6 Tips for Upsizing (and Homesteading) as A Retiree

While many seniors are aiming to downsize, some retirees decide to lean in the other direction. If your dream is to own an enormous property where your kids and grandkids can drop in any time, you’re in luck. You’re never too old to chase your dreams – and there are ways to make the transition simpler. Here are six tips you need for upsizing and homesteading in retirement.

Get Savvy About Your Home Sale

Selling your home – and buying another at the same time – can be challenging. Especially if your move is across a long distance, balancing a purchase and sale requires some knowhow. One helpful tip for the process is to request an extended closing. This time frame gives you extra days (or weeks) to navigate closing on your new home and get transplanted. Of course, when you’re selling, it pays to have a realtor who is knowledgeable and motivated to get you the best price possible. After all, enlisting the help of the Dana Olmes + Jeff Biebuyck Group can help showcase your existing home – and highlight its features for its prospective buyers.

Think “Rightsizing” Not Upsizing

Though downsizing is a popular home buying trend for seniors, it’s not the only one. Aging in place and urbanization – moving to a more populated, walkable area – are two common moves for retirees. But as Your Home Headquarters explains, the third senior housing trend revolves around choosing the property that’s the perfect fit for you – rightsizing. The key to this trend is selecting a property that suits your needs, hobbies, dreams, and family size. If you have the energy, passion, and expertise to become a homesteader, that means a rural property might be the perfect fit.

Outline a Budget in Advance

It doesn’t pay to fall in love with the perfect homestead – only to learn it’s outside your budget or needs thousands in repairs. Knowing your budget will help you be realistic about what you can afford (or afford to fix up). Calculate your expected expenses in retirement – from healthcare costs to car payments – to come up with a comfortable figure. Next, you’ll need to determine whether to invest cash in your homestead or aim for a mortgage.

Fortunately, many mortgage programs exist to help with rural purchases, so financing may be available – even if your homestead needs work. Buying land may also be an option, but keep in mind that the process is somewhat different.

Know Your Goals and Ambitions

Knowing the reasons why you plan to pursue homesteading is an essential first step. For example, many seniors are turning to homesteading as an alternative to social security. In essence, they plan to turn homesteading into a career and lifestyle of sorts – sharing knowledge and skills, building community, and taking care of themselves. Other retirees have their financial plan established and only want to enjoy family and friends on their homestead. However, both groups need to budget carefully for property purchases, improvements, equipment, basic homestead tools, and other miscellaneous expenses that can crop up.

Do Your Property Homework

Finding the perfect property for homesteading depends on many factors. Location is a priority – both in terms of proximity to family and the amenities on the land, like meadows, forest, or a natural water source. Be prudent about your property research. Mother Earth News recommends asking plenty of questions, especially if you intend to build – and getting official answers.

Moving Might Be Half the Battle

Odds are the physical process of moving might be one of the more complicated aspects of becoming a retiree homesteader. Taking care to avoid injury is crucial – but so is making quick work of the household transplant – but that’s tough when moving bigger items like appliances. However, there are steps you can take to prepare. Very Well Health recommends core-building exercises to ensure you can move without injury. But your technique when lifting boxes is also important. Experts say to lift in a squatting motion – rather than bending over – to brace yourself and use your core to do the work.

The decision to become a homesteader is exciting at any stage of life. But as a retiree, the possibilities can feel nearly endless. With the right plan in place, you can prepare for a move that can make your homesteading dreams come true.

Written by Bob Shannon | Photo via Pexels