No matter where you plan to retire, whether, in Costa Rica, Arizona, or Colorado, you’ll need a plan. Many retirees buy what they think is their dream home, only to discover that it doesn’t fit their new lifestyle. To make buying a home after retirement feel like a dream, follow these ten steps:
- Communicate with your significant other: It’s important to discuss your feelings with your partner. You shouldn’t assume that you and your partner are on the same page. Several conversations should be held about the kind of home and lifestyle you want. Make sure you reach an acceptable agreement for both of you, even if it requires some compromise.
- Make sure to test it out: No matter where you’re moving, test your vision before committing. If you like living in a community, you might not enjoy the rules that come with it. A person who wants to move to Arizona may discover the weather is too hot for them. You can find out what environment is best for you by visiting different retirement communities or vacationing in different locations.
- Think about mobility when picking out a place to live: Keep mobility in mind when selecting a place to live. Do not assume that you will always be able to drive. Take into account a city’s walkability and public transportation accessibility instead. It is essential to ensure you can reach important places, such as the grocery store or hospital, even if you do not have a car.
- Be sure to pay attention to accessibility: If you are looking at properties, consider accessibility. Among retirees, single-story properties are popular as they reduce the need for stairs. You should also look for large entryways and hallways, step-in showers, and rooms with enough space for a walker or wheelchair. Even if accessibility isn’t a current concern, remember that retrofitting a property for wheelchair accessibility can be expensive.
- Don’t forget your friends and family: Everyone dreams of retiring to a faraway place, such as a beach town or even abroad. Be sure to consider the impact of leaving your support network before you leave your old life behind.
- Create a realistic post-retirement budget: Meet with a financial advisor to develop a realistic budget. Calculating your monthly retirement income and expenses can help you identify areas for improvement. Consider boosting your post-retirement income; it can also be a great time to look into passive income opportunities.
- You should always buy a retirement home based on your future income: If you are buying a retirement home early, determine your monthly budget based on your post-retirement income rather than your current income. Your budget for home-related expenses might change significantly even if your income stays roughly the same.
- Examine the impact on your taxes: Consider the financial implications of moving to a new state or country. High property taxes may make your new home more costly in some states. You should also consider how your move will affect your retirement income taxes and exemptions.
- Be realistic when calculating your home-buying budget: Ensure home-related expenses are considered. Costs may vary depending on the property’s age and condition, the severity of the weather, and whether your future home is in an HOA or retirement community.
- Down payments should be made wisely: Some people want to lower their monthly mortgage payments by putting their life savings toward a down payment. Nevertheless, this strategy can leave you house-rich but cash-poor, leaving little room for unexpected expenses. Discuss your mortgage options and debt structure with your lender and financial advisor.