Chapter 8

Making Important Housing Decisions

IN THIS CHAPTER

check Seeing the importance of housing decisions in retirement

check Examining the options of staying put or moving in your golden years

check Knowing what to do if your home drops in value

check Checking out reverse mortgages

check Understanding tax issues that may affect you

Your housing needs change during your life, but they can really change in your retirement years. Life changes — such as ceasing work, kids growing up and moving out, divorce, death of a spouse, and so on — can have a dramatic impact on your housing wants and requirements and ability to afford housing.

In particular, you face significant housing choices during your golden years. Most retirees grapple with moving, possibly downsizing, and moving into retirement communities that may offer health care. This chapter addresses the decisions you have to make and how the choices you make can potentially affect your finances. Additionally, we cover the key tax issues you need to understand ...

Get Personal Finance After 50 For Dummies, 2nd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.