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Real estate for senior adults

Buying a house as an aging adult comes with both familiar and novel considerations. As your living requirements change, you will have more things to plan and decide on when it comes to our next home.

Let me, Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Toni Patillo, be your guide as you explore the wide range of senior housing options in Los Angeles.

Let’s begin with some key considerations for choosing the right home for your golden years:

Location matters

Spend your golden years in a home where essential community services and resources are in close proximity. Living near a medical center or hospital will make regular visits to your doctor easier. It also gives emergency services easier access to your area in case you need them.

Think about your recreation and social activities, too. Having your favorite hobbies just a short walk or drive away is a great way to make the most of your retirement. So is keeping family close enough for regular visits.

Determine the type of support that you will need

Senior living communities in Los Angeles come in many forms.
There are independent living options that provide only minimal intervention to make sure that senior homeowners still enjoy maximum privacy and independence in their own homes. Communities like these can offer assistance for tedious household chores such as preparing meals, cleaning, and laundry

For others who need more close-quarters monitoring and support, assisted living facilities or residential care communities may be more appropriate choices. Day-to-day living for senior adults is easier in these homes, thanks to dedicated caretaker and nursing services.

Accessibility is one of the most essential features to look for

Getting around — even inside our own homes — can start to become increasingly challenging as people age. Here are four essential tips to keep in mind when evaluating accessibility in a retirement home:

  • Choose a single-level house.

    For your comfort and safety, opt for a retirement home that has all your needs on one floor. This includes your main living areas, kitchen, bathroom, and other spaces you might need or want for entertainment and recreation.

    Living in a one-level home also makes it easier to tidy up and keep all your belongings organized.

  • Wheelchairs should fit easily through your hallways.

    Houses with spacious hallways are ideal, especially since they will accommodate wheelchairs better. Even if you do not use a wheelchair, you might have some neighbors and peers who do. These spaces will mean a great deal to make them feel welcome in your home.

  • Consider the placement or height of commonly used appliances.

    Your mobility and flexibility might not be what they used to as you move further into your golden years. This is why it’s essential to choose or plan where essential appliances will be placed. Bending down to reach for the dishwasher, for example, might become a literal pain if it’s set too low.

  • Step-in showers are more convenient than bath tubs.

    Never mind how luxurious soaking in a bathtub might sound. Tubs can be difficult, or even unsafe, to use as you age. A practical alternative is a spacious shower that you can easily step into.

Remember: You don’t need to use all your retirement savings to buy a house

It might seem tempting to spend all of your hard-earned savings to buy the most luxurious retirement home around. But remember that your monthly income during your retirement years will not be like it was when you were working. It’s always best to have a substantial amount in reserve in case of any serious need.

Investing in income-generating real estate as a senior

Instead of splurging your entire savings on an extravagant home, you can make your money work for you as you enjoy your retirement years. An excellent way to stay engaged and continue earning additional income at this stage in your life is to invest in real estate.

Real estate can translate into immediate and recurring income, for example, when you put your money into rental or commercial properties. Unlike getting into the house flipping business, these options will not require as much time, effort, and stress.

In addition, by investing in real estate, you can add a long-term asset that you or the next generation in your family can utilize and maximize for greater returns in the future.

Work with a real estate professional who specializes in assisting senior adults

Finding the right home to make the most of this chapter of your life is always easier when you work with an experienced professional. SRES real estate agents like yours truly understand the particular conditions that apply to retirement age living. Let my expertise be your guide to the most fulfilling life you can live during your golden years.

Choosing the right senior living community that meets your needs

Searching for the right senior living community, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, can be a bit of a challenge. How do you know which one will be able to accommodate all of your requirements and preferences?

There are many things to consider when you’re trying to find the right senior living community, so you need a strategic approach. It’s easy to overlook a few things that you might only realize later on, so taking the time to gain information on what to look out for is always a smart move. In this page, we’ll take a closer look at important factors that can help you make a more informed decision on choosing an ideal senior living community.

3 major reasons to hire a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

Like most homebuyers and property investors, seniors have specific needs when it comes to real estate. And it’s not just about finding good senior housing or a peaceful retirement community either. Seniors want their individual needs addressed too, whether it’s looking for a new home or an investment property. That’s where a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) comes in. A designation created by the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council in 1997, SRES are trained by the National Association of Realtors to specialize in the real estate needs of the senior community. This article details the reasons you should consult with an SRES if you’re 55 or older, and some of the special perks you can take advantage of when you enter a real estate transaction.

Would you like more advice and assistance as you search for your retirement home in Los Angeles County? Let’s stay connected. Call me at 310.482.2035 or email toni(at)tonipatillo(dotted)com today.