Most folks I talk to here in Denver seem to be afraid of a bubble bursting as it did in 2008. Statistically, that started in 2006, and some of us started to notice that early. I am asked about when prices will start to fall...when we see over 180 days on the market average for 2 straight months. Right now the average is 32 while the median is 6 days on market. So it does not look like things will change anytime soon. What is the difference between average and median? The average sale price in Denver in April was $484,795 while the median was $451,311.
Prices continue to move up at a quick pace indicating that if there is a move planned in the next 2-3 years, you should do it now to take advantage of the prices on the new place. It will not be cheaper in 2 years. Statistics and history show a traditional appreciation rate in Denver of 3 to 6%. At that rate a $400,000 home will be over $475,000 in 3 years in the 7 counties that make up metro Denver.
Now lets talk about retirement housing. For those who do not know I am a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and can help most folks with the issues they are facing. But read on....
As people near or enter retirement, one of the decisions that typically comes up is whether to sell their "big" home and buy a smaller one. If you know anyone who has been faced with that situation, selling one home and buying a smaller one may not save enough money to make it worthwhile.
There are sales expenses on the property being sold and acquisition costs on the replacement home. Generally speaking, homeowners may not mind a home with less square footage, but they usually don't want to give up amenities or locations that they've become accustomed.
After a little number crunching, the move may not make enough difference in savings and they end up staying in their current home even if it doesn't fit their needs anymore.
What if while this couple were still in their peak earning years, they acquired a home in an area where they would consider retiring and rent it during the interim. They could put it on a 15-year mortgage and possibly, even accelerate the principal payments to have it paid off by their anticipated move.
In the meantime, they could continue living in the "big" home until it is time to make the transition. Sell the "big" home that may be paid for by then and avoid up to $500,000 of capital gain. Take part of the proceeds and remodel the rental/transitional home and invest the proceeds for retirement income.
Ideally, the former rental would be mortgage free by this point, so the retirees would not have a house payment. Even if at this point, they changed their mind about retiring to this particular home, they still have a property that acted as a hedge against rising prices and have sufficient equity to purchase something else without using the proceeds from the "big" home.
It is difficult to know what the situation will be years from now when a person retires. It is clearly advantageous to have a plan that allows for options and choices. To find out more about purchasing your retirement home today, give me a call at (303) 880-5585. Or reach out and contact me via e-mail.
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