It’s common for people to search for a new home after retiring. However, it can often feel overwhelming and confusing. If you’re someone looking to move after retiring, start by considering your needs and future goals. Here are six things to look for in a retirement property to get you started.
- Pricing
One of the first factors you should consider is your budget. How much money are you willing to spend on your new property? Think about your retirement goals. On the one hand, you may want to splurge a little and find your dream home. On the other hand, maybe you’d like to downsize your new home and spend more money traveling.
Something else to think about is whether you want to rent or buy a property. Many people of retiring age automatically prefer buying a new property. However, it’s essential to consider both options and which one is a better fit in the long run. For example, renting a property may be advantageous because any repairs or maintenance is the landlord’s responsibility.
- Functionality
Another important factor to think about is the functionality of a property. As people age, it’s more likely for them to fall and become injured. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports “more than 1 in 4 older adults report falling each year,” which can cause severe head damage.
One of the ways to prevent falls as you age is making sure your new property is safe. It’s best to find a property with only one story or zero to minimal stairs. Make sure the bathrooms include grab bars for easier mobility. In general, it’s better to have a walk-in shower versus attempting to climb into a bathtub. Make sure your new property also has plenty of storage space, so your environment isn’t cluttered. The bottom line here is to choose a property that will give you enough space for safe mobility.
- Lifestyle
When choosing a new property, you should consider your lifestyle. Do you like to go for hikes or golf? Do you enjoy listening to live music? Whatever your lifestyle and interests might be, choose a property that’s in an ideal location. The location you choose should be a good fit for the life you want to lead.
One lifestyle choice that is especially important for older adults to think about is socializing. It’s easy to become isolated the more senior you become. You must do your best to be around other people to help maintain good mental health. So, pick a property in an area with other retirees to socialize with and engage in activities together. Even meeting someone you can chat with over video call can be beneficial.
- Repairs & Upkeep
If you’re considering buying a new property, be aware of the potential repairs maintenance tasks. Household items and features break down and will require someone to take care of it. Think about whether or not home upkeep is something you are prepared to do.
If you’re concerned about keeping up with home repairs in the future, try to choose a property now that’s not too old. The older a property is, the more maintenance it will likely have.
- Housemates
Make sure to think about who you will be living with in this new property. Will you be living with a spouse or roommate? Will you have friends and family staying often? Do you have any pets, or are you planning on getting any? Keep these questions in mind when choosing an appropriate living space. If you have others living in your new property, make sure there is enough space for you and them to live comfortably.
- Location
One last thing you should keep in mind is the location of your new property. Think of the environment you’d like to live in day-to-day. Maybe you enjoy living in the suburbs or further out where there’s more land. Whatever the case may be, choose a property in a place you’d feel most comfortable.
If you’re someone who prefers to live close to family, consider properties that aren’t too far from your loved ones. This way, you can see them more often. Additionally, if you ever need help with anything, they won’t be too far away.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new retirement property can be a daunting task. These six tips are a great way to get started as a guide to finding your new home. Overall, choose what’s best for you in the long run and start your Golden Years off right!
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