3 Tips For Retirees Looking To Downsize Their Home

 Photo by fantasista

College Station is a great place to live for people in all stages of life. Many people who have recently retired can find good deals on smaller homes when they are looking to downsize their living space.

There are plenty of reasons for retirees to consider moving into a smaller home. They may not have the need for extra room now that their children have moved out and they may be looking for a less costly home if they are transitioning to life on a fixed income.

Here are three important tips for retirees to consider when they are shopping for a smaller home with the help of their realtor in College Station, TX.

1. Find A Good Location

Location is one of the most important considerations for anyone looking to move into a smaller home. People who have lived in the same location for many years may be very accustomed to their neighborhood and nearby services like shopping centers and restaurants.

When a person who has recently retired is looking to downsize their living space, it's important to do some research to make sure that their new property is close to the stores and locations that they are accustomed to. Talking to a real estate agent, speaking with residents of the new neighborhood and doing some research online are all great ways to find out more about a new location.

2. Watch Out For Extra Expenses

Many people who want to downsize their living space are considering the cost of living as a major factor in their decision. Moving to a smaller home is a great way to save money but it's very important to pay attention to other costs associated with moving.

Home owners who have lived in the same house for many years will likely have a lot of possessions and items to move. When moving into a smaller home, there may not be room for all these items. There are costs associated with hiring movers to transport these items as well as costs for renting a storage space for items that can't be moved into the new home due to limited space. Watch out for these costs to avoid an unpleasant surprise when downsizing.

3. Focus On Your Goals

When many people retire, they have a different set of goals than first-time home buyers. For example, retirees may want to find a quiet neighborhood that is not located next to busy streets or loud neighbors.

They may also want a home that gives them the opportunity to pursue new hobbies now that they are no longer working full-time. For example, homes with backyard gardens or space for entertaining guests may be very attractive to retirees. Discuss these goals with your College Station realtor to zero in on properties that are most likely to give you the opportunity to pursue your new goals and interests.

Retirement should be a time to enjoy a new style of living. By following these tips and having discussions with a trusted realtor, downsizing to a smaller home can be a truly enjoyable experience.