Retirement Retirement

HomebuyerHomebuyer’’s s

GuideGuide

Building the foundation for a lifetime of memories.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

At this juncture in your life, you’ve got the free time on your hands that you’ve always wanted. Now the question becomes, what will you do with it? Finding the right retirement home starts with research and planning. We’ll help guide you through the steps it takes to locate your dream home.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

A Place To Spend Your Golden Years

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

If you’re no longer gainfully employed, you’ll need to determine how much you can afford to spend on a monthly mortgage and how far into the foreseeable future that you will be able to sustain that payment. Part of enjoying your life in your new home is living comfortably, without worrying about how you will make your next payment.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

Step 2: Find The Right

Location

The location of your new home will play as much of a part in your happiness there as the home itself. Ask yourself:

1) What type of climate do I prefer?2) How close do I want to live to my family?3) Where do I see myself spending most of my time (at home, outside, traveling)?4) What activities do I want nearby (the beach, nature trails, golf, fine dining)?5) Is it in a safe area? (Local police departments’ websites offer crime reports that can be helpful to determine if an area is safe.)

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

Step 3: Find The

Community

to Fit Your Lifestyle

Are you an active person who enjoys indoor cycling or tennis? Or would you prefer more leisurely activities, like relaxing by the pool?

The community you choose for your retirement home should be a reflection of the life you’d like to lead.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

Step 4: Access Your Needs

With the number of housing options available, it can seem like a daunting task to narrow your selection down to just one. Thinking about who the house is intended for will help guide you. Consider whether or not you need:

• Extra bedrooms for your children or grandchildren• A spacious backyard for a pet• A two-car garage • Extra storage space for recreational equipment (bicycles, kayaks, fishing gear, etc.)

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

Step 5: Arrange A Visit

After you’ve settled on a few different communities you like, arrange a visit:

• Start with an online visit. Then, when you visit the community in person, it will feel like a second visit.• Call and set an appointment with the community you are interested in. Many of these communities offer Discovery Packages for you to come and sample the lifestyle for a few days.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

Ask about available amenities within the community – and within driving distance, such as:

• Grocery store or supermarkets• Medical facilities (walk-in clinic, doctor’s office or urgent care)• Pharmacies• Banks• Restaurants• Shopping

Step 6: Explore The Area

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

Step 7: Get A Second Opinion

Before buying a home, consider getting a second opinion from someone you trust, such as a daughter, son or other close relative.

Address any concerns you have with them and get their feedback. It’s always good to get an unbiased, third-party opinion before making a big decision like buying a home.

But remember: At the end of the day, it’s your home. And the most important opinion about the home is your own.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

Step 8: Draw Up A Contract

Once you’ve discussed the decision at length with any invested parties, such as a spouse or relative, ask your real estate agent to write up a contract. Then, after reviewing it carefully, you can sign the dotted line and feel confident about your decision. Now, the only thing left to do is enjoy it.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community

About Brunswick Forest

A master-planned community near Wilmington, N.C., Brunswick Forest offers luxurious town homes, patio homes, single-family homes, and everything in between. Truly a community that offers something for everyone, residents can enjoy a wealth of amenities, shopping, and dining within walking distance.

Learn more about Brunswick Forest on our website.

The Coastal South’s fastest growing community