7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Home for Retirement
These days, I am working more and more with retirees—many of them younger and younger—and it is apparent that the topic of selling their homes is top of mind. However, in today’s market where fewer properties are for sale than there have been in the past, it may make sense to simply reassess your current home and if you are able (or desire) to stay put during your retirement.
Below are seven factors to consider as you choose the ATL home you will retire in, according to the National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA):
Affordability
Ask yourself— Would moving to a complex with homeowner association fees actually be cheaper than having to hire all the contractors you would need to maintain your home, lawn, etc.? Would your taxes go down significantly if you relocated? What is your monthly income going to be like in retirement?
Equity
You may not have guessed that the equity you have in your current home may be enough to purchase your retirement home with little to no mortgage. Homeowners in the US gained an average of over $14,000 in equity last year.
Maintenance
Ask yourself, would a condo with an HOA fee be worth the added peace of mind of not having to do the maintenance work yourself?
Security
As scary as that thought may be, any additional security and an extra set of eyes looking out for you always adds to peace of mind.
Pets
Evaluate all of your options when it comes to bringing your ‘furever’ friend with you to a new home. Will there be necessary additional deposits if you are renting or in a condo? Is the backyard fenced in? How far are you from your favorite veterinarian?
Mobility
Sixty is the new 40, right? People are living longer and are more active in retirement, but that doesn’t mean that down the road you won’t need your home to be more accessible. Installing handrails and making sure your hallways and doorways are wide enough may be a good reason to look for a home that was built to accommodate these needs.
Convenience
How close are you to your children and grandchildren? Would relocating to a new area make visits with family easier or more frequent? Beyond being close to your favorite stores and restaurants, there are a lot of factors to consider.
The first step to ensuring your happiness and comfort in retirement is evaluating your current home and its ability to age with you, meeting your needs as time goes on. If you’ve considered the above and are still ready to move on to a new home in Metro Atlanta for retirement, do not hesitate to give Jill a call!
Post Credit: Keeping Current Matters
Jill Heineck
Associate Broker
Heineck & Company at Keller Williams Realty
Phone: (404) 418-9157
Email: jill@heineckandcompany.com
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