What to Look For in a New Home if You’re Retired

Finding the perfect home is an important decision for everyone, but it holds particular significance for seniors and retirees. After a lifetime of hard work, it’s essential to choose a home that not only meets your current needs but also supports your lifestyle and well-being in the years to come. 

In this blog post, we’ll touch on a few important details to look out for as you search for your new home. 

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Looking for more real estate tips about retirement? Check out these blog posts!

• 3 Things Seniors Should Know Before They Sell Their Home
• How to Help Your Parents Declutter
• Buying a Home in Florida For Canadians

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A Neighbourhood With All the Essentials

Just like any home purchase, one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a home as a retiree is the location. In other words, you’ll want to choose a home in a neighbourhood that suits your needs and preferred lifestyle.  

During your golden years, convenience will be a key part of what makes your home a great place to live. On top of being close to family and friends, recreational activities, and other things that pique your interest, you’ll want to consider everyday essentials. This means proximity to healthcare facilities, grocery stores, public transportation, and other important services. 

You’ll also want to consider who your neighbours will be. Buying in a vibrant community with fellow retirees can enhance your social life and provide opportunities for new friendships – they may also provide unique amenities and activities tailored specifically for seniors. If this interests you, ask your real estate agent about neighbourhoods with active retiree communities. 

Ready to find your next home? Click here to browse our local listings! 

Turn Key Condition 

At the end of the day, retirement is a time to enjoy hobbies, spend time with family, and take part in activities that bring you joy. With that in mind, you won’t want to spend all your time working on or fixing up your home. As you look for the right place to spend your golden years, consider choosing a home that won’t require major renovations, repairs, or improvements. 

On top of not needing major upgrades or renovations, a home that makes a good fit for retirees often doesn’t require an excessive amount of routine maintenance or upkeep. This could mean a home with smaller square footage, less required yard work, or even newer appliances. 

Condos are a great option for retirees looking to minimize their responsibilities as much as possible. With most maintenance tasks taken care of, condo living can help you maximize your free time. 

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Downsizing to a smaller home for your golden years? Explore these posts about condo living from our blog! 

• Working With an Agent When Buying a Pre-Construction Condo
• 5 Reasons You’ll Love Condo Living 
• What Happens if My Pre-Construction Condo is Delayed?

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Accessibility Considerations

As we age, mobility and safety become increasingly important. When evaluating potential homes for your next chapter, don’t forget to assess their accessibility features. Mindful features include wide doorways, step-free entrances, and well-lit spaces. While you may be able to make some modifications to your home after moving in, it’s helpful to find these features up front. 

For some retirees, a single-level home such as a bungalow is often more practical as it eliminates the need to navigate stairs regularly. Alternatively, a unit in a condo building with elevators is also a good option as it can make daily tasks more manageable and reduce the risk of falls. 

An Open Floor Plan

As part of accessibility, a home with an open and spacious floor plan can make life easier for retirees. When you begin looking for a new home and find one that catches your eye, take a moment to consider the layout. Pay attention to the width of doorways and hallways, to ensure easy accessibility for mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. While this may not be a part of your needs today, it’s important to think ahead – especially when purchasing a home. 

Buying With the Lino Arci Team

Finding the perfect home as a retiree is no easy task – that’s where we come in. As Vaughan’s #1 real estate group, the Lino Arci Team provides a simple, stress-free buying experience that can help you land a home you love at the right price. 

With close to four decades of experience, we’ve built out a specialized approach to helping seniors transition to a new home. We understand the unique challenges you may face as you enter the next phase of your life. That’s why it’s our priority to make your purchase as smooth, successful, and risk-free as possible. 

Ready to find the perfect home for your next chapter in life? Work with the #1 real estate team in Vaughan! Call 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com today.