House hunting can be enjoyable but becomes overwhelming pretty quickly. After looking at many different houses, they can all start to look the same. It’s hard to remember what homes had what features. In order to make a right decision on which home to make an offer on, you’ll need to remember the details of each house. Read on for tips to help you house hunt like a pro.

Keep Track Of The Homes You Have Looked At

Whether you’re doing simple online searches or touring open houses, it’s easy for your mind to get jumbled as to what you have seen. It’s a good idea to keep a record of homes with their addresses as to where they are located, the color of the house, and the desirable features contained within the home. This way, you can have an overall picture of what you want. 

Know What Features Are Important 

You should make a list of everything you’re looking for in a home before you even start searching. Include things like:

• The price range
• How big of a house you’re looking for
• How many bedrooms
• How many bathrooms
• Additional features like walk-in closets
• Eat-in kitchen or dining room
• What type of home you’re looking for
• How many stories you want the home to be

You can then branch off from the essentials on the list adding other desirable features in a property like a pool, a jacuzzi, a large backyard, or a fireplace. Then, you should make a list prioritizing what is the most important to you in your home search. Things like the number of bedrooms and the size of the home will be a higher priority than a jacuzzi tub. 

Look At Your Commute

One of the most significant factors in finding a home is how far it is from your workplace. The closer you are to work, the less stressful your life will be. If you take the train or a bus to work, it may be easier to live close to a station or stop. On the flip side, to be closer to work what are you sacrificing? Are you close to schools, parks, stores, and other regularly visited spots? See what locations suit your lifestyle.

Review What You’ve Looked At

Once you have done your research and decided what you need and want, it’s time to make comparisons. Look at the prices of each home and see what they have to offer for the money. Once you decide the price and amenities are on par with your original wishlist, the house is a good candidate to put an offer on.             

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Downsizing to a new home that requires lower upkeep ushers in the start of a new life of less responsibility, no job to report to, new friends to make, and working your way through that bucket list. But one thing holds true, if there are discounts to enjoy, a wise retiree on a fixed income should take advantage.

Many newly retired folks move to a new city and don't necessarily know where to find specials and discounts meant just for them. Listed here are only a few to check out in your new community.

Where to go, what to ask

Big ticket items seem like they wouldn’t come with deals for seniors, but you only need ask, “Do you offer a senior discount?” to find out. Thinking of taking a cruise? Many well-known cruise lines offer special deals for seniors include Royal Caribbean that offers “reduced senior prices only on selected sailings exclusively for guests who are 55 years of age and older” and Carnival Cruise Line’s “exclusive savings for Seniors, age 55 and older." So, don't just book your trip, check to see if specific ships or dates have a better discount. Other travel deals include RV rentals, bus excursions, flights, Amtrak, National Parks, and hotels. Try this site for more information.

Another big-ticket item is car insurance discounts. Check with your current provider. If they don't offer a discount, you can find one online. Just search for "senior discount car insurance." Then, see if you might get a discount on a mortgage refinance by talking to your bank or mortgage lender.

Groceries are another area to pop the question. Several market chains offer discounts of specific days to patrons. Check out this link for the best, most up-to-date listing of grocery stores with discounts. And along with groceries, check out this list of restaurants offering special deals for the mature crowd. If you’ve moved to a new city, utilize your restaurant discounts to meet new friends and explore different foods.

Not to be left out, the fast food and casual-fast industries offer special deals, up to ten percent off your meal, early bird specials, senior menus, free coffee, and more. Don’t be timid about it. Ask at the register and keep a list of your favorites.

Dress in style with retail discounts at popular stores. Some require specific days while others have particular age limitations, but with some deals up to 20 percent off, and even more at well-known thrift stores, you can shop til you drop.

Finally, save on prescriptions at all the national chain pharmacies, so be sure to ask about what's available for you.

If you’re wondering what special deals might be available to you, talk to your senior living real estate specialist for recommendations.

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