Homeownership June 24, 2022

Moving as a Retiree? Here are Some Things to Consider

It’s an exciting time in your life! You have finished your career, and you are ready to retire. And as a result, you might be considering moving or downsizing to help meet your new needs. Here are some things you may want to consider while looking for a new home as a retiree. 

 

Budget

The number one thing to think about when looking for a new home as a retiree is how much you want to spend and how much you can afford in the future. These are some factors that may influence your budget:

  • Retirement Income
      • What is your future income stream, and how much do you want to spend on a mortgage? 
  • Savings
      • How much do you have in savings, and what amount do you want to spend on a new home?
  • Sale of Home
    • If you sell the home you’re in now, what price would you want, and how would that inform what you can afford to buy?

 

Commitment Level

What are your home needs now, and what do you expect them to be in the next ten years? Try to be realistic about what you want and need in your home. 

  • Lawn Care
      • Taking care of a yard is a huge commitment. While it may be something that you can handle now, moving is a great chance to decide if this is something you want to continue to upkeep in the future. And by joining a community garden, you can still enjoy being outdoors with less commitment. 
  • Stairs
      • Physical structures like stairs may become a hindrance in the future. It may be a good idea to look for somewhere that is accessible to accommodate you as your needs change.
  • Transportation
      • As you look for a new place, consider what transportation options are available. Are there accessible parking spots? What about nearby public transit options? It’s good to have various options as you look for somewhere new. 
  • Travel
    • How much time do you plan to spend at home in retirement? Some want a “home base” but will travel for up to 6 months of the year. If you will be travelling extensively, that should factor into how much you want to spend on your new home. 

 

Location

Perhaps this new move is a chance to explore your location options. After all, retirement is an excellent time to try something new. 

  • Rural vs. Urban
      • Do you want to live in the hustle of the city or spend your time in the peace of a lakeside village? Knowing what social environment is essential to deciding where to live.
  • Shared vs. Single
      • A smaller, single-family home can still be a good option depending on your family’s needs. However, some people prefer to live in a condo or a shared living community for the social aspect.
  • Nearby Amenities
    • Choosing a neighbourhood that has the amenities you need is critical. Whether that includes parks, gyms, or shopping districts is up to you and your preferred lifestyle!

 

Amenities

Speaking of amenities, it is essential that you know what kind of amenities you want in your new home. If you are looking at shared living space, what options are available in the building could be a huge selling feature. Single-family homes also will offer different possible amenities or spaces for you. Knowing what you need and want will help you narrow down your list of potential homes. 

  • Hobbies
      • Retirement means you will have ample new free time for your hobbies! Having a workshop, sewing room, fully stocked kitchen, or other rooms dedicated to your hobbies may be great in your new retirement home. 
  • Friends
      • Whether that means friends nearby or space in your home for friends to visit, deciding what you want in a social space is very important.
  • Outdoor Space
    • We touched on this before, but having an outdoor space can be different from having a yard. Some shared living buildings have outdoor green spaces for their residents. Other times that can mean having a nearby park or public green space. However, you should decide how important it is to have outdoor space in your home. 

 

Retirement can be very exciting, but it can also be stressful trying to navigate your new needs now and in the future. Having a real estate professional to work with can help you decide what is most important and reduce the stress of moving. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need any assistance!

Buying June 17, 2022

Wondering if it’s Time To Buy? Here Are The Signs!

Owning a home is a huge decision, no doubt one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, and not to be taken lightly. When it is all said and done and you have those keys in your hands, buying a new home is rewarding and freeing with all this space that you can make totally your own. Of course we understand the thought of owning a home might be daunting, but don’t let the cons intimidate you too much, outweighing all the fabulous pros! Finally getting out of that rental place and owning the house of your dreams is just steps away. Or, maybe, you’re a homeowner simply considering a change of environment from your current abode? No matter if you’re a prospective first-time homebuyer or otherwise, here are a few signs you might be ready for an upgrade.

 

You are Tired of Renting and Want to Build Equity

Are you tired of paying for your landlord’s mortgage in rent instead of your own?

Almost everyone starts by way of rental properties as it’s the quickest and easiest way to gain independence. One of renting’s excellent benefits is being able to rely on someone else for maintenance issues and expenses. Extra expenses like condo fees or property taxes aren’t of concern when renting, but renting can be restrictive when it comes to the ability to really make the space your own.

If this rings clear for you, I think it’s time for you to consider buying your first home! If all your ducks are in a row, you are financially stable or had a great promotion. Home ownership is a significant next step in your life.

 

You Want More Space

Are you outgrowing your current home? 

Perhaps it’s your first home or you want more room for entertaining. If your family or hobbies are growing, it’s time to upscale! Now is the time to invest in those amenities you have longed for, like a new gym, nursery or bonus room. Once you have experienced a home where storage is lacking, you will appreciate having enough space to tuck unwanted items away even more. In this case, appropriate storage and closet space is a must!

 

You Want Less Space and Fewer Responsibilities

Do you want less space, less cleaning and less work in general?

The last of the kids have moved out, you don’t have enough time to manage such a large home, or it’s increasingly difficult to keep up your house. Downsizing can be a great way to save money, time, and energy as well. Less space also means lower mortgage rates and taxes.

 

The Upkeep of Your Current Home is Becoming a Burden

Has your house become a money pit over the last few years? 

If parts of your home break down every month or week, now could be an excellent time for a fresh start. Another great option is to replace that furnace or roof for resale value or leave it for the subsequent owners.

 

Your Commute has Changed

Do you now work from home, or have you changed jobs in the last few years? 

Maybe your house is too far from your workplace or you’re craving that big office space to work from home. Maybe there are great schools or daycares you have your eye on for the kiddos, but they’re feeling like more and more of a hassle to get to. These are perfectly good reasons to consider uprooting your family to be able to commute quickly to your favourite and most used amenities.

 

Your Neighbourhood is Deteriorating

Has graffiti, crime or feeling unsafe slowly become a problem in your neighbourhood since you moved in?

Now might be the time to move to a safer area. Nothing compares to the feeling of ease with nice pathways to stroll in parks or even walk with a friend at night without worrying.

 

You Want To Make Your Mark

Are you dreaming of decorating in your style, new appliances or having that butler pantry?

Building a custom home is an attractive option for those looking for a perfect place. It allows you to pick everything from tiles to countertops to paint colour. If this seems just out of reach, purchasing an already existing home might be a good choice. You will still be able to unleash your creativity by painting the walls, buying new furniture or even renovating to make it yours!

 

The Housing Market is Ideal (A Buyers Market)

Are you asking yourself when you should buy a home?

The answer could be right now–there are diamonds out there! It’s a hot market and sellers are motivated, which means more housing options for you. Plus, new home builders are offering incredible financing options and hassle-free move-in options.

 

Are you seeing the signs? No matter the need, our team of experienced REALTORS® have our eyes on the market (and the prize–your dream home) and ready to find you the perfect next step!