Custom Homes, the New “It” Thing for Retirees

Not every retiree feels the need or desire to change their living arrangements but when and if you do, you have a considerable number of great alternatives. Active Adult and 55+ neighborhoods are popping up all over, with housing choices ranging from single family homes to seasonal mobiles and casita-style residences. Assisted living communities offer detached housing and communal buildings with an amazing array of amusements and activities. But the current trend in retirement living seems to be downsizing to a custom built home.

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Downsizing is a solid option for Retirees, in fact it’s probably the most common move made in early retirement. Opting for a newly built custom home provides the endless possibilities for tailoring your living space to your individual health requirements, interests or hobbies, social and family activities, and not lease of all, your budget.

The article below, first published by RIS Media, outlines the advantages of custom built homes specifically designed to support and enhance the active adult way of life.

— Homes for Sale / Active Adult / Retirement / 55+ New Listings —

Retirees Turning to Custom Homes to Get the Right Space
By Kris Lindahl
Editor’s Note: This was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall.

As people reach retirement, their current house may simply be too big for their needs. Paying large utility bills, maintenance costs and property taxes for an older home on a large lot can often drain nest eggs and retirement funds. During a time when you have a lower income and too much house, there may come a time when downsizing to a smaller home will fit better into one’s lifestyle and budget.

Retiring to a Custom Home
When you hear about a retiree downsizing to a smaller place, most people think that the person will be packing up and moving into an apartment in a senior community or a mother-in-law suite in their adult children’s homes. Yet many retirees still want their freedom to come and go as they please in their own place. Purchasing a smaller home then becomes the ideal option.

One interesting trend is that retirees are looking to custom build a new home that is smaller in size. The retiree may be at a unique advantage of having the financial independence to cover the costs of home construction without straining their retirement funds. At this point of time in their retirement years, most retirees have already paid off their mortgage and now own the house outright. With the home value having appreciated, they can now ask for a higher sales price that can cover the land purchase and all the home construction expenses.

Building a Home Tailored to Health Needs
Another advantage to having a custom home built is that it can be designed to current medical conditions or physical restrictions. You can work with builders and architects to design the home so that it can make your daily life easier as you grow older. The custom build may have wider first-floor spaces and hallways to accommodate mobility devices. There can be outdoor ramps by front entrances for wheelchairs and walkers, as well as lower kitchen cabinets so you can get items without having to stretch to reach higher shelves. In addition, bathrooms can be designed for retirees with physical disabilities who may have problems using the shower, tub or toilet.

You can have more flexibility when having a smaller home built with adaptable features. The custom home can be later modified for different life stages without having to deal with costly renovations later on that can be a major disruption to your daily life.

Custom Home Offering Less Maintenance Hassles
During retirement, retirees often don’t want to deal with major maintenance and repairs that are associated with larger, older homes. Even downsizing to a smaller, existing home can lead to stress as there may be significant issues with the existing house that will need to be dealt with before moving in.

By having a custom home built at a smaller size, buyers will know that everything in the house is new. They will have new wiring, plumbing, mechanical systems, appliances, a roof, a foundation and other aspects. Even if something should break during those first few months, builders normally provide a builder warranty that will cover defects and provide repairs.

Downsizing to Your Custom Dream Home
Downsizing to a custom home has many advantages. Buyers can have the home built at a chosen destination that offers everything they could possibly need during their retirement years.

It helps to perform comprehensive research regarding the real estate market when purchasing land at another location. Also, researching building plans and contractors can make the difference in purchasing a custom home built with superior craftsmanship. A real estate agent’s help can be just what buyers need to find a new place that is specifically designed for their golden years.

— Homes for Sale / Active Adult / Retirement / 55+ New Listings —