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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2673 W Ivanhoe Street Chandler, AZ 85224

New

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,794 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786111

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, location, location! Beautiful home in a lake community w/3 beds, 2 baths (1 handicap accessible), newer AC & water heater, mature landscape & a 2-car garage w/cabinetry. Discover the large living & dining room and the separate family room with a media niche. Vaulted ceilings add to the airy feel, complemented by custom paint & tile flooring t/out for easy maintenance. The kitchen boasts built-in appliances, recessed lighting, a pantry, and ample wood cabinetry. Enter the main bedroom to find a walk-in closet and an ensuite with dual sinks. The Arizona room, with multi-sliding doors merging the inside/outside activities. Two open patios & a citrus tree complete the large backyard. Located in the heart of Chandler - easy access to the Valley

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855 S Henry Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,467 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784845

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom kitchen white cabinetry w/door hardware, backsplash, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, breakfast bar & RO system*Office w/cabinets & drawers with glass w/whiteboard backsplash to take notes as well as a black tiled accent wall*French doors to main suite offering diagonal wood floors, stone tile accent wall, W-I closet w/custom shelves, highly upgraded bathroom featuring basket weave tile pattern backsplash, high end cabinetry, glass sinks under sink lighting, jet tub, tiled glass shower*Flush mounted speakers*Large laundry room w/ample amount of cabinetry*Molding around doors/windows*Iron railing staircase*Elegant lighting throughout*Shutters throughout*Freshly painted interior*Elegant glass front door*Formal dining w/custom tray ceiling* 200 SF climate controlled bonus room w/surround sound(3rd car garage has been converted into bonus room*) Easy access to San Tan Village, the 202 freeway & Mesa Gateway Airport ASU Polytechnic campus, Hospital, Topgolf, shopping, desert sky regional Park, golf*MaryLou Fulton Aquatic Center, free of charge to Cooley Station residents! Enjoy barbecuing, basketball, swimming and a state-of-the-art play park!

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3487 W Red Bird Court Tucson, AZ 85745

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,017 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6714720

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience unparalleled desert luxury in this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis, nestled in the serene foothills of Tucson's coveted Quail Ridge at Starr Pass. Surrounded by the opulent JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, this home combines Southwestern charm with modern elegance, offering the ultimate desert retreat. The open-concept design boasts a spacious living room with soaring ceilings and a cozy fireplace, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The chef's kitchen features granite countertops, a ceiling-height backsplash, GE Café stainless steel appliances, and a top-of-the-line Viking range. The master suite is a sanctuary with a walk-in closet and a lavish ensuite bathroom, complete with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Enjoy year-round comfort with a whole-house soft water system and reverse osmosis water filtration. The family room, with its stunning Pinon Stone fireplace, adds a touch of warmth and elegance. Step outside to your private backyard paradise, featuring a covered patio, built-in BBQ, and an electric extending patio shade to keep you cool while joying the patio. Revel in breathtaking views of the Tucson Mountains and mesmerizing desert sunsets. Exterior roll-down shutters provide added security and energy efficiency. This home also includes a two-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and energy-efficient features throughout. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and recreational areas, with easy access to I-10. Embrace the Tucson lifestyle in this stunning desert haven schedule your viewing today and make this dream home yours!

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27219 S 171st Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,590 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6773768

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This picturesque 5-acre ranch offers a serene, countryside escape with all the modern conveniences. The two-story home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfectly designed for comfortable living. Inside, you'll be greeted by a beautifully custom-made kitchen, showcasing elegant quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinets that provide ample storage. The tile floors throughout the home not only add to its stylish appeal but also make for easy maintenance. One of the highlights of this property is the stunning view from the second floor and the expansive back deck, where you can relax and soak in the beauty of your private acreage. The entire property is fenced, providing both privacy and security. For those who value utility and space, the prope property is equipped with two carport shedsa large 40x30 carport shed perfect for storage or work projects, and a smaller 20x30 carport shed that can serve a variety of uses. A private water well ensures self-sufficiency, while the powerful 400-amp electrical panel provides ample capacity to build an additional home, set up a workshop, or create an RV parking area. This ranch is the perfect blend of rural charm and modern functionality, offering endless possibilities for expansion or customization.

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9021 W Wild Turkey Lane Strawberry, AZ 85544

$550,000

3 Beds

1.5 Baths

1,100 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6724129

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Bring your horses! Bring your toys! Bring your RV & camper! Bring your pets! Bring your family & friends! Plenty of room for everything on this .47 acre property. Enjoy as much outside living space as inside space. This 3 bedroom home exudes charm, character and the sense of being in a mountain cabin. Nestle among the tall pines, the 1100 sq ft deck is the perfect place to gather family & friends. The deck includes 220W electrical for the addition of a hot tub. To top it off, there is a fenced area for your furry friends. This cabin has been lovingly maintained and upgraded with the following: Underground utilities with a new electrical panel, newer HVAC with upgraded and insulated ductwork, entire house is insulated underneath, tankless water heater, deck flooring is designed to be fireproof and maintenance free. The carport has ample space for toys, storage or could be converted to a workshop. This cabin is turnkey and waiting for you.

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10881 W Carlota Lane Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,602 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6749966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to Deer Valley Ranch! Not Age Restricted & No HOA! This spacious 4-bed, 3-bath gem sits on a corner lot with perfect North/South exposure, providing abundant natural light throughout the 2602 square feet. Complete with 2 RV gates & RV parking, RV plug, water hook up, & sewer cleanout. This home is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The leased solar system ensures energy efficiency, cozy fireplace in the family room & newer AC units add to your year-round comfort. Notable features include tastefully updated bathrooms, wood-look tile flooring, & an oversized patio off the primary bedroom. The convenient guest suite downstairs adds versatility to your living space. Just 30 minutes from Lake Pleasant, this location is a paradise for water lovers. Original Owners & Pride of Ownership.

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2042 E Flintlock Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,952 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761102

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful home in the highly sought-after Adora Trails community! Step inside to an open-concept modern kitchen featuring upgraded lighting, staggered cabinets, a new sink, gas range, and stainless steel appliances—perfect for those who love to cook and entertain. The large and bright primary bedroom offers peaceful views of the serene backyard, where you'll find a built-in BBQ and lush green landscaping, an ideal space for hosting gatherings. Living in Adora Trails means enjoying an abundance of community amenities, including a pool, community center, basketball court, playgrounds, open fields, a lake, and scenic walking and biking paths. Located within an excellent school district, this home offers both comfort and convenience in a vibrant community.

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91 E Liberty Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,916 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6766955

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PAID OFF SOLAR - EXTREMELY LOW UTILITY BILL! Welcome to the beautiful community of Cobblestone. Built in 2018 this 3 bed, 2.5 bath single family house is turnkey and ready for you to call home. Downstairs enjoy a light and bright floor plan with tiled floors and upstairs make use of a spacious loft, perfect for a TV room or play room. Many upgrades throughout like plantation shutters, rain-soft house filtration system, reverse osmosis, custom cabinetry in the laundry room and garage. Enjoy the convenience of a low maintenance backyard and when summer hits, take advantage of the community pool. Centrally located in Gilbert and only 5-10 minutes from Downtown Gilbert, Downtown Chandler, San Tan Mall and the Gilbert Epicenter. 5 minutes from the 202 Freeway.

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1201 E Desert Park Lane Phoenix, AZ 85020

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,730 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761522

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unique home in a neighborhood in ongoing revival. Possible business opportunity with this double corner lot. Well maintained home boasts a huge yard, tons of character with lot of possibilities for parking, adding on or building a totally new structure. Home has newer vinyl pane windows, stained concrete floors, porcelain tiles and tons of character as it is! Many homes on this street are total new builds, so move in as is, add on, or build a new home on this double lot. No HOA!

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4107 S 109th Avenue Tolleson, AZ 85353

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,649 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6767165

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see large single story, Next Gen home! Versatile floor plan has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Three car garage. Attached casita for varies uses, this home is only a year old, beautiful home inside and out with many modern amenities. This home is conveniently located near schools, stores, shopping, gas stations, restaurants, highways and much more. Open concept floor plan with oversized master suite and split bedrooms for individual privacy.

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2478 N Earle Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,762 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6772135

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to this perfectly placed townhome in the peaceful, tree lined neighborhood of Elk Run. This property has been well manicured from the small details inside to the pristine landscaping outside. Enjoy updated kitchen and bathrooms with granite countertops. Fresh exterior paint - including the decks! NEW ROOF! New furnace in 2020. With the beautiful weather Flagstaff offers, you will be pleased with the TWO private decks. 3-bedrooms with a versatile loft, great for additional family room or office space. Open concept family room on main level. Snow removal covered by the HOA making winter time a breeze! Bear Paw, the pools, pickleball, tennis, and gym are all part of the country club amenities included in your very inexpensive annual HOA Dues. Nearby Trails and Oakmont restaurant.

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1290 E Bobcat Drive Munds Park, AZ 86017

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,485 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6770846

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the gorgeous Munds Park, this 3 bedroom 2 bath A-frame home has stunning wood vaulted and beamed ceilings. A loft that overlooks the great room with beautiful stone fireplace. Watch the weather and wildlife through the floor to ceiling windows from the coziness of your home. Primary bedroom and bathroom are upstairs creating a more private spot. The large deck is the perfect spot for an outdoor living space and great gatherings. With the trails, just minutes away, you'll want to bring all your outdoor toys. 2 storage sheds are perfect for store some of those toys. Don't miss out on this one, this is the home away from home you've been waiting on!

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