Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it’s important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs.
If it’s too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions:
· Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then?
· Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit?
· What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing?
If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing.
The Benefits of Moving into a Smaller Home
Financial Savings;
Older adults with higher medical and insurance costs might benefit from expenses like utility bills.
Less Maintenance;
If you're tired of house work and gardening why not move to a home with an easier upkeep.
Simplicity;
Downsizing cuts clutter and helps you focus and what matters.
Health Concerns;
Many seniors downsize for fewer stairs and easier access to transport and hospitals.
Your Equity Can Help Make Downsizing Possible
If those perks sound like something you’d want, you may already have what you need to make it happen.
“And at a time when homeowners age 62 and older have more than $12 trillion in home equity in the US alone never mind the rest of the world, downsizing makes sense . . .”
If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’re one of those homeowners who’s built up a considerable amount of equity. And that equity is something you can use to help you buy a home that better fits your needs today.
“Downsizing can mean taking that equity when the home is sold and using it to pay cash or make a large down payment on a lower-priced home, reducing your monthly living expenses.”
When you’re ready to use all that equity to fuel your next move, your local estate agent will be your guide through every step of the process. That includes setting the right price for your current house when you sell, finding the home that best fits your evolving needs, and understanding what you can afford at todays mortgage rate.
Bottom Line
Starting your retirement journey? Think about downsizing – it could really help. When you're ready, talk to a local estate agent about your housing goals this year.
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