When you’re ready to retire in style, you’ll probably start your retirement by deciding where to live. But, more than just knowing that you want to live in the Denver area, you have to know what to look for in a home. Keep reading for quick tips on how to choose a house for your golden years.
This blog is brought to you by Brian Chandler of RE/MAX Alliance. Guest article by Shirley Martin
Types Of Home
While there is no hard and fast rule, most retirees choose a smaller property. After all, you’re no longer raising children, and it may be time to downsize from your large family home. A few different options include:
- Single-family home. If you prefer to live in a neighborhood surrounded by families in a more diverse group of people, choose a single-family home. Brian Chandler’s live MLS list can help you see what’s available every day.
- 55+ community. Would you rather spend your days with other active seniors? If so, a 55+ community may be right for you. 55Places.com currently shows 62 active adult retirement communities in the Denver area.
- Condo/townhouse. Condo and townhouse communities are another option, and these are open to families as well as the general population. These come with the added benefits of little to no maintenance and no yard to take care of.
How To Choose
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of community you would like to live in, you’ll need to take a close look at your lifestyle. Tips here are:
- Take an inventory. If you’re downsizing in retirement, you probably won’t have room to showcase all of your furniture and personal belongings. This doesn’t mean that you can’t hold on to your prized possessions. You can find Denver storage options that allow you to keep treasured keepsakes safe until you have a place for them.
- Plan ahead. Ideally, you are healthy and active and can remain that way for many years to come. But, you can’t count out potential health hiccups that can make it more difficult to live independently. Make sure that your new home is “aging-in-place” ready with things like a security system, a safety bathtub, and added lighting. Make sure that you read independent reviews to make sure that any added features will be safe and effective.
- Look at your budget. While the mountains might be calling your name, your budget may be calling you back. If your move to Colorado brings you from out of state, make sure that you understand the cost of living, which PayScale estimates are 16% higher than the national average.
In-Demand Home Features
Regardless of age, safety is your top priority anytime you buy a new home. To age in place safely, enjoy your environment and with the least hassles, look for homes with:
- Non-slip floors. Your chance of becoming injured in a falling accident increases with each birthday. Make sure that your new home has non-slip flooring. This Old House also recommends low-pile carpeting, which is safer for those that use a walker to get around.
- Single-story design. A single-story home can also reduce the chance of a falling injury. But, not having to go up and down stairs is also easier on the knees, and an accessible home is more marketable to a broader audience when it’s time to sell.
- Close proximity to amenities. One of the main reasons to move during your retirement is to enjoy your new surroundings. Look for a home that is close to all the things you want to do. It can also help to be near doctors’ offices, public transportation, and recreational facilities.
Congratulations on your retirement, and welcome home to Parker. While there’s no hard and fast rule that tells you where to live or how to choose a space that’s right for you, we hope you found this quick guide helpful. If you’re having trouble committing, you don’t have to choose all at once, and there’s nothing wrong with renting a storage unit for a month or two to make up your mind. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to begin your home search.
If you are considering a move to Colorado, or are in the process of doing so, I hope this post has been helpful. I have shared some tips on how to settle into your new home and community, as well as information on how to start your own business. Moving is always a big change, but it can be an exciting one too. I wish you all the best as you make this journey and explore all that our beautiful state has to offer. Brian is also a Senior Real Estate Specialist
Also, you can download a FREE copy of Brian’s book ” GAIN MORE FREEDOM BY DOWNSIZING YOUR HOME”
Once your kids move out of the house, you might find yourself with an overabundance of unused space. While letting go of the house you’ve called home for so long might not be easy, it just might be the right decision — both financially and practically — for your future. Whether you choose to move to a smaller single-family home or to a senior living community, the opportunities (and cost savings) are endless.
Real estate pro Brian Chandler of RE/MAX Alliance Group is a top producer and sales trainer located in the Parker, Colorado, area. Whether you’re buying or selling, team up with Brian today! 720.808.1007 Read more articles like these Top Realtor Info Contact Brian Chandler
