5 Home Features That Are Overrated for Retirees, According to Real Estate Experts
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Retirement is when most people want to focus on comfort over home maintenance, but too many homeowners end up in the opposite situation. Real estate experts said retirees often overspend on features that look impressive but add little real-life value when in reality, retirees will want to prioritize practicality, affordability and long??’term ease of living.
From oversized homes to unused pools, here’s what experts said to think twice about before making your next move in retirement.
1. Oversized Homes
Retirees who assume that a large home will give them room for visiting family and hobbies may find that extra space quickly becomes more of a hassle than they planned for, according to Ben Mizes, co-founder and president of Clever Offers. Bigger homes also cost more to heat, cool and maintain.
“I have talked to ample retirees who thought large houses would allow room for all family members. However, an expensive lot turns out to be unnecessary in a lot of cases,” Mizes said.
It’s more common to see retirees downsize, said Tom Hume of The Hume Group. “Bedrooms end up serving as very expensive storage space for items that really aren’t even used.”
2. Stairs and Multilevel Layouts
Even if stairs feel manageable early in retirement, mobility and balance can change quickly. Real estate experts warn that multilevel homes often end up restricting how much of a home retirees actually use, or force expensive remodels or moves.
“Stairs are probably the most common call I get,” Hume said. “A lot of people eventually face hip and knee issues, so the basements and upstairs square footage just don’t get used.”
Mizes added that even just a two-story layout can become “a hazard when the ability changes and requires either expensive modifications or a disruptive move.”
3. High-Maintenance Yards
That lush front lawn or sprawling backyard may look appealing when you first buy, but upkeep costs rise with age and inflation.
“Retirees often regret buying homes with large front and backyards,” said Justin Chau, a California realtor. “Even without fancy vegetation, the cost to maintain the grass and cut the landscaping always increases.”
Fewer retirees use large outdoor spaces once children or pets are no longer at home.
4. Luxury Extras Like Soaking Tubs and Pot Fillers
Retirees might be initially drawn to high-end design trends that eventually don’t match their daily routines. These “Instagram-friendly” additions tend to increase water usage, require upkeep and even create mobility challenges as homeowners age.
“One of the typical examples is a large soaking tub. It is pretty in pictures and appears to be an indication of leisure time, yet in real life it is not of much use,” said Dominic Leto, a realtor, CEO and founder of Sell My Home PA.
Retirees also regret fad accessories such as pot fillers or the second island kitchen, Leto added. “They tend to add additional expenses and require additional maintenance with minimal value.”
5. High-End Systems Like Pools, Smart Homes and ‘Dream Kitchens’
Experts said the most overlooked part of retirement real estate planning isn’t the mortgage anyway; it’s the maintenance. High-end systems may add luxury, but every repair and upgrade chips away at retirement savings that should be working for long-term comfort instead.
“Pools are especially among the biggest features people regret, as they demand considerable maintenance, hike insurance and end up getting used way less than owners anticipate,” Mizes said.
He also finds retirees regret high-maintenance luxury upgrades “like the chef’s kitchen and smart-home systems that magically turn into a curse rather than a blessing,” Mizes added.
Choose Practical Comfort Over Flash
The experts agreed that retirees are happiest in homes that prioritize safety, accessibility and ease of upkeep.
“You don’t need a large house with numerous luxury features to make it feel luxurious,” Leto said. “All a house requires is comfort, convenience and simplicity to maintain it through the years.”
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