Tips for Purchasing a Home in Your Senior Years

By Hazel Bridges from AgingWellness.org

There are many good reasons to consider moving when you reach retirement. Perhaps you want to be closer to your grandkids, enjoy warmer weather, or leave all that yard work behind in favor of a more minimalist lifestyle. Buying a new home could be the retirement change you’re craving!

A local real estate team, like Urban Cool KC, can help you find the perfect place to spend your golden years. Believe it or not, home buying and moving don’t have to be as stressful as it seems. We’ve assembled some great resources to walk you through the process.

Mortgage Options for Retirees on a Fixed Income

Having a fixed income shouldn’t impact your ability to get a mortgage, but it’s important to choose a mortgage type that works best for your financial situation.

  First, research your local housing market to get a sense of the home sale prices in your area.

  Find out if you qualify for a special type of mortgage, like an FHA loan, VA loan, or USDA loan.

Home Features to Facilitate Aging in Place

When shopping for homes, keep your future potential needs in mind. Make sure your new home will accommodate aging in place!

Look for single-story homes with open floor plans.

Consider buying a home in a senior living community for greater support through your retirement years. 

Stick to walkable neighborhoods and areas with great public transportation so you can get around on your own if you can no longer drive.

Downsizing Your Belongings

Downsizing is a great way to simplify your life in retirement. Before moving into a smaller home, take the time to pare down your belongings and eliminate clutter.

Start your decluttering process in a room that doesn’t hold a lot of emotional items, like a bathroom or laundry room.

Try following the strategies of a popular decluttering method to get the ball rolling.

Resources for a Smooth Move

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, a few simple preparations will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Pack your stuff strategically and label your boxes clearly.

Make use of temporary storage solutions to hold all your stuff during your move.

Create a moving checklist so you don’t forget any important tasks leading up to the big day.

Moving is a great way to enjoy a fresh start in retirement. Finding a new home in which to spend your golden years can help you overcome many of the challenges that come with aging, and boost your quality of life. This is your opportunity to explore what you want most out of a home and make your retirement dreams a reality!

Are you looking for a home in Kansas City? Urban Cool KC can help you find the right home for your retirement lifestyle. Call us today! 816-686-7499