Making Better Real Estate Decisions

Keeping up on the maintenance and needs of a single-family home become harder and harder on people as they age. While it used to be a simple weekend project to paint your bathroom or fix your leaking roof, once you get to a certain age, these things become nearly impossible to do yourself. 

If you or a loved one have decided to downsize from a single-family home into an apartment in a senior complex, then it's important to select the best one to meet your needs. To assist in your search and help you find the perfect living quarters, follow each of these tips:

Stick to Apartments Located on the First Floor

Even if today you are still a healthy and active senior, your health may eventually decline and your activity level will naturally drop. So you don't need to change apartments at a later date, choose an apartment on the first floor. Even if a senior complex has elevators, getting into and out of a first-floor apartment is always going to be a lot easier.

Think About How Sociable You Are

Some senior housing complexes offer a lot of opportunities for socialization while others don't. If you are a sociable person and are looking forward to getting to know your new neighbors, then choose a complex where many social activities are offered. However, if you don't want to socialize, then choosing an apartment in a complex without these activities is likely a better option and will also probably be cheaper.

Consider Your Outdoor Space Options

If one of the things you have always loved about your single-family home is sitting outdoors each morning and enjoying a cup of coffee while the birds sing, then you should rent an apartment with a private patio or balcony. Even just a small space big enough for a chair will give you a private place to enjoy nature and the outdoors. 

Consider Working with a Real Estate Agent Specializing in Senior Housing

Lastly, every community has at least one real estate agent who works primarily in the senior housing market. These agents know where all of the best senior apartment complexes are located, and they also have knowledge of those that are better avoided. While it isn't always necessary to find an apartment through a real estate agent, they can be a very valuable resource when searching for senior apartments for yourself or a loved one.