Regardless of your age, the decision to move is never an easy one. However, it’s an even tougher one as you enter retirement. Not only do you have to consider proximity to your loved ones, but it will also be necessary to plan ahead for mobility issues that often accompany age. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of what will hopefully be your last move.

 

Partner with the Right Realtor

 

When it comes to buying — and selling — not all agents are created equally. Choosing the right agent is essential during your senior years, even more so if you are unfamiliar with the area in which you are relocating. Zillow smartly recommends interviewing multiple agents. These interviews should be followed up by checking their ratings and recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Other questions to ask include:

 

●      How long have you lived in the area?

●      How many other clients are you currently working with?

●      Do you have experience helping seniors purchase a home for retirement?

 

You want an agent that knows the ins and outs of the local market and can point out any potential areas of interest, including medical facilities, golf courses, and senior service agencies. It’s also wise to choose an agent who limits the number of clients with whom they contract since you need someone who can be responsive and attentive to your needs. Finally, choosing someone who has experience with people in your particular demographic means they won’t try to push the first family home that’s available.

 

Don’t Settle for Just Any Loan

 

Chances are, you will have multiple financing options to choose from. Avoid the temptation to sign on just any loan, however, as you could be wasting money. Instead, consider your options carefully. If you are a veteran, don’t overlook a VA loan, which, according to PennyMac Loan Services, is different from a conventional or FHA loan. First, you will not be required to come up with a down payment, and you don’t have to pay PMI. VA loans typically have lower interest rates and are guaranteed to close on time as long as the agreed-upon sales price is the same or less than the property’s appraised value.

 

Consider Your Future Needs

 

Even if you think of age as nothing but a number, you cannot deny the fact that nearly four out of 10 seniors — which are considered persons aged 65 and older — have at least one disability. When you are shopping for a home, look for a property that will accommodate your potential future health. A single-story home is a popular and practical choice for seniors. You will also want to look for a home with a bathroom wide enough to accommodate a walker with enough wall space to add grab bars if necessary. ConsumerAffairs.com offers more information about aging-in-place modifications that will allow you to remain independent for as long as possible.

 

Don’t DIY Moving Day

 

Once you have found the right realtor, secured financing, and made your needs and wants known, it’s time to consider how you will actually complete the task of moving. If you are looking to save money, it’s understandable that you don’t want to pay for movers. However, your best bet may be to find a moving company that specializes in senior downsizing. You can also enlist the help of friends and family to help you sort and organize your current home well ahead of the big day. This will give you a head start and, more importantly, an opportunity to bond with those you love while going through the memories you’ve made in your current home.

 

Moving, especially to a smaller home, can be a daunting process, but it’s one that comes with many rewards. Finding a new place to settle down can free up time for you to pursue other endeavors while making it possible to remain independent well beyond your 65th birthday.

 

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