By Dayv Morgan
Whether you’re retiring, downsizing or purchasing a new home, Maricopa offers plenty of real estate options.[quote_box_right]Reverse mortgages do come with a few conditions
1. The home must be a primary residence, and certified as such each year.
2. The property condition must be maintained.
3. The homeowner must still pay the property taxes, HOA and insurance.[/quote_box_right]
The newest option might attract seniors who want to live with family, but desire a separate living space. One builder currently has a single-story model for sale in Santa Rosa Springs that is a great option.
This “multi-generational” floorplan has an area with a private family room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, along with its own entrance from the exterior while still being attached to the main house. The properties are essentially two homes in one, and the HOA is only $65 per month, so it is a more affordable option than the adult community in the city.
Province, Maricopa’s fabulous 55+ community, was voted the best active-adult community in the country in 2006 by the National Association of Home Builders.
It features a 32,000-square-foot clubhouse and resort-style outdoor pool surrounded by a scenic 50-acre lake. Additionally, it is a guard-gated community, providing residents safety and security, especially for those who do not occupy the home year-round.
However, these added benefits do come with a cost: Homes in Province have the highest price per square foot and the highest HOA of any subdivision in Maricopa. HOA fees are $678 per quarter for single-family homes and $918 per quarter for the Villas, which share an exterior wall with another home.
Those looking to buy a home in other subdivisions might consider reverse mortgages – a unique option for seniors age 62 or older. With as little as a 20 percent down payment, purchasers can actually end up without a monthly loan payment.
Additionally, reverse mortgages can allow homeowners to refinance their existing loan and convert home equity into cash. The money can be paid in a lump sum, through a line of credit or with monthly payments. Fees and interest are charged on the loan amount, therefore over time the loan balance increases and your home equity decreases.
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This column appears in the February issue of InMaricopa.
