Sequim real estate is selling to retirees, and here’s what’s interesting about that. Many retirees are buying their Sequim real estate long before they retire and move here, as much as three years before they retire. This trend has increased this past three years, but more dramatically this year. I’ve sold several homes to retirees who will not be moving here for one, two, and three years. Yesterday I sold a very nice Sunland Condo to a couple who are not retiring “for at least three years.” What will they do between now and then? Rent it.
Retirees Buy Sequim Real Estate Early
Today I got a call from another out-of-town couple who want to make an offer on a home, and they too will be absentee owners. But there is a common theme among these buyers, and I’m paying close attention to what they are saying. Retirees who are now buying Sequim real estate are largely retiring from careers as professionals, including financial advisers, CEOs, Techies from Silicon Valley, professional musicians, University Professors, authors, artists, engineers, doctors, dentists, political consultants, Hollywood actors, commercial pilots, Pastors, and many others. My clients tend to be very smart, mature in every way, and wise, so I listen to what my clients are saying about the economy and their feelings about Sequim real estate and where the market may be going. I like to say, “All my clients are smarter than me.”
Sequim Real Estate and Timing
I like the statement, even if it is a cliche, “Timing is everything.” My clients are echoing that with their thoughts. Here’s why they say they are buying years before they plan to retire and move here. I suspect that as you read these reasons, you may say you’ve been having some of the same thoughts about purchasing Sequim real estate now rather than later.
Sequim Real Estate Buyers
It’s not complicated. Many buyers are listing a few simple reasons why they are buying their Sequim real estate now rather than wait a few years. First, they all believe interest rates will increase at some point, and some feel that when interest rates do start to increase, the Federal debt will skyrocket with the cost of borrowing increasing, which will reverberate throughout the financial markets and the mortgage and real estate markets. When that complicated process unfolds, there could be a dramatic increase in interest rates “at some point” in the coming year.
Second, buyers are saying they feel real estate prices are at or near a bottom, and they don’t care if prices are bottomed out. They only care that they are able to buy the ideal retirement home at a reasonable price at historically low interest rates to manage their monthly retirement cost of living.
Third, buyers are watching the inventory of the best homes quietly disappear from the MLS as they get sold. These homes are not being replaced at the same rate.
Fourth, buyers tell me that as they get older, they prefer to reduce the uncertainty in their lives, and they seek to have more financial security. Waiting to buy Sequim real estate someday actually creates tremendous uncertainty, and could risk their ability to retire in Sequim. Managing risk and uncertainty is a major factor as this generation of people in their 50’s and 60’s goes into retirement. This has become a significant factor for many in looking at Sequim real estate now.
Last Updated on November 25, 2012 by Chuck Marunde
