Pre-Retirement Living in Hampton Roads. Things to Look for in the Perfect Home and Lifestyle

As people approach their retirement years, there are a number of considerations as you choose where to live. A number of trends have continued to be popular among retirement-aged home buyers and what they are looking for in a home. Here are 6 of the most popular things to think about and why retirement and pre-retirement aged "empty nester" homeowners are taking these items into account when looking for a home.

Consideration #1: Independence Focused Locations

Homebuyers these days are thinking ahead. They are looking for homes that will allow them an independent lifestyle for as long into the foreseeable future as possible. When that comes to locations that means that they are finding homes convenient to EASY trips for shopping, dining, church, and their favorite activities. They are making a list of all the places that they go each week, then they are prioritizing the locations for their home search based on locations that provide the BEST access to all of those activities. Planning this part of your home search means that they will have the longest possible timespan where they will enjoy a convenient lifestyle.

Consideration #2: First Floor Master Suites 

This has become not just a "thing" but something that buyers searching on our websites also look for as a criteria. As we get older, traipsing up and down the stairs every day becomes a chore that is more and more of a hassle. You can prevent those hassles by finding a home that is single story or (if that does not work), then at least make sure that the home has the master suite on the first floor. Much more convenient!

Consideration #3: Open Floor plans

Open floor plans have been a desirable home trend for decades, but when considering the layout of a home as you plan for these years, it becomes even more obvious why. When you can easily see, move and communicate with all the rooms of your home, it allows for much more freedom and a more efficient lifestyle. A couple can check on each other. Mobility impairments are much less of a hassle. And life is just easier in a home with fewer obstacles to get in the way. This is an excellent consideration to keep in mind when home buying.

Consideration #4: Technology Friendly Homes Supporting an Active Lifestyle

It is interesting that 10 years ago, homes owned by people approaching retirement age living could be easily spotted by their lack of technology. That is no longer the case. People approaching this phase of life these days are finding that today's technology actually makes their lives simpler and more efficient. They are looking for homes, not with just internet access but with the cameras, security systems, video doorbells and other "goodies" that help provide security and convenience.

Consideration #5: Less Yard Work, More Social Interaction

One of the things to consider when looking for the perfect home for this stage of life is the size of the yard and the social environment of those around you. Many are choosing to reduce the size of the yard and increase the number of nearby neighbors more than what they would have thought. Sure, it is less yard to mow and stuff to upkeep, but there are some other outstanding side benefits as well. Neighbors provide an easy way to check in on and support each other. They also make it easy to have someone watch the house when you are away on vacation or visiting grandkids. 

Consideration #6: Downsizing - Less Size Matters

Many people who are approaching retirement age come to the conclusion that more stuff is just more stuff to take care of. This includes a large house with increased square footage and more rooms that you likely visit less. Trends are pointing to a more minimalist approach to living, and that having less stuff actually gives you more time to enjoy the stuff that you do have. Today's 55+ age homebuyers are taking stock of what they actually want in their home rather than trying to find a home large enough to accommodate all the stuff accumulated over a lifetime of living. 

Some final notes: 

Finding the perfect home always goes easier when you have someone to help. Especially a knowledgeable someone. Let the experienced associates at The Real Estate Group help you find the perfect home for you. We will take the things you are thinking about to heart and help make the home buying process productive and reduce the stress as much as possible. Give us a call today. We are happy to assist you!

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