We’ve all heard the saying, 40 is the new 30, but does that carry over to every area of life? We are living longer and healthier than anytime in history, but is there an age limit for a major purchase, like a home?
I’m Too Old To…
Here’s another old saw, one that’s increasingly true: Age is just a number. Our definition of elderly is rapidly changing. People are not only living longer, they are living healthier. Generations ago, folks who made it to their eighties were usually infirm. Now, we see octogenarians running marathons and graduating from college. Advancements in medicine and in the way we understand health and fitness have given us not only a longer life, but a better quality of life. Many people who, 20 years ago, would have been considered too old to purchase a home are now buying, without considering their ages. This is good news, if you are approaching middle age and are contemplating a home purchase.
What You Should Consider
You want to buy a home. Great! But before you dive into the housing market, do some research. There are questions you must ask yourself before you sign on the dotted line.
- Need vs. want. It’s easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles of a new home purchase. Evaluate what you need. Think about how this home will serve your plans. If you want to live in this house permanently, your needs at 45 will be different than they will be at 75. Look for a home that can grow with you as you become older. You may want to buy a home with enough bedrooms to accommodate sleepovers with the grandkids, but what if those grandkids live out of state? Make sure your home suits your daily needs before you think of your wants.
- Don’t settle for a bad mortgage. The 30-year mortgage has been the industry standard for years. If you are in your 20s or 30s, it’s probably the best mortgage for you. But what if you are in your 40s, 50s or 60s? If you plan to pay off your mortgage while you are still working, a shorter 15-year mortgage may make the most sense.
- What will your retirement look like? Do you plan to settle down and garden? Or do you plan to hit the road in a motor home and travel the country? Your home purchase should reflect your retirement plans. If you plan to use your retirement to travel, a large home purchase may not be right for you.
Asking questions is the first step in your planning. If you need direction on the best path to take, give our agents a call. Buying a home can be the single best investment you can make. We can help you make that vision a reality.