Things To Consider When Buying A Home That Will Age With You

October 29, 2015

Things To Consider When Buying A Home That Will Age With You

People in their 40s and 50s are also planning for their life post retirement and this also includes looking for a placeto settle down, which could possibly be the place they will be spending the rest of their lives. Some are thinking about downsizing due to maintenance issues, etc. While budget is always the main concern of every consumer, here are some factors that you can consider before buying your next home.

Walkable Neighborhood

As you age, you might not want to drive to every place that you need to go, be it when you have to do grocery shopping, etc. A walkable neighborhood is safe for pedestrians and allows you to walk or commute wherever you need to go to. An ideal place would be somewhere that is near shops, grocery, restaurants as well as pharmacy and your doctor.

Local Social Opportunities

If you are moving into a new place then you will have to be looking into meeting new people. Social opportunities such as places of worship, libraries, museums and parks would be a great place to start to be socially active especially as a person age.

Does Size Matters?

It simply does matter, period. When you are starting to build a family, then of course you would need a larger space. But when your children have left the nest, then it would be best if you would look into a comfortable and easily manageable space to live at between you and your partner. As you age, do you need to maintain a large lawn? If you are unable to take care of the home yourself, then downsizing would be a great idea so that you will have less space to maintain.

Accessibility

When looking for the perfect place to purchase especially when you are thinking of a home where you will be living in as you age, you should also think about safety, comfort and accessibility. Some of the main points you should be looking at are:

· Single story layout with no entry stairs

· Wide Walkways

· Adequate lighting

· Extra floor space for easy mobility

· Walk-in shower with seat

· Storage space that are within easy reach

· Counters that are neither too high or too low

· No random steps within the house to trip over

As you age, mobility will become an issue due to physical limitations and constraints. If you are already struggling with the house now, it will only get worse as you age. You can renovate the home, but it is not worth fighting against a house that is simply too tight and small. Instead, look for a house where you will be comfortable in.

Modification Concerns

House hunting can be quite difficult especially when you are looking for the house that is just about right. However, there are some quick DIYs which can be done that can transform your new home into the perfect place for you to settle in after retirement such as:

· If your new home has stairs, consider installing handrails to provide support and keep your balance

· Instead of round knobs, replace with lever handles which are easier to open

· Adding non-slip materials in the bathtub and shower to prevent falls and accidents

· Installing handrails in the bathroom next to the toilet and bathtub for added support

· Installing more lighting for better visibility that can help prevent accidents and any unforeseen circumstances

· When choosing furniture, make sure that you will sofas with back support and sturdy armrests

· For countertops and tables, it is best to choose those with have round edges to again, avoid any injury.

Some retirees consider that downsizing has many upsides. Aging does not have to be boring; instead this will be a new phase in one’s life where you can be able to enjoy all the fruits of your labor. This also includes getting the best and comfortable place for you and your partner to enjoy aging.

Source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/buying-home-to-age-with-you-184020/