Buying for Retirement: 3 Reasons Why You’ll Want to Buy Your Retirement Home Before You Retire

Many people dream of buying their ideal retirement home after their career has come to a conclusion – with all that extra free time it seems like it’d be the most logical time to shop around.

However, many real estate professionals strongly recommend that their clients find a retirement property before they’re off the payroll. While it may seem like a big time commitment to find a new home while you’re still busy with your work there are several significant financial benefits to purchasing your retirement home before you actually do retire. Here are our top reasons why.

It Makes Your Mortgage Easy

When you are employed it is easier to get approved for a mortgage. If you wait until after you retire to buy your retirement home, you may not have the income require to qualify for the mortgage that you need. Don’t limit yourself! Buy while you’re still employed to keep your options open.

It Leaves You With More Spending Money

Buying a new home while you have an income provides you with more security with your expenses, such as mortgage payments and planned upgrades or renovations. Having an income can also mitigate financial stress should you run into any unexpected expenses after closing.

It Leaves You Ready For Reality

You may think you can accurately predict the expenses of your new home, but if you buy the property before retiring it gives you time to get to know the true amounts of your monthly payments. This can help ensure that you have enough saved to retire and live comfortably in your new property, with no surprises for your budget. You’ll be in a better position to create a financial plan once you know the reality of owning your new home.

An Added Bonus: It Can Be An Income Property

If you decide to purchase your retirement home before you retire you don’t have to move into it right away. You can rent it out as an income property until you’re ready to settle in, which will not only help cover mortgage payments but will also allow you to see first-hand what the monthly expenses are for the property.

This will also prevent you from having to deal with a move while working; you can wait until you do finally retire before packing up your current home and moving into your new one.

Ready to find the perfect retirement property? Contact me today for more advice to set yourself up for the future – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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240 W Dorado Circle Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$569,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,672 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743546

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Old Litchfield Park. This exceptional property offers NO HOA and is short-term rental friendly, making it an ideal choice for both homeowners and investors. The home features exquisite Spanish-inspired touches throughout, offering a unique blend of elegance and comfort. In 2024, the kitchen and bathrooms were fully remodeled with designer touches that elevate every space. The heart of the home is the spacious eat-in kitchen, perfect for family gatherings and entertaining. It boasts a walk-in pantry, a convenient pot-filler faucet over the stove, and ample space for all your culinary needs. Adjacent to the kitchen is a separate office, ideal for remote work or as a quiet study. The primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a remodeled bathroom with a large, luxurious shower that adds a touch of spa-like serenity. The living area is highlighted by a beautifully designed fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Step outside to discover two stunning new pergolas on both the front and back patios, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. The property also features a beautifully crafted designer side gate that enhances the home's curb appeal. The large diving pool offers a perfect oasis for relaxation and entertainment. This home has been maintained, with a newer flat roof, hot water heater, and pool pump all replaced in 2020, ensuring peace of mind for years to come. Located just a short walk from Stagg's Park, Litchfield's Lake, the Recreational Center, and the iconic Wigwam Resort, this home offers a perfect balance of luxury and convenience. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exceptional property your own!

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5720 S Wildrose -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$569,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,818 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731718

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover elevated living in the stunning 55+ Encore community. This Manhattan model home is nestled on a desirable corner lot beside a tranquil park. From the moment you arrive, curb appeal captivates with lush surroundings. Inside, soaring ceilings and an extended great room create a sense of openness, while the private study offers a perfect space to unwind or work. The gourmet kitchen boasts a massive island and walk-in pantry, ideal for any culinary endeavor. Outside, relax on your extended porch or covered patio adorned with travertine, or challenge yourself on the 4-hole putting green. The 2.5 car garage, with epoxy floors and built-in cabinets, completes this thoughtfully designed retreat.

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9238 E Diamond Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$569,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,763 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768385

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED! Light and open single-level home with vaulted ceilings. Completely new modern kitchen with white cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances including new gas oven/range. New plank flooring throughout. 2 bedrooms plus a den/study (could be 3rd BR). 2 recently updated bathrooms. Extended 2 car garage with GOLF CART SPACE, extra storage and new epoxy floor. Home water purification system. Covered patio & spacious back yard. Brand new roof (new tiles too)!) --- Oakwood Country Club is one of Arizona's premier Active Adult communities. Guard-gated entry. 45 holes of beautifully maintained championship golf. 2 community restaurants. 7 community pools. Fitness Center. Tennis & Pickleball. Walking trails & much more! - Just move in and enjoy the Oakwood Country Club lifestyle!

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2015 W Wescott Drive Phoenix, AZ 85027

Open House

$569,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,779 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774277

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in desirable North Phoenix! Featuring fresh interior paint, brand new carpeting, and upgraded kitchen countertops, this home is move-in ready. With two master bedrooms, there's plenty of space for everyone. The second floor offers a versatile space that can be used as a master suite, private apartment, perfect for guests or additional living quarters. Step outside to a lush, grassy backyard with a raised garden bed, perfect for cultivating your own vegetables, and relax in the hot tub under the shaded gazebo. With easy freeway access, this home combines convenience with comfort, making it an ideal North Phoenix retreat! 2 ACs new in 2019.

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2947 N Sonoran Hills Mesa, AZ 85207

$568,995

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,087 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779124

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning open floor plan in the gated Desert Creek community at Las Sendas set on a premium lot close to the community pool! Recent upgrades including Monte Carlo fans, new tile showers, & updated main flr powder room. Full wall sliding glass doors reveal a low maintenance yard, ideal for gathering. The beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances & quartz countertops with abundant storage in the double stacked cabinets & walk-in pantry. Expansive primary suite features two walk-in closets, balcony & nook perfect for a home office. Second bedroom features updated ensuite full bathrm. Wood-look tile flooring throughout. Smart features include Ring cameras, August locks & Nest thermostats. The two car garage has 220v, ideal for potential EV charging, & storage with large ceiling rack. Conveniently located near the 202 freeway, shops, and restaurants, with easy access to Tonto National Forest, Salt River and Saguaro Lake. Welcome to your new home!

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6428 N 190th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$568,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745700

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home back towards the White Tanks Mountains on large homesite with no neighbors behind you. The beautiful Irwin floorplan has a 3 tandem garage, 3 bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. 9' ceilings, wood plank style tile floorings throughout the home, 8' interior doors, gourmet kitchen package, kitchen tile backsplash and huge island makes this home the perfect spot to entertain! This home is built zero energy ready with spray foam insulation, 2 x 6 construction and 85% offset solar system included giving you a HERS rating in the single digits! This home is ready now!

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3131 N Central Avenue Unit 3016 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$568,933

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6596296

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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2232 E Blanche Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$568,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,826 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6736754

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller will consider contributing to buyer's loan costs and/or Interest rate buy down with the right offer! Stunning move-in ready 4-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Home in beautiful North Phoenix with NO HOA! Welcome to this tastefully updated, turn-key residence in a quiet North Phoenix neighborhood. This home boasts four spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms, mountain views, offering comfort and convenience. Enjoy a fresh, contemporary interior with stylish finishes throughout. Perfectly situated close to hiking at Lookout Mountain, shopping, dining, and close freeway access, this home combines practicality with a taste of luxury. Close to Costco, Sprouts, Aldi and more! Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

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12386 W Cassia Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$568,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,374 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752908

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem. With a spacious loft and a covered patio, this home offers plenty of room to grow and entertain. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring modern finishes and a stylish herringbone pattern backsplash that adds a touch of elegance. The beautiful wood-like tile flooring in high traffic areas adds warmth and durability. The unfinished backyard has mountain view and is a blank slate, ready for you to customize and create your perfect outdoor oasis.

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20323 E Happy Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$568,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754931

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Spacious and bright 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom modular home on just over an acre of land in Queen Creek, AZ with large bedrooms, walk-in closets and large storage closets. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) installed throughout entire house in 2019. New roof installed September 2021. Acre is perimeter and cross fenced and within riding and walking distance of Santan Mountain Regional Park. 16' x 32' galvanized steel 2-stall shed row for horses and huge paver patio for outdoor enjoyment yet property is minutes away from Equestrian Center, Fry's Grocery, Fat Cats, Caldwell County BBQ and more.

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2438 W Hearn Road Phoenix, AZ 85023

$568,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,344 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739186

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 2344 SQFT home has been completely renovated, featuring all-new cabinetry and quartz countertops throughout the house. The open-concept living area is perfect for entertaining, and the brand-new kitchen shines with its modern design. All bathrooms have been redone with beautiful new tile work and contemporary finishes. The four spacious bedrooms offer ample storage and natural light. Enjoy the low-maintenance landscaped yard. Conveniently located next to the I-17 and close to amenities, schools, and parks.

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16612 N 151st Lane Surprise, AZ 85374

$568,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,856 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710976

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning two-story home warm and inviting from the moment you step through the door. Home featuring so many upgrades you won't believe this beauty, from exquisite diagonal tile flooring that runs throughout the entire first floor, leading into a gourmet eat-in kitchen with upgraded Cherry Wood 42-inch cabinets, granite countertops, large kitchen island, great for entertaining. The kitchen overlooks the backyard oasis with a sparkling pool. Second floor master suite with walk-out deck overlooking mountain views. Enormous master bath with garden tub and separate shower, large walk-in closet. All other bedrooms are abundant in size. Enormous game room can be converted into two extra bedrooms The home also features a downstairs office and can be converted into a fifth bedroom. We are just minutes away from schools, shopping, restaurants, Surprise Stadium-Spring Training, outdoor Recreation center, Surprise Aquatic Center, events and Festivals and hotels. You will enjoy this highly upgraded exquisite home, conveniently located few minutes away from the downtown Heritage district where the family fun begins.

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