I often hear from clients who are worried about their parents (or themselves) when it comes to living in their home through their retirement years. There are lots of reasons why a dream home can become a retirement nightmare as we age. From safety issues to neighborhood concerns, there are numerous factors which impact whether or not a home is ideal as we get older. Consider:
1. Falling / slipping hazards. Are bathrooms designed with mobility challenges in mind? Are the surfaces we once loved (hardwood, tile, concrete) now slipping hazards?
2. Accessibility. Is a second story practical? Will stairs become a painful hassle in years ahead?
3. Entrapment. Could locks in the house be inadvertently engaged, trapping a resident in a back bedroom or bathroom without access to medicine or lines of communication?
4. Right-sizing. Is the home still appropriate for the number of residents? Will it be a maintenance or upkeep hassle now that kids or spouses may no longer be in the house?
5. Neighborhood safety. How as a neighborhood improved or declined in recent years? What’s projected to happen in the next 10? 20?
6. Walkability. Are you planning to keep and drive a car as you age? How close are grocery stores, drug stores, hospitals, entertainment venues, and restaurants? Are you in a relatively isolated area? How close do you want your neighbors to be?
This is but a fraction of the full list, but a good place to begin thinking about the years ahead. I love helping home owners evaluate properties with an eye on getting the most out of retirement.
If you’re interested in a free consultation with these issues (and more!) in mind, please don’t hesitate to me today: 805-701-8410 or e-mail me at florence@BchRealEstate.com
Sunday, October 30, 2011
BeachTalk 