Not every senior wishes to downsize into a smaller home after retirement. For some, upsizing is a better choice — especially those who wish to pursue hobbies like homesteading, gardening, woodworking, or crafting. Plus, with a larger home comes more space for entertaining friends, kids, and grandkids for holidays and long weekends on the homestead.
With these three tips from the real estate professionals at HomeGirls Property Solutions, seniors will learn how to find the perfect property for homesteading in retirement — and plan a hassle-free move into their new home. Now, let’s get started!
1. Make a House Hunting Checklist
If you plan to pursue homesteading in retirement, you’ll need to find the right home and land for living, entertaining, growing food, raising animals, foraging, sewing, and any other types of homesteading activities you wish to engage in. As such, it’s important to begin the process by making a house hunting checklist that can be used during your housing search.
Depending on the types of activities you’d like to explore in retirement, your house hunting checklist may include:
- Land for raising animals, growing food, and composting.
- Spare bedrooms and bathrooms for hosting your friends and family.
- Outdoor space for building a storage shed.
- One or more bonus rooms (e.g. playrooms, workshops, or craft rooms).
- Office space for starting a home-based business in retirement.
- Ample kitchen space for cooking, canning, baking, and home brewing.
2. Find a Mortgage Lender and Real Estate Agent
Once you’ve made a house hunting checklist, it’ll be time to shop around for a mortgage and hire a real estate agent. The experienced real estate professionals at HomeGirls Property Solutions can help with everything from selling your existing house to finding the perfect property for homesteading in retirement, so be sure to contact them at 214-676-1085 once you’re ready to get started. You can also check out websites like LandWatch, Land and Farm, and Lands of America if you wish to purchase land for homesteading.
In addition to working with a real estate agent, you’ll need to shop around for a mortgage if you plan on financing your home purchase. To help you do it, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shares some tips for getting the best mortgage interest rate and calculating the amount of your down payment. You can also use SmartAsset’s online calculator to get an idea of how much you can afford to spend on your home purchase. Typically, this amount will depend on your retirement income, credit score, monthly expenses, and total down payment.
3. Settle Into Your New Home
If it’s been awhile since you’ve moved into a new home, you may have forgotten all the different tasks that need to be completed before, during, and a move. For starters, you’ll need to set up utilities in your new home — including electricity, natural gas, and water, sewer, and trash. Start by comparing local utility providers several weeks in advance, and aim to set up your new utilities at least 10 days prior to your move.
If you plan on generating your own power, you’ll want to explore your alternative energy options before moving into your new home. Solar power, wind turbines, and geothermal power are a few viable options for homeowners. You may be able to harvest and harness rainwater as well, depending on where you live.
You’ll also need to research internet service providers in your area — unless you plan on living off-grid. 5G Ultra Wideband is available in many cities and just outside those cities throughout the U.S., offering you lightning-fast speeds and reliable internet coverage no matter where you live. However, it’s important to compare prices, speeds, and service options when shopping around for internet providers near you.
Enjoy Your New Home
Once you’ve settled into your new home, you can enjoy the best of your Golden Years while living off the land, hosting your kids and grandkids for long weekends and holidays, and pursuing new hobbies in retirement. Upsizing isn’t the right decision for all retirees, but it’ll be perfect for you if you’re looking for more indoor and outdoor space for entertaining, gardening, woodworking, and enjoying other types of homesteading hobbies and crafts.
Are you interested in buying or selling a home in retirement? Contact the real estate experts at HomeGirls Property Solutions for all your home buying and selling needs! 214-676-1085; info@homegirlsproperties.com
