Senior New Homes

Deciding on a New Home

One of the most common reasons for seniors purchasing new homes is a need to downsize. They may simply not need the space, and want to live a more manageable residence. This might be a difficult decision, particularly when the individual or couple has resided in the current home for a number of years and it contains many fond memories. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the move is helpful in making the final decision.

It’s also important for individuals or couples to outline specific needs or wants in their new housing. For example, for those interested in eliminating yard and outdoor maintenance altogether, an apartment or condominium might be good option because the management may take care of those aspects. For seniors whose post-retirement dreams involve gardening, however, planning for a home with a yard large enough for gardening and planting will better meet their needs and desires.

Senior New Homes: House, Apartment, or Retirement Community?

Since every individual’s circumstances and abilities are different, there is no single right type of new home for seniors. The most common options, however, are owned or mortgaged houses, apartments or condos, and retirement communities or assisted living facilities.

When taking inventory of what type of new home will provide the best residence, consider the following questions:

• How often do you travel? Seniors who travel frequently might not want to buy a new home and deal with the hassle of shutting down utilities and obtaining people to house-sit.

• How large is your family? Do they visit often? For grandparents with large families and many grandchildren, finding a home with space outdoors for children to play, whether in the backyard or in a park at an apartment complex, may be important.

• Do you or your spouse have any physical or mental health concerns? Retirement centers offering meal programs or assisted living centers that provide nursing care can make life easier and more enjoyable for those with certain health issues.

• Can your finances accommodate your housing choice? Although some options -- such as retirement communities offering many amenities -- can be expensive, there are many affordable senior new home choices to accommodate various circumstances.

There are also programs in place to assist seniors with maintaining or securing new home ownership. Although these programs vary form state to state, you can contact your local Agency on Aging or state Department on Aging for information on these programs. Also visit the USA.gov Senior Housing site or HUD Senior Resources page for information on programs that can assist you in your new home choices, including government-assisted loans for seniors, reverse mortgages, and foreclosure assistance programs.

Resources for New Senior Housing

Although seniors can certainly use the services of a standard real estate agent, in many situations it is helpful to deal with individuals more familiar with the needs of older adults. Many real estate agencies now have individuals who are Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES) that are experts in finding housing options for those 50 and over.

Other resources for seniors to search various new housing options include:

• SeniorHousing.net
• RetirementHomes.com
• Home Instead Senior Care
• New Lifestyles Assisted Living Resource
• National Administration on Aging Housing Page
• New Home Information from AARP

Getting Ready for the New Home

Getting ready to relocate to a new home and settling in can be overwhelming. Many seniors choose to ask friends and family to help them sort and organize their belongings. In many cases this is a perfect task for families, because seniors who want to downsize can pass items of use or sentimental value on to their children.

Another helpful resource designed specifically for seniors involved in the new home process is the National Association of Senior Move Managers. Senior move managers are professional organizers specially trained to work with adults over 50 in decluttering and downsizing before the move, space planning and organization in the new residence, providing safe-home assessments, and many other services.

Senior new homes can mean a better way of life for adults who are ready for a change. Although this is a big decision, there are many resources and professionals available to make the process of a new home decision easier and more enjoyable.