Preparing for Your Golden Years: Your Guide to Senior Moving

Moving happens to be one of the most stressful life events for people of all ages. As you prepare for a move in your golden years, it can feel just as overwhelming as ever before. Fortunately, you can make the move seamless. Check out these tips, courtesy of Sky Moving.

What Type of Home Do You Need?

To begin the journey, figure out the type of home you need. If you’re ready to downsize and let someone else handle basic maintenance, an apartment might be the right fit. Similarly, many seniors require some amount of accessibility. While some apartments and houses have accessible options, you may have to remodel them to take advantage of others. Some accessibility upgrades include ramps, elevators, handrails, and automatic doors.

Some seniors prefer to upsize in their retirement. Maybe you’re ready to host your extended family during the holidays, or you want to start a home-based business to supplement your income. Upsizing or downsizing, the home should fit your personal needs and help you achieve your future goals.

If you’re moving in with a significant other, take care not to step on each other’s toes. We tend to become more rigid as we age, but it’s important to remain flexible, especially early in the transition. Remember that you are partners, not rivals.

How Can You Start the Process?

Before purchasing a home, you must pre-qualify for a mortgage unless you have the cash to buy the house outright. According to the Fair Housing Act, no lender or homeowner can discriminate against you due to your age. The owner cannot refuse to sell to you, nor can a lender refuse to lend to people over 40.

Once you find a loan that suits you, you can start the hunt for a house. Knowing how much you can afford might make it easier to house hunt. Do not apply for a loan or mortgage until the seller accepts your offer on the home. Lenders will review your credit score and finances before approving your loan request. Conventional loans typically require a score of about 620. However, some terms may allow you to have a lower score. You may have challenges ahead as a first-time buyer. Lenders cannot discriminate, but they require you to have proof of your credit and will either want to see your retirement funds or evidence of a stable job so you can maintain the mortgage payments.

Where Should You Look for a Home?

Do research in your area before you start the hunt. Learn the average listing price of homes, so you know what to prepare for. Look at various neighborhoods that appeal to you. Do not focus solely on the house. Instead, determine how you might fit into the neighborhood.

Find out if the neighborhood has plans to expand, what the traffic and parking looks like throughout the day or what zoning laws you may have to contend with. Likewise, look into the housing prices and whether the prices declined or rose recently.

Welcome Friends and Family

Once you’re settled into your new home, it’s a wonderful idea to invite friends and family over for a housewarming party. Creating your own personalized invitations can add a special touch to the event. There are several free online design tools available that make this process not only easy but also fun. These platforms are user-friendly with many customization options, allowing you to create unique and attractive invitations that reflect your personal style. Whether you go for a simple design or something more elaborate, these tools ensure your invitations will make a great first impression of your new home to your loved ones.

Many seniors decide to move as they age. While some might look for a larger home, others want to downsize now that they do not have a big family living with them. As you house hunt, make sure you find a property that suits your wallet and needs. Once you’ve moved and settled, celebrate your relocation by inviting friends and family to visit.

For all your residential and office moving needs, contact Sky Moving today!