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If you're a real estate junkie and enjoy keeping your finger on the pulse of the industry, you may have heard the term "universal design" from time to time. The truth is, you're likely to keep hearing it. What does this term mean and how will it affect the design of future homes and buildings?

Basically, universal design means designing homes and environments in such a way that they're accessible to the greatest number of people without using specialized design or adaptation, at least that's the definition according to N.C. State University's Center for Universal Design Web site.

Licensed real estate broker Jan Morgavan puts it this way: "In simple terms, it's design that makes sense." Last fall, Morgavan founded Real Estate UD Inc., a company that promotes homes built with universal design elements. The company's Web site is one of the first in the area to exclusively list UD homes for sale.

Easy access

A universally designed home might include entryways without steps, lever door handles instead of doorknobs, wide doorways and passageways and light switches at accessible heights.

Many people might think these types of features are only for older folks or people who are disabled. While it's true the aging baby boomer population is looking for homes that will change with their needs, a home with UD characteristics makes living easier for everyone, regardless of age or condition.

NCSU's Center for Universal Design points out that stepless entries are safer in icy weather, perfect for strollers and bicycles, and they make it easier to carry in groceries.

Morgavan elaborates: "Universal Design brings into the mainstream more usable design in home construction. The use of UD features and products in home construction translates into comfortable living for as many people as possible without the need for any expensive solutions."

Morgavan, who is also a web developer, decided to launch Real Estate UD after working in a position where she learned how to design accessible websites for the disabled community.

"I looked around and didn't see this market being served very well-bringing the Universal Design element into the consumer marketplace. That was the impetus for bringing this company into existence and the Web site," Morgavan says.

In order to list a home on Morgavan's site it must meet several minimum requirements regarding universal design standards. Potential buyers can search via city, zip code and state.

"The activity on the site is growing daily," says Morgavan, pointing out the site is still new and a work in progress. "As the word gets out about the company, we're anticipating those numbers to grow even more."

Life on the first floor

One universally designed feature - a first-floor master bedroom - has long been a coveted home feature, one most people didn't realize was UD-inspired. Mary Wilson recently bought a home in the Ethan's Glen community in Northern Wake County. The first-floor master, something she didn't have in her previous home, is one of her favorite things, even though she's nowhere near retirement age. In fact, she and her husband are recently married and, combining households, they have six people in the home.

"With four children, we felt it was important to have our own 'retreat,' so to speak," says Wilson. "Our home has five bedrooms and a bonus room, so in the evening, the kids can go up to their own little world, and we can relax in our adult world."

And while privacy is a great thing, that's not Wilson's favorite element of having her bedroom on the main floor.

"First and foremost, I like the sheer convenience of a first-floor master," says Wilson. "I don't know if it's just me or if it's the norm, but I am constantly going into our bedroom for something, so having it so close makes it that much easier.

"Second is the privacy it allows us. When it's time to call it a night, we love the fact that we are downstairs. I believe it also gives the children a better sense of independence. They actually need to make an effort to come speak with us if they need to, and I believe there are times when they decide what they need to speak with us about is simply not important enough to track downstairs. So the end result is potentially figuring something out for themselves, which, in my book, is a great thing."

Although not universally designed as a whole, Wilson's house also has lever door handles, indicating that some builders are slowly mainstreaming these designs.

"When you are carrying groceries or have young children who sometimes have a hard time turning a knob far enough to actually accomplish the task, it's just another convenience. And in this busy world, we cannot have too many conveniences," says Wilson.

A smart purchase

If you still think the prevalence of universal design has nothing to do with you, consider it a wise investment for the future.

Morgavan says when some people are considering purchasing a home as an investment, they anticipate the country's changing demographics. And they should.

The Baby Boomer generation is so large, it simply can't be overlooked when determining economic impact. Typically categorized as those Americans born between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boomer generation is currently 77 million strong, making up nearly 28 percent of the nation's population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and Met Life's Mature Market Institute. And this year, the first Boomers celebrated their 60th birthdays. Morgavan says that as the Boomers retire, it's logical to predict that the need and demand for universally designed homes will increase.

"The UD homes offer a measure of safety especially if it's important for a homeowner to prevent falls that may result in a disabling condition," says Morgavan. "The homes can be a money-saver by reducing the time spent living in an expensive housing arrangement or can delay having to move to a home that better accommodates their needs.

"The interest in UD homes can vary," she continues. "Some people may see an immediate need, like older households or families with a disabled member. There are also some people that plan for a need they may have in the future by investing in a UD home. Buying a UD home helps people to avoid the cost and effort of remodeling down the road if the need arises."

Morgavan also points out that some people, although in good health, may have a condition that makes them a little less mobile than others, like arthritis. In that case, a universally designed home can serve as a preventive measure, meaning there are no steps to trip on, for example.

For Morgavan, her new business is a way to blend two passions-one for real estate and another for helping people.

"I wanted to bring to the consumer market a way for people who have disabilities to actually look for a home," she says. "It came out of designing accessible websites, being a web developer and understanding how to design websites for everybody including those in the disabled community."