The Ins and Outs of Buying a Senior-Accessible Home
Tips On Buying an Accessible Home for Those Retirement Years
Congratulations: you’ve entered retirement! At some point in the coming years, you may have to think about buying a senior-accessible home.
Before you make a decision, there are certain things you should take into consideration, such as the location or type of neighborhood you’d like to live in.
We’re here to help you on this journey as you search for your next home that will fit your new lifestyle.
Research accessible housing.
What type of housing are you looking for? Does an apartment or single-family home fit your lifestyle better than the two-story home you raised your family in? Once you stop working and retire, you’ll need to consider how much can you afford to pay for a mortgage and if you want to be close to your family.
Take into consideration your health (as well as your spouse’s health), because if either of you has a medical condition that requires attention now or will in the future, you may want to look for housing near a medical facility.
You’ll also want to think about how much it will cost you to buy a senior-accessible home. Prior to making a purchase, it’s important to research accessible housing in your area.
Look into the neighborhood.
Senior-living neighborhoods typically offer activities and programs for the residents that live there. These activities can include golfing, dancing classes, bingo nights, field trips, fitness classes (tai chi and Zumba are popular in retirement communities), or outdoor excursions.
Research the social activities these communities offer new home buyers before you take the plunge and purchase a home. It’s important that you don’t settle, especially if you know what amenities you can’t live without, like a pool or gym.
Learn about your home amenities.
A bonus of buying a senior-accessible home is that it usually comes with amenities that regular houses don’t offer. Tour the home and make sure you understand what senior modifications come with it. Are the doorways wheelchair accessible? Is the master bedroom located on the first floor instead of the second floor, so you can avoid climbing stairs?
Are all the bathrooms in the house handicap accessible? Are there ramps throughout the home, instead of stairs? If you don’t currently suffer from a disability, it’s still important to be prepared for one you may face in the coming years, especially if you suffer a fall.
Understand your financing options
If you’re not paying cash, it’s important for you to understand your financing options when buying a retirement home. A reverse mortgage is something to be considered if you’re no longer working and don’t have an income.
If you’re over the age of 62, it’s an option you should look into, but they’re not for everyone.
In addition to the age requirement, you must have a low mortgage balance you can easily pay off or own your home outright in order to qualify. You must also be able to pay insurance and taxes, as well as any upkeep around your new home.
Prepare yourself and your home for sale
Before you move into your retirement community, you have to put your current house up for sale. It can be a bittersweet experience, but taking a few steps to get yourself and your home prepared will ease the transition.
The first thing you should do after deciding where you’ll be moving is to de-clutter and say goodbye to items you no longer need or want. Realtors suggest going through your items and asking these questions for each:
- Do I want or need this?
- Does it hold sentimental value?
- How often do I use it?
- Do I have more than one of these items?
Answering each of these questions honestly will help you determine what you should get rid of and what you’ll take with you to your new home.
Before you start showing your home, make sure you put away any personal belongings you have laying around and fix any big-ticket items in disrepair. Cleaning carpets, washing windows, and repainting walls are easy ways to give your home’s interior a refresh.
Don’t neglect the outside of your home, because curb appeal can be a big selling point. Trim your bushes, mow your lawn, and put a welcome mat outside your door. By making your home clean and presentable, prospective buyers will be able to envision themselves living there.
There are many things to consider when purchasing a senior-accessible home. Make sure to research housing options, consider what amenities you need, review your financing options, and prepare yourself and your home for sale.
The Above Guest Article Provided by Michael Longsdon
For those interested in more information regarding Senior Accessible Homes or Home Modifications for Seniors……GO HERE
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Conclusion
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