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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1514 E Diamond Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$549,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,766 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730147

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this CHARMING, VINTAGE, ADOBE, home located in the exciting North Garfield HISTORIC DISTRICT! Thanks to a large ensuite and ARIZONA ROOM addition this home is quite LARGE compared to neighboring homes (1,776 SF). Additionally this home features a fully detached casita/GUEST HOUSE with kitchenette, bathroom, and it's own HVAC unit, making it perfect to use for your favorite in-laws or to supplement the mortgage with a tenant... Step inside the main house and you will find tasteful upgrades that perfectly accentuate all of the historic charm that this home has to offer. ORIGINAL DETAILS INCLUDE; coved ceilings, wooden front door w/ hardware, mail slot, milk door, and hutch. And to top this all off, the home comes with OWNED SOLAR! AVG. electricity bill is $65/Mo!

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2720 E Fremont Road Phoenix, AZ 85042

$549,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,548 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756704

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located within the prestigious gated golf course community of Fairways at The Legacy, this home greets you with a charming gated courtyard entry. Inside, you'll find 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 of which are upstairs, along with a guest bedroom, a full bath, and a laundry room conveniently located on the main floor. The primary suite offers a sitting area, stunning views of South Mountain, and a large walk-in closet. Positioned on a desirable north/south lot, the backyard is perfect for gatherings, featuring a covered patio, a putting green, and an awning that reduces direct sunlight, creating a more comfortable outdoor space. Just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, this home is ideally suited for growing and active families.

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427 E Mayfield Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$549,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,369 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751714

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You can't miss this property, It's sitting on a massive 20,000+ sq ft lot (just under 1/2 acre) with an RV gate and HOA allows RV'S up to 30 feet long parking in the back yard. There are 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. There is a huge open family room as well as a formal living room and a dining room. There is also a large open kitchen with a big island for entertaining,, new granite counters. The backyard is a blank slate waiting to become the backyard of your dreams, the options are endless and three-car garage. Improvements...All Carpet updated Jan-2022.All baseboards updated Jan -2022.The whole house was painted inside Jan-2022,,, Toilets Updated Jan-2022. Kitchen and Baths granite countertops and Cabinets painted updated Aug-2024. THE HOME WARRANTY IS INCLUDED FOR ONE YEAR.

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7631 S Kenwood Lane Tempe, AZ 85284

$549,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765825

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED! Move right into this charming home in a prime Tempe location! Providing 3 beds, 2 baths, 2-car garage, & a low-care landscape. The immaculate interior, with a spacious open layout, boasts clean lines that promote a modern feel! Enhanced by fresh neutral paint, vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, abundant natural light, & new wood-look floors. The renewed kitchen has SS elec range & dishwasher, quartz counters, tile backsplash, white shaker cabinetry, and a waterfall peninsula w/breakfast bar. Well-appointed bedrooms & updated bathrooms! Main bedroom offers French doors to the back and a barn door that opens to the ensuite w/dual sinks & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the entertainer's backyard with two covered patios, a well, artificial turf, & a sparkling pool! Just WOW!

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2537 E Carla Vista Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$549,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,791 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6758610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beloved home is in very popular pet friendly area! Nestled next to greenbelt, community pool & basketball court. Gorgeous home w/ 3 BDS & den which can easily convert to 4th BD. Open floorplan. Kitchen has large breakfast bar which opens into living/dining area. Newer stainless steel appliances w/ breakfast nook. Any car enthusiasts? The 3 car-garage has been upgraded with Gladiator slats hung on studs on the walls in garage for hanging tools, cabinets, etc. Separate circuits for Garage HVAC & outlets bar. Dedicated 220 for air compressor. Circuit that supports elec vehicle. Trusses for electric line for work light & to attach to air compressor w/ rubber isolates. Very sturdy. Extra 1500 SF of concrete poured for custom black steel RV gate & parking. Tuff Shed w/ electric & custom wo

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6071 S Topaz Place Chandler, AZ 85249

$549,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,842 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759322

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 6071 S. Topaz Pl, a stunning 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home nestled in the sought after Sun Groves community in Chandler. This well maintained residence offers a spacious floor plan, modern upgrades, solar panels, and a peaceful neighborhood, making it the perfect family home in a prime location. Step inside to find a bright and open floor plan with high ceilings and large windows, filling the home with natural light. The expansive living area features two tone paint, plantation shutters, and gorgeous tile flooring, making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining guests. The beautifully upgraded kitchen features granite countertops, matching appliances, a large kitchen island, and ample cabinet space. It's perfect for preparing meals and hosting gatherings with friends and family. Step outside to the beautifully landscaped backyard, which offers a covered patio, a sparkling pool, a generous gazebo, and plenty of room for outdoor relaxation or entertaining. Sun Groves is known for its family friendly atmosphere, beautifully maintained parks, and scenic surroundings. With easy access to top rated schools and nearby shopping centers, it's the ideal place to enjoy a suburban lifestyle with modern amenities! Buyers currently living in Maricopa or Pinal County ask about an ADDITIONAL $7,000 home buyer credit available on this home via the Community Promise Program. Rate Relief Rebate Program: Benefit from a 2% seller credit to reduce your mortgage payments by Approximately $584/month in year 1 and $298/month in year 2. This exclusive offer makes homeownership more affordable now, while you await potential rate decreases.

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723 W Rosal Place Chandler, AZ 85225

$549,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,938 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785017

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**NEW ROOF** on this fantastic 4-bed, 2-bath home nestled on a prime corner lot! Starring a 2-car garage, RV gate, & a low-care landscape. The inviting interior features modern light fixtures, neutral paint, wood-look tile flooring throughout, and vaulted ceilings that add to the airy feel. If entertaining is on your mind, you'll love the perfectly flowing open layout paired with a fireplace in the living space! The impressive kitchen boasts black SS appliances, granite counters, glass tile backsplash, white shaker cabinets, and an island w/breakfast bar. Large main bedroom has French doors to the back, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite with dual sinks & a soaking tub. Out the back, you have a storage shed and a Pergola patio to relax while enjoying BBQ. Great location! Welcome home

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2938 S 184th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

Open House

$549,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765471

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious ranch-style home sits on a generous sized lot and offers 2,380 sq/ft of living space. Designed with comfort in mind, it features two split master bedrooms - perfect for added privacy. The great room boasts an inviting atmosphere with 10' ceilings and a beautifully appointed kitchen that features quartz countertops, a large island, and a walk-in pantry. Outside, the low-maintenance backyard is shaded by mature trees and has lush turf, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. With a 3-car garage, RV gate, and RV parking, this home is perfect for those who need extra space while enjoying a peaceful setting. Additional upgrades include Low-E dual-pane windows with sunscreens and a Smart WiFi thermostat for energy efficiency!

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1321 N Delmar -- Mesa, AZ 85203

Open House

$549,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,507 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770242

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this meticulously maintained single-level home in Mesa, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. As you enter, you'll find a formal living room and dining room with a charming wood-burning fireplace, perfect for cozy gatherings. The home boasts new carpet and fresh paint throughout, along with a newer roof and AC units for optimal comfort. Enjoy the convenience of garage cabinets and additional storage, along with two sheds for your outdoor needs. Step outside to a large patio, ideal for entertaining or relaxing in the sun. The property features an RV gate for added accessibility. Located in a vibrant community with a pool and lakes, and near a golf course, this home is also centrally located to shopping, dining, and easy commute to surrounding cities. Don't miss out!

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18583 W Swayback Pass Pass Surprise, AZ 85387

$549,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,088 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770088

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this exciting fully furnished Emerald model home with a mulitgen suite ready for November move-in, on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front/back yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a study in lieu of a bedroom; a spacious great room; an open dining area; a well-appointed kitchen offering quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, 42'' cabinets, a roomy pantry and a center island; a beautiful primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; double laundry appliances; a covered patio, and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fans, and full appliances and stone tile flooring in select rooms.

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2121 W Sonoran Desert Drive Unit 41 Phoenix, AZ 85085

$549,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,567 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6648426

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Check out this beautifully crafted 2-bedroom 2.5 bath home with well-appointed interior finishes. The casual dining area is adjacent to the kitchen and provides a convenient and intimate setting. Featuring designer upgrades throughout including flooring, cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel kitchen appliances. The community is situated just minutes away from shopping, dining, and entertainment. Call today to learn more about this stunning Quick Move In and lending incentives!

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9390 Mead Lane Snowflake, AZ 85937

$549,995

6 Beds

4 Baths

2,624 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6734119

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Wow! Check out this opportunity! 2 homes on 40 acres fully off grid and self-sustaining. The PRIMARY HOME offers 1568 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Floors recently upgraded to vinyl plank throughout. Split bedroom floor plan. Kitchen features hickory cabinets, granite counter tops, large kitchen island, farm sink and NEWER gas stove. Primary home is powered by 30 solar panels which is sustained by banks of lithium batteries. In addition to a 2 car masonry garage, the primary home also features a single car Graceland garage, a 14 X 40 carport and a 10 x 20 Graceland Lofted Barn Cabin for extra storage. The GUEST HOME offers 1056 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. See additional description. The living space is bright and airy and features a split bedroom floor plan and breakfast bar. Guest home is powered by 25 solar panels and sustained by banks of 12 AGM Maintenance Free batteries. 1 private well services both homes. Power is also located nearby if you would prefer that option. This property would be perfect for multi-generational housing or could use guest home as rental income! Property is all off-grid but only 10 miles from town. Best of both worlds! Option to purchase home with 80 acres and additional private well on the upper 40 acres available. See MLS #6731913

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