Retirement Move Readiness Checklist

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Financial Readiness

1. Do you have 20%+ down payment?

Lenders prefer 20%+ down for 55+ buyers. Do you have $200K+ liquid for $1M home?

2. Have you calculated total annual carrying cost (HOA + tax + insurance + CFD)?

Budget $24K–$30K/year for $1M home. Can you afford it on retirement income?

3. Do you have Prop 19 advantage (CA → CA move)?

If yes, calculate basis transfer. If no, understand you'll pay full reassessment.

4. Have you gotten pre-approval from a lender?

Lenders are cautious with 55+ buyers. Get approval before house hunting.

5. Do you have a financial cushion for repairs/HOA increases?

Budget $5K–$10K/year extra. Aging homes need unexpected repairs.

Lifestyle Readiness

6. Are you moving toward something or away from something?

Moving TOWARD (beach, community, amenities) = good. Moving AWAY (cost, bad weather) = risky.

7. Have you spent a week in San Diego in different seasons?

One visit ≠ realistic picture. Stay overnight multiple times before committing.

8. Are you okay with community living (HOA rules, meetings, neighbors)?

55+ communities are social. If you value privacy/independence, you'll struggle.

9. Do you have family/close friends to visit you after move?

Isolation is a hidden cost. Will people visit your new location?

10. Are you age 55+ (or will you be within 6 months)?

55+ communities require at least one person 55+. Confirm age requirement.

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Market & Location Readiness

11. Have you researched 3+ communities in detail?

Don't fall in love with first community. Compare HOA, amenities, resale history.

12. Have you talked to current residents (not agents)?

Ask residents: "Would you buy here again?" Listen to honest answers.

13. Do you understand CFD status for each community?

Verify if CFD applies, amount, term. Don't get surprised post-purchase.

14. Have you researched healthcare access?

Location matters for medical access. UCSD, Scripps, VA hospitals nearby?

15. Is the community near shopping, dining, activities you enjoy?

North County = village culture. South County = sprawl. Know the vibe.

Practical Readiness

16. Can you afford to move twice if you choose wrong?

Moving costs $15K–$25K. If first community doesn't work, can you afford to move again?

17. Do you have current home sell timeline (if downsizing)?

Plan 3–6 months to sell current home. Don't get stranded owning two.

18. Have you found a real estate agent experienced in 55+ communities?

Not all agents understand age-restricted markets. Find specialist.

19. Are you prepared for HOA governance (rules, politics)?

Read HOA documents. Understand what you're agreeing to.

20. Do you have honest answer to: "Am I running toward or away?"

Best moves are toward opportunity, not away from problems.

Scoring

15–20 YES answers: Ready. Proceed with confidence.

10–14 YES answers: Mostly ready. Address gaps before committing.

Under 10 YES: Wait. More planning needed.

Free Consultation · Vetted Agents · No Obligation

Ready to take the next step on
the right 55+ community?

Connect with a specialist who knows this market from the inside — real cost math, honest community comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder.

Connect with a Specialist →

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