Reality sets in and you realize that $250,000 is a quarter of a million dollars! That's a lot of money but can it buy you the dream home you've worked so hard for all your life? Maybe. Defining your dream home is all about how you want to live and what you are willing to sacrifice to get what you really want - freedom and life without stress!
I have noticed a real change in what my buyer clients are telling me this year compared to 2 or 3 years ago. They're saying they want to downsize now and they really mean it. Who really needs a 3,000 sq. ft. home with 11' ceilings when you retire and the kids are gone? How many times are all the kids and grandkids going to visit at the same time and how luxurious do the guest rooms need to be? Seriously, don't you want to spend your time doing the things you never had time to do before? Are you staying home to watch TV in your new media room or traveling to Europe this summer?
All I'm saying is there are some options worth considering that are in good neighborhoods and you won't end up with a mortgage that keeps you from enjoying retirement. Maybe your dream home is in this group of -