7 home hunting tips if you are over 60 years old, according to real estate experts

There are things that the elderly should take into account when looking for a new house.


If you are Plans to retire , moving to be close to the family, or simply try to change their lifestyle, there are many reasons to start hunting at home as a eate. And although everyone's needs and means are different, it is undeniable that there is a whole new way of approaching the process later in life. Fortunately, there are some tips to make the purchase of houses as simple as possible, helping to make sure you will end up with the perfect property for your gold years. Read the rest for home hunting advice that real estate experts have for people over 60 years of age.

Read this then: 7 secrets that can help you retire early, according to experts .

1
Consider how different your needs are from the date on which you were younger.

Two women friends with long gray hair having coffee and smiling.
Yaroslav Astakhov / Shutterstock

Over the years, people have chosen to move houses for various reasons. In most cases, people modify the addresses to increase the square area, get more area or simply switch to a more pleasant home. But experts point out that after years of family construction or ambitious projects, hunting at home later in life generally revolves around a new set of considerations for the immediate future.

"The needs of buyers are different as they age", " Clare Trapasso ,, editor from Realtor.com, tells Better life . "Ancient house hunters may prefer a smaller house that is easier to clean and maintain. They may not want to buy a superior fixer or a start -up home that needs work to save money. They may not need additional rooms or worry about buying one at home in a better school district if they do not have children. "

This may also include the passage in a new property with fewer maintenance obligations. "Houses in row and condominiums can also be attractive so that buyers do not have to worry about maintenance, shovel the snow, ratify the leaves or mow the lawn," she said. "It could also be useful to have a great in the building that can help with repairs."

2
Look for significant safety or mobility upgrades.

Senior adult having pain while climbing up stairs
Eyenigèle / Istock

Our lifestyles inevitably change as we age, just like our physical capacities. Of course, experts say it should be a critical factor to decide what type of house you will buy.

"Buyers of older houses may want to consider a house at a level, so they don't have to worry about stairs as they age," said Trapasso. "They may also prefer accessible wheelchair houses with ramps that help them enter the house or houses that can be equipped with ramps."

"They may also want to consider showers without an appointment large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or a walker instead of a bathtub which can be more difficult for them to access as they age," he added She, noting that "bars and good lighting can also be useful."

Read this then: The 6 best small towns to retire .

3
Think in the long term when you are considering a new property.

Chic older woman in brown sweater
Brothers91 / Istock

At 60, you know that life can take all kinds of unexpected twists and turns. But solid planning takes on a new importance as we age, especially with regard to something as important as the place where you could spend the rest of your life. This is why experts suggest that house hunters think in advance to make sure they will be in good position to live comfortably on the whole line.

"Buyers of older houses want to wonder if this new house will be their house" forever "or if they plan to sell it at some point and move into a community over 55 or assisted life" , explains Trapasso. "If they plan to age in place, they want to ensure that their new house is close to first -rate medical facilities and other essential equipment, such as grocery store and pharmacies. They also want to ensure that their New house is suitable for retirement or can be equipped with everything they may need. "

4
Think of what you want to withdraw from your retirement.

A senior couple lying in bed while using a tablet and reading before going to sleep
istock

After decades on the labor market, those over 60 generally think at least on retirement. The exciting change has a rare opportunity to reassess your priorities and adapt your life to the way you want to spend your time. Regarding the move, Trapasso says that this raises questions about what is most important, that it is a question of wanting to be closer to friends and family, to settle in a hot climate all 'year, or find a place that will make their savings as much as possible. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Many older Americans are looking for locations with lower taxes - such as states that will not impose their retirement income - which offer a more affordable cost of living. Others never want to shovel snow again And some would prefer to be close to outdoor equipment, international airports, wine -making establishments - whatever they love, "explains Trapasso." My advice is for older Americans to understand what matters most to them, to look carefully Their finances, then to find out which areas offer what they need at the right price. "

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5
The area around your home can be just as important as the house you end up buying.

Whisper

It is very rare that people are ready to move houses if they do not like the city or the city in which their new house is located. But this consideration can take on a whole new importance for anyone over the age of 60 who seeks to remain socially active and entertain.

"Look for dynamic communities, especially if you are retired or plan to retire soon," Jill Preschel ,, real estate advisor In the Kirsten Jordan team of Douglas Elliman, says Better life . "I have heard of my own parents that retirement can make your world smaller, but once you have found your routine, your hobbies and your community, your world starts to develop."

A surprising type of regional parameters often makes a good choice for the elderly in particular. "It may seem counter -intuitive, but university cities are perfect for retirees. They have excellent restaurants and incredible arts and cultural offers - conferences with Galeries openings," explains Preschel.

6
Decide if this is more logical to rent rather than buy.

rent money with keys on top
istock

The accession to property may resemble a large part of adult life for some people, and most of us will reach 60 having had at least one mortgage to their assets. But if you move houses when you are older, the experts say that you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the exchange of your act for a lease.

"Deciding to rent or buy is a personal choice," explains Trapasso. "It may be more logical for some owners to sell their properties and use their profits on a rental. Conversely, some tenants can be better as owners. Some people would prefer to build equity by home ownership who Can be transmitted to their children. Others may hesitate to withdraw a mortgage later in life. "

Of course, there is no unique answer to this question. "It really depends on their goals, their finances and where they live. In certain real estate markets, it can be more affordable to rent than to buy or vice versa," explains Trapasso.

Read this then: 9 small towns in the United States with the most affordable houses to buy .

7
Take care to make a decision entirely for yourself.

Happy senior couple road tripping
Biascioli Istock / Alessandro

Choosing a house earlier in life can be summed up with a long list of requirements, how it will affect your journey to worry if you have enough space as your family develops. But while purchases for a new house over 60 can be accompanied by its own concerns, this can also be an incredibly liberating decision to take. In many ways, experts say that keeping this in mind can widen the possibilities and finally help you make the right choice.

"For many people over the age of 60, it's hunting at home where they can finally be selfish," said Preschel. "You do not move for work and do not have to worry about the children's children. You are completely focused on your quality of life and what you want in your next phase. It's exciting! I always work with Customers at this stage because they really look for what they want, and it's wonderful to see joy in this process. "

Best Life offers the most up -to -date financial information for the best experts and the latest news and research, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the money you spend, save or invest, always consult your financial advisor directly.


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