Whether you are downgrading or perhaps just plain, old tired of your house and your neighborhood and would like some change, then it is best to look for a retirement home—that is if you are already a senior!
Retirement homes are your best choice if you ever thought of moving or changing your address. Why? It is because retirement homes are usually fitted and designed with senior needs in mind. You must admit, it is already high-time for industrial-grade, ugly-looking rubber mats to line your bathroom to prevent you from slipping—something you won’t even hear about 40 years ago!
However, buying the right retirement home is not always easy, in fact, it may take some adjustments and a little tweaking to make it perfect for your needs. Alongside with the usual home-hunting problems, you are faced with new challenges to consider when finding the right retirement home for you. Below are some simple tips when buying the right retirement home for you:
• Choose your community wisely. Is it senior-friendly? How about the proximity of the hospital to your future place? Or perhaps the scale of your neighborhood. Will you be safe if you opt to live alone in it and will there be help if you happen to need one? Certainly, the kind of community plays a big role on your choice of retirement home.
• Assess your budget. You don’t just put all your savings in this house as there is always a possibility you will need to evacuate on short notice. Also, you will need to set aside some money for quick fixes and some other minor –but costly, just the same! – adjustments. It will also do you good if you don’t go over your budget or go for something that will push you to a loan or mortgage. These are the things you wouldn’t like having while you’re growing your hair gray.
• Consider size. Never underestimate the size of the home you’re choosing. If you ask me, there is never a retirement home too small. In fact, the smaller, the better—believe me, as it will only be pain to manage and maintain if you choose a bigger house, not to mention, costly.
• Take your time. I suggest you start scouting for houses 5-10 years prior to your retirement year. This way you’ll be able to get a good feel on your retirement home or if it fits your needs perfectly. Take into consideration the fact that no matter how good it looks, there will always be a flaw so better to deal it while you still can.
• Buy your retirement home while you still have a good, stable income. You wouldn’t want to be caught penniless right? Consider it as part of good retirement planning.
