4 House Hunting Tips for Retirees in Aurora

Thinking about heading to Aurora, CO, for your retirement? First, you should know that you're making a great choice. Aurora has some of the best views of any city in the U.S. Residents are just a short drive from the mountains, which provides a scenic backdrop for all the outdoor activities you can enjoy. The city is considered a suburb of Denver, which means retirees who choose Aurora can relax and bask in the slower pace of a smaller city while still having access to all the amenities and entertainment that come with urban living.

Ready to start looking for your perfect dream home? Keep the following tips in mind to help streamline and simplify your search!

1. Get Your Budget in Order

First things first - you need to establish your budget for buying a home before you start looking. Having a good sense of your financial situation can help you avoid falling in love with a property only to realize that you can't afford the actual cost (think property taxes, maintenance, etc.). 

One thing to consider is the overall cost of living, and luckily, Aurora is a solid choice when it comes to affordability for retirees. The income tax system in Colorado provides a significant tax deduction on all forms of retirement income - including Social Security and public and private pensions. In addition, the property tax rates are some of the lowest you'll find in the entire U.S., which helps keep house hunting affordable. As a bonus, groceries and prescription medications are tax-free, saving retirees thousands yearly. 

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

2. Target Homes with Senior-Friendly Features

The house you buy for your Golden Years should ideally be one where you can safely age in place and stay healthy. It would help if you narrowed your search only to include homes where this is possible. For example, you should opt for a ranch-style home instead of a multi-story home to avoid having to get upstairs - which can reduce the likelihood of accidents. Other home amenities to consider that can help to keep you safe include:

• Room for grab bars or another support device near the shower or toilet
• If the home is multi-story, at least one bathroom on the main level, ideally a full bath
• Wide hallways and doorways
• No-step entryway into the home

3. Consider Other Senior Living Options in Aurora

Buying an Aurora home is an excellent option for retirees, but some have better choices. Taking care of a house can be burdensome, and there may come a point when living on your own isn't safe. Luckily, there are other senior living options in Aurora for you to check out if you ultimately decide a home would not be an excellent investment. 

One option you have is to move into a retirement community. Retirement communities, also called active adult living or "55-plus" communities, are planned neighborhoods for adults at least 55 - although the age requirements vary. Most retirees in active adult communities have left their careers, although that is not always the case. Usually, these communities try to provide amenities to make retirement as healthy and happy as possible. Such amenities include pools, luxury fitness centers, and clubhouses that sponsor senior happy hours.

Retirement communities are a great option, but like buying a home, there are better choices than this one. The reality of aging is that health needs can become more complicated, and mobility can become limited - making living even semi-independently challenging for some older adults. If you need help with activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, preparing meals, and bathing, an assisted living facility is the ideal choice. There are more than 50 top-rated communities in the Aurora area - each staffed with trained caregivers who help retirees stay happy, healthy, and safe.  

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

4. Get Connected With a Reliable Realtor

Having the right realtor in your corner while searching for your dream home is very important. You'll want to make sure you feel like you can trust your realtor, that they are knowledgeable about helping senior homebuyers, and that you feel comfortable enough to have transparent conversations about your preferences in a home. 

If you're ready to start your house-hunting journey, contact Kenna Real Estate today! We are dedicated to going above and beyond for our clients. We aim to simplify the home-buying experience, which can often be complex, time-consuming, and stressful. We look forward to working with you!

Barbara Thompson, Senior Care Advocate

Seniorhomes.com: an organization dedicated to supporting senior citizens and their families. Our mission is to raise awareness about the available care options and resources to help seniors stay connected with their community.