Finding the right retirement home starts with research and planning. Read our Retirement Homebuyer's Guide to begin the search for the home of your dreams.

1. The Coastal South’s fastest growing community
Retirement
Homebuyer’s
Guide
Building the foundation for a
lifetime of memories.

2. The Coastal South’s fastest growing community
A Place To Spend Your Golden Years
At this juncture in your life, you’ve got
the free time on your hands that
you’ve always wanted. Now the
question becomes, what will you do
with it? Finding the right retirement
home starts with research and
planning. We’ll help guide you through
the steps it takes to locate your dream
home.

3. The Coastal South’s fastest growing community
Step 1: Determine Your Budget
If you’re no longer gainfully employed, you’ll need to determine how
much you can afford to spend on a monthly mortgage and how far into
the foreseeable future that you will be able to sustain that payment.
Part of enjoying your life in your new home is living comfortably,
without worrying about how you will make your next payment.

4. The Coastal South’s fastest growing community
Step 2: Find The Right
Location
The location of your new home will play as much
of a part in your happiness there as the home
itself. Ask yourself:
1) What type of climate do I prefer?
2) How close do I want to live to my family?
3) Where do I see myself spending most of my
time (at home, outside, traveling)?
4) What activities do I want nearby (the beach,
nature trails, golf, fine dining)?
5) Is it in a safe area? (Local police departments’
websites offer crime reports that can be helpful to
determine if an area is safe.)

5. The Coastal South’s fastest growing community
Step 3: Find The
Community
to Fit Your Lifestyle
Are you an active person who enjoys
indoor cycling or tennis? Or would you
prefer more leisurely activities, like relaxing
by the pool?
The community you choose for your
retirement home should be a reflection of
the life you’d like to lead.

6. The Coastal South’s fastest growing community
Step 4: Access Your Needs
With the number of housing options available, it can seem like a
daunting task to narrow your selection down to just one. Thinking
about who the house is intended for will help guide you. Consider
whether or not you need:
• Extra bedrooms for your children or grandchildren
• A spacious backyard for a pet
• A two-car garage
• Extra storage space for recreational equipment (bicycles, kayaks,
fishing gear, etc.)

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Step 5: Arrange A Visit
After you’ve settled on a few different
communities you like, arrange a visit:
• Start with an online visit. Then, when you visit
the community in person, it will feel like a second
visit.
• Call and set an appointment with the community
you are interested in. Many of these communities
offer Discovery Packages for you to come and
sample the lifestyle for a few days.

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Step 6: Explore The Area
Ask about available amenities within the community – and within
driving distance, such as:
• Grocery store or supermarkets
• Medical facilities (walk-in clinic, doctor’s office or urgent care)
• Pharmacies
• Banks
• Restaurants
• Shopping

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Step 7: Get A Second Opinion
Before buying a home, consider getting a second opinion from
someone you trust, such as a daughter, son or other close relative.
Address any concerns you have with them and get their feedback.
It’s always good to get an unbiased, third-party opinion before
making a big decision like buying a home.
But remember: At the end of the day, it’s your home. And the most
important opinion about the home is your own.

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Step 8: Draw Up A Contract
Once you’ve discussed the decision at length with any invested
parties, such as a spouse or relative, ask your real estate agent to
write up a contract. Then, after reviewing it carefully, you can sign
the dotted line and feel confident about your decision. Now, the only
thing left to do is enjoy it.

11. The Coastal South’s fastest growing community
About Brunswick Forest
A master-planned community near Wilmington,
N.C., Brunswick Forest offers luxurious town
homes, patio homes, single-family homes, and
everything in between. Truly a community that
offers something for everyone, residents can
enjoy a wealth of amenities, shopping, and
dining within walking distance.
Learn more about Brunswick Forest on our
website.