There are many reasons for seniors to move to a new home in their golden years. Perhaps they want to live closer to family members, enjoy better weather, or have a smaller house that’s easier to maintain. When a senior loved one shows interest in buying a new home, there’s a lot you can do to help the purchase go smoothly. Below, learn what you consider when buying a home that will be perfect for your loved one.
Think About Accessibility
Many of us dream of
aging in place but aren’t able to do so because our current home isn’t suitable. If your loved one has expressed interest in moving, you’ll want to consider their accessibility needs when looking at new houses together. Even if your loved one doesn’t have accessibility concerns now, it’s important to think long-term and anticipate needs that may arise in the future.
A small, single-story home might work perfectly for aging in place. However, it’s sometimes difficult to find homes that are perfect just the way they are. Being open to renovations will leave you with a lot more options to choose from.
Research the Market
Before getting too far in your search, be sure to look at the current real estate market in your target area. Knowing how fast homes sell and the average price per square foot can help you form a competitive offer. Once you’ve done your research and know what you’re prepared to spend, you should contact a
local realtor.
Get to Know the Neighborhoods
Looking at different housing options can also help you and your loved one get a feel for the neighborhood. Doing research will reveal which
amenities are within safe walking or driving distance. It also helps to make sure the homes you’re looking at are located within a convenient distance from hospitals and other healthcare resources that your loved one may need now or in the future.
Checking local crime statistics can also help you and your loved one feel confident about a neighborhood before anything gets finalized. There are many
online resources for checking the safety of any neighborhood.
Plan for Moving Day
Moving can be stressful at any age, but it’s often more challenging if your loved one has lived in the same home for years. The process will be even more difficult if you’ve decided to buy a smaller home.
Decluttering and downsizing almost always make it easier to move, even if your loved one is transitioning to a similarly sized home.
Planning in advance will also help remove stress from moving days. No matter how far away your loved one is moving, you’ll want to get the process started a few months in advance. The Spruce recommends that you make a schedule that breaks tasks down
week by week. This makes the huge task of moving a bit more manageable.
Hiring a professional moving company is usually a
good idea even if you have a lot of friends and family members willing to help out. If you plan on going this route, be sure to find a moving company as early as possible. Appointments can be booked quickly, especially during busy moving months.
Helping Your Loved One Settle In
Transitioning to a new home is tough for most people. It can be especially hard if your loved one is farther from friends, family members, or familiar activities. Niche explains that helping your loved one
explore the town or join local organizations can help make a new neighborhood feel like home.
Searching for your town’s community ed calendar is another great way to get your loved one involved. There are often classes, programs, and day trips designed just for seniors.
Moving opens up many new opportunities for your loved one, but it’s also a stressful time. Helping your family member through each step in the process can make the concept of moving less daunting. After moving, it’s also important to look for ways to help your loved one feel at home in their new community.
