People’s housing needs change as they journey through life. That rambling ranch you inhabit might have served you well when the kids were little and you were less averse to performing upkeep. Now, it may seem like more of a burden than a blessing, and you’re longing for something more practical. If you’re wondering how to re-enter the housing market, here are some tips for choosing the right home, designed especially for seniors.
Be Financially Prepared
Look at your budget to see what you can afford on a home. Specifically, you’ll want to take into account your income, monthly expenses, down payment, and desired location. Once you have an estimated figure in mind, you can then research your financial options for buying a home, including conventional mortgage, FHA loan, and VA loan for veterans. Keep in mind that the median listing price for homes in Seattle is around $690,000.
Choose a Single Story Floor Plan
Climbing stairs is less enjoyable as you age, especially when you factor in seniors’ increased risk of developing joint problems. Imagine constantly lugging a vacuum cleaner and other bulky items up a set of steps. You can avoid the hassle by going with a single-story home. You’ll still have plenty of room for everything you enjoy doing without putting extra stress on your body.
If you’d prefer a two-story home, consider keeping the most important rooms on the first floor, such as your master bedroom. This way, if you do suffer from arthritis or hip problems, you won’t need to take the stairs as frequently. You’ll then be able to dedicate the second floor to guest bedrooms for your family, or use it for storage.
Know How Much Space You’ll Need
Most seniors in the housing market are looking for ways to downsize their belongings and enjoy a simpler, less crowded life. If this sounds like you, then here are some ways to organize the clutter:
- Go through your belongings and separate them into must-haves, possible keepers, stuff to donate, and stuff to trash. If in doubt, then throw it out. After you’re done getting rid of unwanted possessions, you’ll have a realistic idea of how much room you’ll need in your new home.
- Label containers so you’ll know at a glance what’s in them. This will save you from wasting time and energy with needless searching when you’re in your new home.
- Pack with care. Avoid overfilling boxes. Use plenty of padding around fragile items like glassware.
- Hire a moving company if you can afford the expense. You can hire a company to deliver a moving container to you, in which you load your belongings at your own pace. When it’s ready to go, the company delivers the container to your new home, where you can take your time unloading your stuff. This process can spare you from transporting all your belongings yourself.
Pick the Right Realtor
One realtor is just as good as another, right? Not exactly. Real estate agents vary in terms of experience, certifications, and ethical standards, so take care when choosing one. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Ask for references from past clients. If the realtor’s previous customers weren’t happy with the service they received, then move on to the next prospect.
- Check with the state board to see if anyone has filed complaints against the realtor.
- Look for a realtor with awards from industry organizations. This shows a high level of professionalism and proven performance.
Make Friends with the Home Inspector
A seasoned home inspector is a gold mine of valuable insights into the local housing market. Inspectors have seen it all in their careers: the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly. They can advise you about which builders craft quality homes and which ones cut corners every chance they get. Depending on whether the home needs work, an inspector can also help you decide on a negotiating price. Having this kind of inside information is vital for choosing a home that will give you happy times, not heartaches.
Buying a new home is a great experience for seniors who have done their homework. You’ll be better prepared for your next big move by figuring out where you want to live, how to organize your finances for it, how to downsize for the move, and which professionals can help you transition to the new house. You’ll also discover that this next phase of your life can be more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
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