Home Buying tips for Seniors
The Top Features You Need When Buying a Home to Age in Place
For seniors who want to age in place, the big question is whether you can stay safe in your own home long-term. If the answer is no, one option is to make modifications to your home. This may work for some people, but for others, getting into a major home renovation is more than they want to take on. If renovating isn’t what you have in mind, the great thing about buying a new home is that you have the opportunity to find exactly what you need for this stage in life.
Financing Options
Before you start looking for a new home, the first thing to think about is how to finance it. If you’re selling another home, the amount you can afford will obviously be determined in part by how much you sell for and how much equity you have in it. Even if you need to finance your new home, don’t assume you can’t get a mortgage just because you’re a senior. Seniors are just as likely to be eligible for a mortgage as someone of any other age, but the same factors will also go into the decision, such as your income and credit score.
If you’re a senior veteran, don’t forget about the opportunity to get a VA loan. VA loans typically require a low down payment or none at all, plus added benefits like lower interest rates and not having to buy private mortgage insurance. If this is something you could be eligible for, we suggest researching some options to see if a VA loan might be right for you.
Home Features
Along with any features you want personally, these are a few of the top home features that address common issues seniors encounter when aging in place.
Size and Layout
Even if you’re selling a bigger house, most seniors are happier with a smaller home to have to clean and maintain. And while you may want to look for less overall square footage, you want the space inside the home to be open and easy to navigate. Most seniors who age in place are also happier with a single-level home. This way, you don’t have to worry about stairs or having part of the house become inaccessible at some point.
Fall Prevention
The primary concern with stairs is the risk of falling, which can cause serious injury for seniors. In addition to choosing a single-level home, look for other essential features that also help prevent falls. One thing to look for is slip-resistant flooring, such as cork, carpet, or vinyl. And while carpet can be one of the best flooring options for seniors, you want to be wary of worn carpet that’s frayed or torn, which can result in tripping hazards.
It’s important to be aware of fall risks throughout the home, but bathrooms pose an especially high danger since floors can get slippery. This is one area where you don’t want to find carpet, and as the Spruce explains, tile flooring in the bathroom can be dangerous; instead, look for laminate or vinyl flooring. You may also want other bathroom safety features, such as a comfort height toilet, grab bars, and a curbless shower.
Smart Home Features
As smart home technology has exploded in recent years, this is another category that has become extremely popular with seniors. Just as you can remodel a home, many of these features can be added to any home, but finding one that’s move-in ready and connected with smart technology is even better. Some of our favorite smart home features include doorbells, thermostats, and light switches, along with this smart pill dispenser highlighted by CBS News.
If you’re new to the idea of smart home technology, there is really nothing to fear by making the switch! The reality is that change always takes an adjustment, including any home features you aren’t used to. However, once you find the right home with the right features, being able to age in place safely will be worth the effort it takes to make a change.
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