Tips to Consider Before Buying a Retirement Property

1. Location

Location is probably one of the most important decisions when choosing a property to retire. Depending on your situation, many factors will depend on where you choose to stay, like proximity to friends and family, the grocery store, gas stations, and access to medical care. It’s also very important to consider the average weather where you will be living, if you are in a rural or urban area, and if you have land or access to walking trails. Picking a spot to call home comes with a lot of decisions

2.                  Your Budget

Your financial situation could change once you are retired, so looking for a property that not only fits your means now, but down the road is essential when looking for retirement homes. Working out a post-retirement budget and plan would be a great idea to consider so you will have an idea of what to expect in terms of your income and your budget. If you are in the process of planning to build a retirement home or purchase one, knowing how much you can realistically afford to spend will keep you from getting in over your head and being able to budget for other things as well. 

3.                  Maintenance 

The cost of owning a new retirement home is more than just paying insurance, taxes, mortgage, and property upkeep. If you are in good health, you may be able to take care of these things on your own, but as people get older it seems to be harder getting these tasks done. If owning a retirement property is the right choice for you, you might have to consider hiring help for maintenance services, professional repairs, and maids to help keep things running smoothly. If you are at an age where that seems like too much to handle, there are always other options like housing communities, where these services are included for residents. Housing communities also offer many activities, meals, and new people to meet. Whatever path you choose to go down, keep in mind what will suit you best now, months, and even years down the road! 

4.                  When is the Best Time to Buy a Retirement Home or a Place in a Retirement Community?

Many people note that buying into a retirement community or a retirement property is best to do before leaving their jobs to retire. Not only will you have more money to invest into your forever home before you retire, you will most likely have your current health to invest in as well. If you buy before retiring, hopefully you will be able to tackle home improvements and other maintenance work without needing help. This could save you money to put towards other things when you do decide to retire. 

5.                  The Bottom Line

Retirement should be an exciting next step for anyone, but it can be stressful trying to piece all of it together. Spend time talking with your family, loved ones, and friends to figure out what location and budget suit you best so you can enjoy wherever you are at and can find time doing what you have always wanted to do! From resort-style atmospheres, country club and golf communities to waterfront communities and equine offerings, the numerous options in the active adult segment come with a wide variety of events and activities offered providing unlimited choices. Many of these communities offer very attractive and well-designed options for every budget. This can include luxury estates, custom-built homes, single-family homes,condominiums,townhomes and manufactured homes.

United Country Real Estate’s Active Adult Communities website features properties for sale showcasing active adult communities including retirement property, senior living, 55+ active adult living and age-restricted communities in the most desirable locations throughout America. Leaving the work force behind for good after years of hard work is exciting, but you still have many decisions to think about that will impact your lifestyle and finances. One of the biggest questions is where you will live once you reach the golden years. Many of today’s 55+, baby boomers, seniors and empty nesters are searching for a more active lifestyle that offers a wide variety of lifestyle activities, independent and low to maintenance-free living.  Let United Country help you by visiting www.UnitedCountry.com for more information to find the perfect property for you and or your loved ones during this exciting and important process!