Why You Need a Retirement Community Expert

Planning your retirement is incredibly exciting and it’s easy for daydreams of golf courses, pickleball courts and sunshine to distract you from the planning and research that’s required. Whether you’ve already picked your dream destination or are still in the exploration phase, it’s never too early to start reaching out to retirement realtors. These experts can take the guesswork out of which city is the best fit for you, and help you make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Particularly there are countless options for retirement communities in AZ, 55 and over communities, vacation rentals, and individual housing to meet the needs of anyone looking to settle down. Each one has its unique pros and cons, and it can be a daunting task to evaluate all of them – especially without much knowledge of the area going in. However, there are a few key areas that retirement realtors can help guide you on to make sure you make an educated decision that pays off for years to come.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Capital Improvement Fees

When you join a retirement community, there are often “capital improvement assessments fees”. What does that actually mean? It’s a fee you’ll have to pay that’s typically used as discretionary funding to make a property more useful, prolong its life, or increase the value. The cost of these fees can range widely, and are often equal to one year of homeowner association dues. In Arizona, the cap fee is limited to $3,500, which makes it preferable to other states that do not have such laws in place.

Having someone who is familiar with the structure of these fees and where you can get the best value is worth the consultation fee on its own!

Recreational Fees

Another cost you should anticipate if you’re looking at living in a retirement community is a recreational fee. These are used for various social clubs, group trips, golfing, and other included activities. While this makes sense considering all of the options available to you, it’s also worth noting that these fees can range widely in cost, and different communities may offer better amenities than others. For example, Sun City offers a $496 per year plan that has a fantastic range of options, and also offers a la carte yoga classes or monthly subscriptions to other athletic groups.

If you are looking for a 45 and over retirement community targeting an active lifestyle, this could be a fantastic benefit and help steer your decision making. However, if you don’t plan on participating, there are communities that allow for opting out of this fee. Retirement realtors can help you find the best value based on how you plan to spend your retirement.

Rec Usage and Participating Neighborhoods

Part of the appeal of investing in an Arizona retirement property is the opportunity to connect with a population of like-minded individuals who also live in the community. Extra care needs to be taken in order to make sure that you do not choose a home that you thought was eligible to participate in the community recreation facilities, only to find out that you do not have access.

If your goal is to have a lengthy retirement with as much flexibility, comfort, and fun as possible, it’s definitely worth your time to chat with a retirement realtor about which resources you’ll have access to while enjoying the glory days.

What if you’re in for a short stay, though? Well, one of the great things about many of these communities is that they also support retirement vacation rentals or short-term stays for those who want to tour the country as they retire. Some communities even offer monthly passes for recreational access, which is a great value as well. A retirement expert can help you navigate all of the different options available and save you from spending time searching and calling each community you may be interested in.

HOA’s and What They Cover

The term “HOA” often carries a negative connotation among home buyers and real estate investors. This doesn’t have to be the case, especially among the retirement communities in Arizona. In fact, the cost/benefit of a well-organized HOA can be immense. If you’re wondering “what retirement communities near me have the best HOA?” this is another indicator that it’s time to work with an expert.

Good HOA’s ensure that the community stays well-maintained, safe, and represents an idyllic living space. Bad HOA’s can charge too much for not enough benefit, and can become a nightmare should you try to fight their charges or change their policies. Luckily, the policies are usually laid out very clearly. You can make an educated decision based on the recommendations of your realtor and even get testimonials from referred residents.

Different Models of Residence

As more seniors explore the fantastic Arizona retirement opportunities, different living options are popping up to accommodate different lifestyles and budgets.

There are rental homes, which have grown to be a popular option for seniors who don’t want to stay rooted for a long period of time, or aren’t sure if they’re ready for the move to another city or state. These rentals can be more cost-effective in the short term compared to owning, but can also carry different rules and associated fees to protect the homeowner or investor.

There are also growth-ownership and luxury-ownership investment homes that are being developed all throughout Arizona’s 45 and over communities, as many of the members are looking to expand their assets while kicking back and living their best life.

There are also assisted living homes or continuing care for seniors further into their retirement, which certainly requires the knowledge of a retirement community expert when there is so much at stake.

Regardless of what model you believe is best for you, it is a great idea to look at the competing models. You may find a diamond in the rough you hadn’t known about beforehand!

Home History and Upkeep

Understanding the quality and history of a retirement home is crucial to protecting your budget and not spending more than you anticipated in renovation or repair. Many of Arizona’s communities were built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, which means they may begin to have electrical issues.

Another problem that crops up occasionally is foundational issues because of the history of orange groves in Arizona. While this sounds silly on the surface, it can be a pain in the neck for renters and owners alike! The long lateral roots of the trees stay in the soil long after removal, and can cause cracks which lead to settling and sinking for older homes.

These can be pretty common problems that a retirement realtor in Arizona will immediately be familiar with and can help you detect. This knowledge alone can help drive down the cost of living in the retirement community you choose, and will make your stay much less stressful.

Partner with a Retirement Realtor

You’ve worked hard to be able to enjoy a prosperous and enjoyable retirement. One of the last steps towards fulfilling this plan is making sure that any questions you have are being answered by someone with years of experience in the market. In a way, a retirement community realtor is representative of the property you will ultimately settle into: an investment that makes life easy and reduces stress.

If you are looking to move to an Arizona community, our team of agents is available to ensure that you end up in the right spot. Get started today!

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