When it comes to home buying habits, is the nuclear family endangered? Coldwell Banker Real Estate has spotted a trend toward multi-generational shacking up. In the past year, 37 percent of Coldwell agents noted an increase in customers buying homes to accommodate more than one generation of their families. The bad economy is largely to blame, although medical infirmities also play a role. In a retiree market like Tampa Bay's, over-reliant on new home construction, this isn't exactly great news. If home buyers economize, employment would suffer. Extended families aren't all bad: Oldsters provide free childcare, and youngsters can help out grandparents, Coldwell's Diann Patton said.