Getting a Mortgage - Are You Ever Too Old?

As retirement slowly creeps up on you, you might think that it’s far too late for you to buy your first home. While this can be true in some cases as it wouldn’t suit certain individual’s situations, there are still occasions where it’s a good idea to buy. In this article, we answer the question that many people have been scared to ask - are you ever too old for a mortgage?

For the older homebuyer, there may be some extra things to think about that younger borrowers needn’t even consider. You’ll still want to get an idea of the crime rate, schools, and compare prices of similar houses in the area; but older home owners will also need to accept the fact that maintenance will become harder for them as they get even older. In a rented house, appliances, leaks, and other problems can be replaced and fixed no problem for free, but in your own home you’ll need to arrange a professional to fix them. Not only that, but simple things like cleaning the house will be a lot harder too. The closer you get to retirement age, the more you should think about your health, your finances, and how the house will impact your family in the future.

Some people say that buying a house when you’re older is better, as you have more savings and investments tucked away. However, if your retirement plans involve lots of exotic destinations and cruise ships or something similar, then it makes no sense to burden yourself with a mortgage to pay off (and the other fees that come with being a home owner). However, if you plan on settling down in one place for your retirement (having done all your travelling previously), then it might not be such a bad idea to get a mortgage now.

You might want to consider a time when you aren’t so mobile though - will you be able to afford care in your home? If not, you might one day need to move to a caring home which could result in you selling the house (even more hassle, and upsetting).

A home should be considered as a long term investment, and you need to think about what will happen to the investment when you can’t look after it yourself anymore. You don’t want to be left panicking, “how can I sell my house fast?”, do you? To help plan for the future, you may want to invest in a maintenance service and make sure you have cash tucked away for a rainy day just in case.

Sitting down with your loved ones and talking about long term plans for the house is also a good idea, as you’ll be able to fill them in on all of your ideas. How long do you plan on staying there? Do you plan to sell it eventually? Or are you planning on leaving the home to your kids or grandkids? Whatever your plans, make sure you have a good chat with them so you’re all on the same page.

Buying a house could be a great investment for you, regardless of age, providing you’ve thought it through properly and planned as best you can. In conclusion; you’re never too old for a mortgage if the time feels right for you!