Every day in the U.S., roughly 10,000 people turn 65. Prior to the health crisis that swept the nation in 2020, most people had to wait until they retired to make a move to the beach, the golf course, or the senior living community they were looking to settle into for their later years in life. This year, however, the game changed.
Many of today’s workers who are nearing the end of their professional careers, but maybe aren’t quite ready to retire, have a new choice to make: should I move before I retire?
If the sun and warm weather are calling your name and you have the opportunity to work remotely for the foreseeable future, now may be a great time to purchase that home in the southwest you’ve always dreamed of where you can enjoy golf all winter long and take in the spectacular mountain views. Whether it’s a second home or a future retirement home, spending the next few years in a place that truly makes you smile every day might be the best way to round out a long and meaningful career.
“The pandemic was unexpected, working from home was unexpected, but nonetheless many companies realized that workers can be just as productive working from home…We may begin to see a boost in people buying retirement homes before their retirement,” explains Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
According to the 20th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, 3 out of 4 retirees (75 percent) own their homes, and only 23 percent have mortgage debt (including any equity loans or lines of credit). Since entering retirement, almost 4 in 10 retirees (38 percent) have moved into a new home. They’re making a profit by selling their current homes in today’s low inventory market and using their equity to purchase their future retirement homes. It’s a win-win.
Why These Homeowners Are Making Moves Now
The health crisis this year made us all more aware of the importance of our family and friends, and many of us have not seen our extended families since the pandemic started. It’s no surprise, therefore, to see in the same report that 32 percent of those surveyed cited the top reason they’re making a move is that they want to be closer to family and friends (See graph below):
Reasons why retirees are moving:
The survey also revealed that 73 percent of retirees currently live in single-family homes. With the overall number of homes for sale today hitting a historic low, and with the buyer demand for single-family homes skyrocketing, there’s never been a more ideal time to sell a single-family home and make a move toward retirement.
The Green Valley area has the perfect combination of single family homes, townhomes and low maintenance condos — and today’s housing market has the perfect combination of driving forces to make selling optimal, especially while buyers are looking to take advantage of low interest rates.
