Low Rates Driving Buyers to Market

Low interest rates are driving new buyers to the market all over the country. Although many retirees plan on a cash purchase, having entry level buyers competing for similar one level smaller homes can prove troublesome for the budget minded retiree. 

Although Washington is attractive to seniors and retirees with no income tax it is also popular among young people coming into the state for high paying jobs across a wide number of fields. The Tri-Cities and Vancouver remain popular for both retired and working people.

Retirees looking for that one level dream home may find themselves in competition with up and coming youngsters looking the jump into the is hot market with sub 3% mortgages available for solid borrowers. Retirees over the age of 55 can sometimes find communities design for older residents and may find less competition from working persons. But those communities are often sought after as well by the millions of aging boomers looking to downsize and slow the pace.

In any case retirees thinking about paying cash for a house may want to revisit the notion of a loan. Borrowing a few hundred grand at less than 3% is not a bad deal at all.   

Will You Have Enough to Retire?

This blog talks allot about the joys of retiring to the wonderful state of Washington. But will you have enough to retire at all? Their are alarming reports that nearly half of all middle income earners will retire poor. This makes the low taxation of retirees in Washington less of an advantage.

Retirees should consider value opportunities if their retirement is going to rely heavy on Social Security and part time work. Washington State does offer some great values at the coast and even in close to the metro area here in Vancouver. Check out my beach information here.

The general rule has been that you need about 20 times your annual income at age 62 in order to maintain your lifestyle throughout retirement. Most middle income earners don't have even one year's income in their retirement account.

Many will choose to work longer, maybe until they are 70 years old. Yikes that may or may not work out. Planning for retirement is very important. I wrote a book about finance and I am not adequately prepared for my own retirement which in theory looms menacingly close to the now.

Downsizing your current home before you retire could be a great way to stockpile money for your actual retirement. If you are 50 years old and already in the empty nest mode, perhaps a major home downsize now is in order. The real estate market is showing a resurgence locally in that "big move up" house market. This could be an opportunity to take advantage if you already live locally or if these conditions exist where you live now.

Washington State is a great place to retire, but you still have to be prepared. Check out my book "Don't Panic" on Amazon.com.