Is it too late to have a new home built in one's 70s?

[ShokWaveRider]

DW and I are looking at a new community and are trying to decide whether we are too old to do so. We are 73 and 68 respectively. Depending on how long it takes we may end up being 74 and 69.

 

[aja8888]

DW and I are looking at a new community and are trying to decide whether we are too old to do so. We are 73 and 68 respectively. Depending on how long it takes we may end up being 74 and 69.

I had one built at age 80. As long as you are OK with the lengthy construction process and dealing with contractors (or a General Contractor), go for it.

 

[Car-Guy]

If you are going to build at that age, you might want to ask your kids what they'd like in a new home.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

If you are going to build at that age, you might want to ask your kids what they'd like in a new home.

No kids. we are leaving everything to St. Judes and Dogs for the blind.

 

[aja8888]

If you are going to build at that age, you might want to ask your kids what they'd like in a new home.

 

[Sunset]

At that age, make sure the house (doors, hallways, etc) are wheelchair accessible, along with the entrance.

Not like this:

 

[braumeister]

DW and I are looking at a new community and are trying to decide whether we are too old to do so. We are 73 and 68 respectively. Depending on how long it takes we may end up being 74 and 69. 78 and 73.

Fixed it for you!

 

[ShokWaveRider]

It will be a single story in a 55+ community

 

[dingo]

it’s not too late. If you have the energy, go for it. Major projects like that are challenging, but very rewarding when finished.

Yes, there are headaches along the way.

 

[Dawg52]

Nah. If you think you will enjoy the area go for it. Plus it’s only going to go up in value…well usually.

 

[Aerides]

It will be a single story in a 55+ community

If it's part of a community build vs. a custom stand alone, and you'll get to pick some stuff out, go for it.

BUT, no matter what they tell you, double the ETA. The last time I bought new, I picked the house out as it was almost already built - roof on, walls studded, etc. I went to contract and they said 2-3 months we're ready, and it looked it. Still, took 8 months.

If this is an already-open and lived-in community, then the dates are more reliable, but if this will be the first batch of new homes, even less so, as they'll have common area stuff to complete under city/county permits beyond just your home. And in that case, if they haven't even broken ground? Plan on 3 years.

 

[OldShooter]

Do it.

We just built a new lake home at about 75YO. Living space is all single level, no steps to enter or exit the home, all doorways 36", not truly designed for wheelchair cooking but sort of "ADA Lite" features. Very high end construction and lake views. No plastic anywhere; granite, hardwood, and tile.

We've recently put it into a trust for future generations. Trustees follow the blood line and have a fairly free hand to manage the place for family use. County assessor's estimated value is just over $1M. To prevent the trustees from just selling the place and pocketing the proceeds, the trust specifies that if it is sold. 100% of the proceeds go to the local community foundation, to a fund that we have already set up.

Re St. Jude I have read a lot of negative comments about their fund-raising, including that they sometimes sue estates for money that they think they should get. (St. Jude Fights Donors’ Families in Court for Share of Estates I suggest that you look into smaller, more local charities. We like community foundations: Community Foundations and https://cof.org/page/community-foundation-locator

 

[MC Rider]

It will be a long and winding road, but if you have the energy and feel up to it maybe it will lead to your door. Your new dream door.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

It will be a long and winding road, but if you have the energy and feel up to it maybe it will lead to your door. Your new dream door.

I do not subscribe to the dream home rhetoric, a house is a house, you do not marry it, like a car, it is simply a thing to enjoy. If it loses that, then get a new one.

 

[MichaelB]

<mod note> The thread topic is homebuying, not charities. Please save your views on charitable options for a different thread.

 

[COcheesehead]

We just finished building our second house within the last 6 years. It takes a lot of attention. Even after it’s built, there is a lot to deal with. We went into it with our eyes wide open so no surprises, but it will disrupt your life for many months.

 

[ShokWaveRider]

Del Webb have a good reputation for being somewhat efficient. We will do our due diligence before we commit. I am just worried that we may be too old to embark on the project as we have never done it before.

 

[MC Rider]

No time like the present. We're not getting any younger.
But it's a lot of work. So....
It's one of those you make the call things. Good luck either way.

 

[Route246]

We are remodeling an original condition house as our forever home at 68/69 years old. We are about 120% over budget so far on the remodel(this is OK, we can afford it) and this exercise was part asset reallocation to get a little out of equities and the other was to have an ADU for caregiver (experienced in this with my parents end of life at home) plus a driveway and entry that had tasteful, suitable medical transport access without those aluminum ramps. I am expending a great deal of effort with the architect to make sure this looks natural, inviting and tasteful...and oh, by the way, medical transport can be facilitated nicely. I've got a man cave building and a separate workshop with winch capability if I decide to pull an engine or something. Wife will have a nice kitchen and living great room. We are old but not too old to enjoy this when it is complete.

 

[TripleLindy]

Del Webb have a good reputation for being somewhat efficient. We will do our due diligence before we commit. I am just worried that we may be too old to embark on the project as we have never done it before.

New builds in Del Webb communities are commonly built by people in their 70s. And they’re usually relatively small, tract homes and don’t take too long to complete - nothing like a 4k sqft custom home. Go for it if that’s what you want. Those Del Webb communities are wonderful! We had a 2nd home in one, but sold it a few years ago. Wish we still had it.

 

[ferbm]

Go for it!!!!

 

[Ronstar]

Go for it!!!!

+1

 

[Dtail]

You have had an interest in moving for awhile now. Go for it.

 

[MC Rider]

I took us about 9 months to build a 2 car steel garage with no interior finish.
If you're doing it get going.

Don't wait until one day you find, 10 years have got behind you.
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.

 

[disneysteve]

Too old? Nonsense. If you want it, do it.

If you were 93 and 88, my answer might be different, but at your ages, it shouldn't even be a question.