So you want to enjoy Life in your retirement age

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Moving South  to retire , you will experience many changes in your retirement age lifestyle... There many things that are different and many that might be the same for you. One of the first that is most predominant on your mind is the change of climate. The Charlotte area is considerably warmer than may places in the north, however there are 4 seasons. It snows occasionally and there are a few Ice storms. But most years you can see some flowers blooming all year. Fall and Spring are beautiful times, and the Summer is Hot. Air conditioning is the norm in this area to compensate for the hot weather, so it is not unbearable.

      There are over 55 Active lifestyle communities in the area that offer many different activities,  from sports, exercise, hobbies,  and many types of a get-together for the very active adults. Usually communities  have Ranch or story and a half homes, Then there are others that are 55 Plus and have some amenities but but no Activities Directors, and still others that have homes with no Community Center.

     And even more  communities are not 55 & over that have a mix of younger families and  older residents primarily based on the type of housing that is available to the community and favors seniors but some younger people are attracted to that type of home as well, some with amenities and some with no amenities. These types of communities may include Patio homes, Single family and Town homes. Single family home communities usually have more responsibilities for maintaining the home. Patio homes and town homes are usually minimum maintenance for the outside of the property as it is the responsibility of the HOA to care for exterior maintenance and lawn care., so if you like to travel, this might be a good alternative.  Some folks like a more rural type of living and that is available as well in this area. 

Southern living is a different concept. Homes are more open in the south in comparison to the northern climates. Many of the living areas are open to other areas of the home, such as the kitchen and living area. There is a great deal more emphasis on outdoor living as well with patios, decks and outdoor fire pits and fireplaces and barbecuing. Most of the homes are built on a slab or a crawl space, which eliminates the basement that many people are used to having and using for storage, and a place that the furnace is located. When looking for a home here, be sure to consider where there is adequate storage. In the south, the air handler (for heat and air conditioner) is usually located in the area above the living space, sometimes in the crawl space if the home is built on a crawl space. Those not familiar with the area, will find most homes are in HOA Subdivisions also. 

 Retirement changes your lifestyle considerably and there are many changes you will make over the next several years in your living habits. It is time to decide what kind of living habits you will keep or change when moving this way as far as the kind of a home you will be looking for. that will accommodate those likes and desires 

There are a number of different kinds of homes that  can accentuate your lifestyle requirements. First there is the Ranch and the Ranch with Loft which some prefer as they get older they do  not want to go upstairs frequently as most of the living and sleeping space is on the first level. 

An alternative to the Ranch is the 2 story with a Master down.  The two story with a master down is hard to find in this area, is usually cheaper per square foot to purchase and can accommodate visitors, family or friends easily. Then “next generation” home usually has a separate living quarters on the first floor or in the basement, which some call an in-law suite, when there are multi generations living in the same home. 

Then there is new vs, resale. New homes, it generally takes from 4-7 months to have it built, so there is sufficient time to prepare for your move. Some things you might consider is a new home—everything is new and is covered by a warranty for some time. Aftermarket homes are not under warranty, and can incur some substantial costs, if the roof or the mechanicals fail. Even if they are relatively new, things can happen, and after purchasing the home, the roof starts to leak, or the HVAC malfunctions, it is costly. Since the Charlotte area has been growing so rapidly, a very high proportion of the homes are less than 20 years old except for the more rural areas in surrounding counties. 

A move can be very stressful and difficult, and lots of questions arise, from what do I do with a lot of the stuff I have, to what do I need in the next home. How do I make the change smoothly?  There are many ways to make things go well in a move that  I, as your Realtor can help with.  More than likely you have a home to sell where you are currently living. Or, Perhaps you don't have to sell your current home to buy one in Charlotte. Then it can make it all work even more  smoothly? Are you going to buy an after-market home, or a new home? After deciding your living style and locations here I can help make your transition smooth. There is also an option where you can move and sell simultaneously.  There are also long term situations where you can stay, while you are having a new home constructed. 

The smoothest transitions are always cash, and after finding the right home, closing can be completed in 2 Weeks or less. Most cases however need some financing or time to sell their current home to purchase another retirement home in this area. There are several options when owning a home, moving here and financing a home here. If the retiree’s home is under contract when they move this way, it may be possible to make a contingent offer based on the closing of their own home. If the home here is vacant, it may work well to do that. However if the home here is occupied, then the seller must move prior to closing as well and it will take them some time to leave. There is however a program that can help people in transition by buying the home and leasing it back to them until they can buy it at any time the buyer chooses. This can be an option if you really find the home you love and it qualifies for the program. It can be yours sooner than you thought. -The ideal home may not come available every day as an option.

There are a few options for purchasing or financing you retirement home. Since you may now be on a fixed income, but you may have equity in your home, you may be paying cash. You still have choices If the equity doesn't cover it , one is the H4P program  As seen in the video above ( a financial Planning tool for people over 62), and another is using some of your cash for a down payment and financing the rest of the cost of the home.

Question: How long does it take to close on a home.

Answer: Usually it takes about 30 days depending on the loan, Cash, it can be done in about 7-15 days,perhaps longer with Due Diligence.