Thinking About a Future Move? What to Consider First 

To help you organize, make two quick lists: your “nonnegotiables” (budget, healthcare access, proximity to loved ones) and your “nice-to-haves” (walkable coffee shop, community pool). Seeing the trade-offs on paper makes decisions clearer.

Connect housing decisions to your future financial picture

 is the single largest expense for most households, accounting for nearly one-third of all annual spending, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.² The financial burden is especially heavy for older adults: The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies found that roughly one in three older households spends more than 30% of their income on housing.³

Before deciding to move or stay, compare the full monthly costs of your current home with the potential costs of a new home. Consider mortgage or rent, taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA fees, and maintenance. Think about your time horizon – some renovations won't pay off if you move in a few years. A financial professional can also help you model how a move could affect your retirement savings and investment withdrawals.

A local real estate agent can show you how far your housing dollars stretch in different markets. Once you begin the process, you can also take advantage of AARP® Real Estate Benefits by Anywhere. There’s no obligation to sign up and, when you buy and/or sell your home, you can earn $300-$7,200 in cash* benefits after closing.

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Consult with trusted, experienced professionals

Still undecided? In the next three to six months, schedule a check-in with a financial professional to review your retirement income, housing costs, and a few “what if” scenarios. Then, connect with a real estate agent through Anywhere to explore home values, typical number of days on the market, accessibility features, nearby health care, and transportation options.

Clarity comes not from rushing, but from understanding your priorities before you have to decide. Start the conversation now, and you'll be better positioned to move with confidence when the time is right.

Click here to learn more about Anywhere, and how to use your AARP^® Real Estate Benefits by Anywhere.

Sources:

¹https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/livable-communities/housing/2024-home-community-preferences/

² https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cesan_09252024.htm

³ https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/one-three-older-households-cost-burdened

*The cash back bonus is offered in most states. In some states, a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. The program is not available for employer- sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska and Oklahoma. In Kansas and Tennessee, a MasterCard® MAX gift card will be issued. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a program-introduced real estate agent. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. The program award is not available in certain transactions with restricted or reduced agent commissions (including many new construction, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyertransactions or where a minimum transaction side commission is not paid). Your assigned agent or a real estate coordinator can help you identify any transactions where the award would not be available.  

All real estate commissions are negotiable. Participating program real estate agents are affiliated with the participating real estate brands: Coldwell Banker®, Century 21®, ERA®, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, and Corcoran Group® and all related logos are trademarks owned or licensed by Anywhere Real Estate or its affiliated companies. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Please check with a program coordinator for details. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Each affiliated real estate agent and broker is responsible forcomplying with any consumer disclosure laws or regulations arising from participation in this program. Each Anywhere brand franchise brokerage is independently owned and operated.