Fluctuations in market value, unexpected maintenance expenses, … By Jason Heath on September 20, 2016. Zillow defines empty nesters as homeowners who are 55+, have lived in their current home for 10 or more years, and have no children of any age living at home. In some regions, it’s actually cheaper to rent—at least in the short term. You can even try out different cities with short-term leases or take extended trips without worrying about your house sitting empty. According to our latest rental market report, median rent rose 2.6% ($38 based on median rent) year over year, reaching $1,477 in April of February 2019. While your house may be increasing in value, it’s not providing you with monthly income—unlike retirement accounts that pay out dividends. You've decided to sell your house and move to something smaller or to another town. He e-mailed a short while ago to ask for some feedback on his idea of selling the family house … There are, of course, the practical considerations—the kids are grown and flown, you start to realize that the “forever” home where you raised your family isn’t quite right anymore. © HomeLight, Inc. 100 1st Street, Suite 2600, San Francisco, CA 94105. You can find places to rent that fit all of these different property types, just make sure that if you go for a house, it comes with an HOA or professional service (if that low-maintenance lifestyle is important to you.). And those sellers aged 52+ are typically buying smaller homes. Maybe you should rent instead. For more information on how we can help you, contact us today. If your home is eligible, we’ll give you a cash offer. Should you stay in your current home once you’ve retired? Buying with a mortgage is the better option generally after 10 years. You think of the freedom. Get free, objective, performance-based recommendations for top real estate agents in your area. In fact, it may be costing you more than you realize. In order to use your home as part of your retirement income strategy, you must be willing to tap into its equity. Depending on your arrangement with the tenant, you could even keep many of your things in the house — this removes the need to rent … When you sell the family home, it might be worthwhile to rent … A growing number of seniors are opting to rent during their golden years. For starters, you’ll need an idea of how much money you’ll need to comfortably retire. If a retiree’s home equity is … But in some cases, turning it into a rental home might make more sense. Here are some of the common reasons why people in these demographics decide to sell in retirement. Cashing out on your current home’s equity may just be the best way to pay for it. hmmmmm, that sell to a family or friend and buy theirs to rent it back to them is an interesting thought. It is sometimes difficult to find people who do the same as we plan to do now: selling our beautiful Victorian house and moving to a modern 75m2 rental apartment. Q: I am a 66-year old single female. Zillow Group is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Even without a mortgage payment, the expenses associated with owning a home add up. According to Zillow research, 19% of retired homeowners report making some kind of accessibility accommodations in their home, whether it’s modifying flooring, adding handrails, or installing a walk-in shower or bath. When your current home no longer suits you, selling it is a popular option. One is a guy we'll call Joe. If you’re nearing retirement or already there, you may be trying to decide between selling your home or aging in place. But selling your house to rent when you retire is a major life upheaval with inherent risks to your financial future. The Christensens aren't alone. And if you’ve already decided to sell, will you buy a new home or rent? The thing is, there is time when growth is the most important goal and there are other times (such as during retirement) when income is more important. Moving even a small distance could lower property taxes or put a retiree closer to newly desirable amenities such as a senior center. Begin by looking at how much you still owe on your home compared with how much it’s currently worth. According to Nile Lundgren, a top New York agent and Bloomberg TV commentator, who was named Executive of the Month by the New York Real Estate Journal: “It’s really important to understand where the market is in comparison to what your expectations are. When you’re not the owner of a property, you’re no longer the decision-maker. According to Forbes, “The average retiring American has roughly twice as much value in home equity ($200,000) as they do in their other savings.”. These retirees may want to be able to walk to the movies, or take public transportation to evening dinners without having to drive busy suburban roads. Unless your children are willing to move into your home for at least two years after inheriting it, they’ll be stuck paying a hefty capital gains tax. Here are a few key reasons retirees decide to rent instead of own. Selling your home and moving to a rental can free up the equity you have in your home, which you can use to fund monthly expenses throughout your retirement. In some large cities, parking costs can exceed $250 a month. If you can’t afford your home’s monthly costs now that you don’t have a steady income, it may be the right time to sell. (More on that later.). Don’t forget to factor in any remaining mortgage balance, and be sure to account for commissions, closing costs, repairs and buyer concessions. According to our latest. Or you might develop mobility issues that would be easier to manage in a single-story home. If you’ve already spent the time and money to make your home comfortable so you can age in place, you may be less inclined to move and start over. … Does it make sense to rent in retirement? Then you’re free to invest the rest of your equity into low-risk investments that pay out monthly dividends that will cover your mortgage and then some. If you sell without investing in another property, you’re losing your best “In Case of Emergency” asset. When You're Close to Retirement If you're close to or at retirement age, and you have good equity in your home, selling your property allows you to free up capital to invest in more liquid assets. It can take time for a community to feel like home. If necessary, Samantha would sell her house and invest the net proceeds to supplement her retirement income. Buying a house after retirement can be a good or bad idea. Simply put, if you don’t sell your home after retirement, you’ll be spending more in expenses than you need to—all while sidelining your most valuable asset. Selling your house in retirement: What not to do Making your home part of your retirement plan might seem like a no-brainer, especially in some of Canada's hottest real estate markets. You may feel nostalgic about the neighborhood you live in, especially if you raised your kids there. I currently rent a home for $875 per month (low for this area because I have been in this location for 9 years). If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please, Zillow, Inc. has a real estate brokerage license in multiple states. All the excitement has you making plans you never dreamed possible—the stack of unread books on your nightstand and that long, ambitious bucket list are calling your name. As you’re deliberating “Should I sell my house and rent when I retire?”, just remember to weigh the impact your decision will have on all aspects of your life and financial situation, including your monthly income and your benefits. There’s also less maintenance to do, and unexpected costs are limited. Just consult a tax professional about the capital gains tax implications for people who inherit homes. Then, while you’re touring the world, you can temporarily lease the property to cover the mortgage. Move when you're ready. Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, your rent can (and likely will) fluctuate yearly, based on the market and your landlord. With the right strategy, your home equity can help you achieve a relaxing, fully-funded retirement. Housing costs will be part of your retirement budget, whether you rent or own. How to Navigate This Major Housing Decision, How to Sell Your Eccentric Charmer of a House Fast in New Orleans, Renting also offers you some flexibility in housing styles. Selling a House During Winter Holidays: Tips, Pros & Cons. For example, you might decide to travel with the tax-free equity and use the remainder to finance the purchase a retirement home. Empty-nest households are on the rise, and here are some reasons people in this demographic decide to stay put. An alternative to selling your home when you retire is to rent it out to tenants instead. Retirees sometimes find themselves wanting to move to pursue interests like golf or skiing. That’ll give you an idea of what kind of retirement lifestyle you can afford. A retiree who sells a house, buys a cheaper one and invests the balance of the equity can create a new income stream. A large single-family home requires a lot of maintenance, so many retirees decide to move into a smaller apartment or condo so they can spend their free time on other hobbies. Return to Zillow.com. If you live in or are planning to move to an area with high property taxes, renting can help you avoid large tax bills. Financial experts note that some retired homeowners forget to factor house-related expenses (HOA fees, maintenance, utilities, unexpected repairs, etc.) Hire a real estate agent or run the comparables yourself to see how much you can sell your home for. When Is the Best Time to Sell Your House? Mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, changing the HVAC filters — being a homeowner takes up a lot of your free time. Have questions about buying, selling or renting during COVID-19? If you assume a 20% down payment ($77,800 upfront), plus closing costs and a 4.3% interest rate, you’d pay $2,049 per month as a homeowner — an increase of $354 over renting. When you rent, you’re essentially spending down your home’s equity to finance in your twilight years. Find top real estate agents in these similar cities, HomeLight has an A+ rating with the Retiring to an apartment does require some financial planning. Josée Jeffrey, a Montreal financial planner and tax specialist, says that switching from home ownership to rented accommodation isn't necessarily a good thing for everyone. For that you’ll need the help of a top-notch real estate agent with experience in retirement planning—because your home may be worth more (or less) than you think. However, if you sell the property within your lifetime, according to the IRS, you’ll likely qualify to exclude up to $250,000 (or up to $500,000 on joint spousal filings) of the home sale price from your income. Monthly Payments and Retirement Income. If you pull equity out and invest it, those dividends may increase your income which may in turn reduce your benefits. Pros for renting out your home: by Christine Bartsch Pros of renting in retirement. For others, keeping the home is a better option financially. If you do need to sell you are at the mercy of realtors, buyers, and market conditions, plus selling takes time and effort. Make sure to factor these additional costs into your monthly budget. According to Zillow research, homes listed in this window sell two weeks faster than average and for $1,600 more. Once you know that, you can tackle the decision of whether to buy or rent. As long as your home is worth significantly more than you owe on your mortgage, that equity is a safety net to cover unexpected expenses like home repairs and medical care. You can eliminate property taxes and costly homeowner's insurance -- just make sure you get renter's insurance. If it would sell for less than $200K, it might be a ... Retirement planning: The better way to fund your golden years. Unfortunately, there is a downside to selling your home and renting when you retire. And you can always keep modifying as your needs change. If both structures are worth 250k you could knock $9090 off your top line income just with depreciation and say expenses of would be about $2910 just to make the math easy, if you are in a 33% fed and 5% local the tax savings are $4560 alone. You love your house of 30 years but it comes with too many stairs, and too much maintenance. In many markets, renting is cheaper each month than owning — at least in the near-term. How Much House Can I Afford If I Make $70,000 a Year? It’s safe to assume that most sellers in the silent generation are already retired. For some retirees, it’s smarter to sell and rent instead. Selling your home and moving to a rental can free up the equity you have in your home, which you can use to fund monthly expenses throughout your retirement. You’re also free from the burden of home maintenance. True, maximum benefits are available whether you rent or own. Or you may want to move near the beach or to a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Our team is composed of professional and experienced individuals including accountants, lawyers, and lenders. You can close in as few as seven days and move on to your post-retirement life. You may not be allowed to make all the upgrades you want, and if you do make improvements, you won’t see any return on your investment when you move out. Local market conditions for rental homes. If you believe you may pocket more than that amount, talk to your tax professional for other options, including turning your home into a rental property, then swapping it for another property using a 1031 exchange. After retirement, many people find they don’t need as much space as they once did or they don’t want to maintain a big single-family home. If she sells her house for about $900,000, she can free up capital for retirement goals and rent an apartment. If you own your home outright or have a lot of equity, selling could help you fund your retirement. That’s a lot of money, but luckily everyone’s retirement needs are different. When you’re paying off a mortgage, you’re investing the bulk of your monthly housing costs into an asset that you own. Buying a house is a long-term commitment to the property location. Let’s say your house is in a rapidly gentrifying area; if you hold on for another two years, then you might increase your value by 10%. What Upgrades Increase Home Value? However, sometimes renting is the most cost effective way to go. Before you wistfully lock into an iron-clad lease, review the benefits and drawbacks of this decision carefully, and trust this guidance from top real estate professionals who offer an objective, informed perspective on both sides of the aisle. If you’ve lived in your home for decades, there are probably cosmetic, mechanical or structural upgrades or repairs to complete to either bring your home up to code or appeal to buyers. Zillow defines empty nesters as homeowners who are 55+, have lived in their current home for 10 or more years, and have no children of any age living at home. Invested wisely, those dividends can cover your rent and monthly expenses for years to come. Header Image Source: (Lightspring/ Shutterstock). Austin’s, Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2018, What Makes a Good Real Estate Agent for Home Sellers, How to Sell a House As-Is When It Needs Repairs, Real Estate Photography Tips for Home Sellers, For Sale by Owner (FSBO) vs. Real Estate Agent. "Usually, people who are nearing retirement and selling their houses have already paid off the mortgage," she points out. 46% of retirees own their homes free and clear, and could feasibly use the proceeds from selling that home toward the purchase of a smaller, more manageable residence outright. Curious how much you stand to make selling your home? The content on this site is not intended to provide legal, financial or real estate advice. Instead of selling, you might want to leave the family home to your children or grandchildren someday. According to hypothetical retirement analysis conducted by Kiplinger, a leader in personal finance news and business forecasting: “Renting tops buying in the short run. Posted on August 21, 2018June 22, 2020, Retirement’s so close you can taste the salt of a margarita and feel the breeze of the ocean on your skin. Here's how to determine if renting or owning in retirement is right for you. Once you’ve decided to sell, you might wonder if you should buy again or rent instead. And, although you’ve been a homeowner for decades, you just might be OK with never having a mortgage again. Urban apartment living is a real option for seniors who want to ditch their snow shovels and lawnmowers when they retire and take advantage of all that cities can offer. Real Estate Comps: How to Find Comparables for Real Estate. But that could be speculation. It all depends on timing. Many argue that it’s best to own a home in retirement, but home ownership isn’t for everyone. You may have to pay for things you never considered when you were a homeowner, like parking or pet fees. Consider how much you are paying in property taxes, HOA fees, and repairs around the house. If your current mortgage is fully paid off, you may even skip selling. Nationally, the best time of year to list your home is a Saturday in the first half of May. With bond funds and annuities yielding 4 … Get a cash offer from Zillow. What really matters is your income. Renting out your home means you’ll effectively become a landlord, unless you hire someone to manage the property for you, but you will still own the home. Find out what cash buyers are willing to pay for your home right now. She wants to buy a small apartment for $500,000 and have $300,000 left to invest. You wonder if some of the ideas running through your head are too crazy to entertain, like…, “Should I sell my house and rent when I retire?”. Ownership is solidly entrenched among retirees. ), and you’ll know where you stand financially. Upon selling your home, you can move into a rental that aligns with your close date, rather than worry about buying another home and timing it just right (or carrying two mortgages at once). Consider these reasons to stay or go so you can make the best choice for your situation. Downsizing into a smaller home, like an apartment, can save money in monthly housing costs, utilities and furnishings. Or you can reinvest in another type of investment that will provide a good return, while keeping your money accessible if and when you need it. According to Zillow research, sellers who hire professionals to help with their pre-sale prep work spend an average of $6,570, which includes things like painting, staging and lawn care. Better Business Bureau. With the help of an agent who also does leasing and basic property management, you can find tenants to rent your existing home at an amount that will cover living expenses in a retirement community. As a renter, you’re no longer tied to a house. You also won’t have to pay for maintenance, repairs or appliance replacements. You could be leaving money on the table.”. Learn what I’ve discovered throughout the years of selling my clients’ houses quickly to net them the most money. Before moving forward, make sure selling your home makes sense from a financial and practical standpoint. Unfortunately, there is a downside to selling your home and renting when you retire. Whether you plan to spend your golden years traveling the world or settling into a cozy cottage in some sunny southern state, you’ll need funds to fulfill your retirement dreams. The Advantages of Renting in Retirement Lower Cost Austin, Texas, was just ranked as one of the best places to retire, according to U.S. News & World Report. Buying a property or two could provide enough income to allow you … Or you can reinvest in another type of investment that will provide a good return, while keeping your money accessible if and when you need it. Austin, Texas, was just ranked as one of the best places to retire, according to U.S. News & World Report. For some people, selling the house is a necessary way to help fund their lifestyle in retirement. It’s also important to look at how homeownership impacts your Social Security benefits. To figure out which option is best for you, it all comes down to running the numbers. A list of our real estate licenses is available. According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2018, 60% of baby boomers (ages 54-73) who are selling a home are also buying another home, but only 40% of sellers in the silent generation (ages 74+) are buying again. The experts at AARP advise saving around 10 to 12% of your current income. Unless you can afford to buy your smaller retirement home outright, buying means signing on to another lengthy mortgage. According to the Zillow Group Report, 25% of sellers are baby boomers, and 13% are from the silent generation. There are a variety of ways to modify the “sell and rent” scenario to fit your retirement needs. From property taxes to maintenance to insurance, owning your own home can cost more than renting. If you’re a longtime homeowner, you’ll want to remember what it’s like to be a renter and get used to this lifestyle change. Renters insurance is much less expensive than homeowners insurance, especially if you’re thinking about living near the beach, where homeowners are required to have flood insurance. But should you? Las Vegas had the highest year-over-year rental increase at 7.8%. A Primer, Fireplaces Don’t Add Value Like They Once Did, But You Can Still Enjoy One, How to Improve the Air Quality of Your Home, an Increasing Concern Among Today’s Homebuyers, Should I Remodel or Move? Our house is not that much bigger than the apartment but it has high ceilings, lots of character a big garden. Wile there are no guarantees, knowing how much equity you have in your home is an important early step in retirement planning. Buying may be the smarter play in the long run, but it does come with obligations. This can be particularly hazardous if the property is located in a remote area. Over the course of retirement, retirees can develop health issues that compromise their physical and mental faculties. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. Why I’ll Sell My House And Rent Once I Retire. It is for information purposes only, and any links provided are for the user's convenience. Renting can seriously reduce the amount of expenses that you have to pay each month. Selling your home to pull out the equity means you can put your best asset to work for you—especially if you put a good portion of the home sale proceeds into investment opportunities, like dividend-paying stocks or annuities. Reasons to Sell a House During Retirement For many retirees, the opportunity to save money drives a decision to sell their house and rent. Please seek the services of a legal, accounting or real estate professional prior to any real estate transaction. The analysis showed that renting was a better financial option than buying for the first ten or so years after downsizing. If you’d rather skip the listing process entirely, sell through Zillow Offers and free up the equity in your home sooner. When you rent an apartment, you’re not tied to your house for the long term. She figures she can rent an apartment for $1,200 to $1,500 a month. As a homeowner, you naturally think of buying again — a house or maybe a condo. A recent study by the National Association of Realtors found that around 54% of home sellers are over the age of 52. Former art and design instructor Christine Bartsch holds an MFA in creative writing from Spalding University. You can be in a community where there is an on-site property manager. Homebuyers with good credit can take advantage of low mortgage rates which are currently between 4-5%. Back Instead of selling, you might want to leave the family home to your children or grandchildren someday. For example, if you’re going on a year-long round-the-world trip, you can rent out the house for 1 year, get rent while you’re away and come home at the end of the trip. Lundgren says, “When you rent, you’re not responsible for things. However, downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy another home. You can … If you’ve owned your home for a long time and gained significant equity, you may be on the hook for capital gains taxes when you sell. When Jane Bennett Clark, 64, thought about downsizing in advance of retirement, she imagined selling her four-bedroom house in Takoma Park, … One of the main reasons folks will choose to unload their rental property and sell it off is because they’ve got enough equity to pocket a lot of money from the sale. When you’re renting, your landlord often takes care of most maintenance tasks. Transitioning from homeowner to renter is an adjustment, especially if you’ve owned a home for a long time. The amenities. Finally, while selling is a good way to fund the fulfilling of your fantasy bucket list, some might argue that you’re doing so at the expense of having an tangible asset to pass down to your children or heirs. Sell your house and move abroad. In many markets, renting is cheaper each month than owning — at least in the near-term. Wow, I found this blog and what a joy to read your stories. Many people approaching retirement are left to decide if they should sell their home or stay put. This decision is an important one as housing often makes up about 30% of retirement expenses. So if there’s a leak in the kitchen, it’s just a matter of contacting the manager and then it’s their obligation under the lease terms to rectify any problems.”, Renting also offers you some flexibility in housing styles—whether it’s a townhome, single-family single story, or apartment that you’re eyeing. Why? Just consult a tax professional about the capital gains tax implications for people who, If you need the equity from your home to invest in another home — or another type of investment to fund your retirement — it’s important to calculate your potential profit ahead of time. The sale proceeds could be used to beef up your retirement cushion/account, or maybe be used to purchase a … into their budgeting plan. Deciding if it’s better to rent or buy a house after retirement requires careful planning. Saying goodbye to your once “forever home” can be difficult. Rather than getting intimidated by how much income you’ll need, think about it in terms of what income you’ll have from your current assets. Or is it time to move on? Here’s How Much Money You Need to Build Your Dream Home. According to, If you’ve lived in your home for decades, there are probably cosmetic, mechanical or structural upgrades or repairs to complete to either bring your home up to code or appeal to buyers. However, renters don’t earn equity in their apartments like homeowners do, which can make buying a smarter choice in the long term. Austin’s median rental listing price is $1,695 per month, while the median home for sale has a listing price of $389,000. Retirement is a big life change, and one big life change sometimes leads to another. When you rent, all of that money goes into someone else’s pocket. 19 High-ROI Improvements Buyers Love, Here’s What to Expect From A Home Appraisal So You Don’t Blow It, What It Costs to Remodel a Kitchen: Here’s the Typical Price Tag, How Does the Fair Housing Act Protect Buyers, Sellers, and Renters? She expects to sell her home for $800,000. But renting in retirement could end up being more expensive than aging in place in a paid-off home, where you’d be responsible for just yearly property taxes and maintenance. Rental properties can add an extra stream of income to your retirement portfolio. But retirees -- or near-reti… Hire a real estate agent or, Nationally, the best time of year to list your home is a Saturday in the first half of May. As you age, you might prefer a home that’s less work to take care of, like a home with a small yard or no yard at all. Learn more, .subnav-back-arrow-st0{fill:none;stroke:#0074E4;stroke-linecap:round;} There are plenty of benefits to renting, but there are downsides, too. You know you’ll be moving at some point to cut back on space and the demands on your time and body, one way or another. The idea of putting your hedge trimmer and snow blower away for the last time. Launching her writing career in 2007, Christine has crafted interior design content for companies including USA Today and Houzz. However, if you sell the property within your lifetime, according to the IRS, you’ll likely qualify to exclude up to $250,000 (or up to $500,000 on joint spousal filings) of the home sale price from your income. 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