their Family?
The Flex-ADU allowed Phil and Belinda to:
- Downsize from an old, high-maintenance home into a new build
- Stay close to their kids without sacrificing privacy
- Have steady rental income to support retirement
- Create a flexible home that could evolve as family circumstances changed
👉 Case Study Verdict: Phil and Belinda found a perfect balance—downsizing into a modern, low-maintenance R5 home while giving their kids independence and keeping family under one roof.
