Key Features Senior Home Buyers Should Consider When Searching for Their Forever Home

As people age, they often find themselves searching for a place they can comfortably call home for the rest of their lives. Deciding where to live can be a daunting process, especially when looking for a place to age in place. Here are a few key features senior home buyers should look for when searching for the best place to spend their golden years, courtesy of realtor John Martelotti.

Researching Your Area's Housing Market

When searching for a place to age in place, it's essential to research your area's housing market. Understanding the average cost of homes in your area can help you select a home that's both accessible and affordable. Additionally, senior homeowners should consider factors such as healthcare options, public transportation, and community engagement when selecting a place to call home. Once you’re ready to start your search, contact John Martelotti for exceptional service and local expertise.

Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans can be a game-changer for seniors. Not only do they provide more space for movement and activity, but they can also help prevent injuries. Homes with open floor plans generally have wider doorways and hallways, which can make it easier for wheelchair-bound or mobility-impaired individuals to navigate their homes. Additionally, an open floor plan can make a home feel more spacious and welcoming.

Automation Features

Home automation features can make everyday tasks much simpler for senior homeowners. Features such as voice-activated automation, smart thermostats, and automated lighting can all contribute to a higher quality of life. These features can also make a home safer by reducing tripping hazards and assisting with emergency response.

One-Floor Homes

Another important factor senior home buyers should consider when looking for a place to age in place is the number of stairs in the home. Stairs can be a significant hurdle for those with mobility issues or for those who use a wheelchair. When touring homes, senior home buyers should look for homes with as few steps as possible on both the inside and outside of the home.

Walk-in Showers

Traditional tubs and showers can also pose a risk for seniors. Walk-in showers with grab bars can make showering much safer and more enjoyable for those with mobility issues. Additionally, walk-in showers can be customized to accommodate wheelchairs and provide a spacious, accessible option for homeowners.

Wheelchair Entry Ramps

Wheelchair entry ramps are another feature seniors should look for when searching for a place to age in place. These ramps provide accessibility to the home and can significantly improve the quality of life for those with mobility issues. Not only do they make entering and exiting the home much easier, but wheelchair entry ramps can also be customized to match the aesthetic of the home.

Lever Door Knobs

Lever door knobs can be a game-changer for seniors who struggle with traditional round doorknobs. Lever door knobs are easy to use and require less effort to operate. They are also less likely to cause hand injuries, making them an excellent choice.

Assisted Living

If you’ve been searching and searching but aren’t able to find the right housing match to suit your needs, another option is touring local care facilities and seeing if any of these would present you with a better solution. In addition to asking about prices, make sure you ask detailed questions about the kind of care and amenities these facilities provide. Don’t be shy about asking for any clarifications, either. Remember, you deserve the very best!

When searching for the best place to spend your golden years, it's crucial to consider the features that can make your home more accessible and safer. Open floor plans, automation features, and simple features such as lever door knobs can all make a significant difference in your quality of life. Additionally, understanding your area's housing market and selecting a home that's both accessible and affordable can help set you up for a successful retirement.

Whether you’re buying or selling, John Martelotti is here to help! Call 917-202-8309.