Brought By Cheryl Thompson
In retirement, at long last, the days are all your own – which makes locking down the optimal luxury abode paramount to enjoying it!
“Rightsizing” doesn’t always mean moving into a condo suite. Sometimes it does – there are many spectacular suites out there, after all – but oftentimes, those entering the retirement phase of their lives are seeking environments that represent the freedom, spaciousness, and mobility that simply can’t be found in most 9-5 lifestyles.
When beginning to think about the place you’ll call home through the empowering phase of life that is retirement, the first thing to consider is what exactly you dream of your days looking like.
Are you an avid golfer who has long been anticipating this new-found time to work on your swing? Perhaps you’re a wine aficionado, so to be located in wine country would immerse you in the home of your hobby. Or maybe you’re ready to level up from laps in the condo pool and take your best back-stroke straight to one of the many lakes in Ontario’s vast cottage country region.
Get clear on your desires
No matter what brings you joy, a retirement abode awaits you… but in order to find it, this step of getting clear on what you want out of the years to come is most important.
Take time with – and be present through – this process. Whether your preferred form of brainstorming is list-writing in a notebook over a Sunday morning coffee, or whipping up a digital spreadsheet that outlines your home’s must-haves, taking down your preferences and putting your vision on paper (or screen) will serve you well. This practice allows you to get clear on your desires before you even dream of signing on the dotted line.
Once you’ve established what retirement’s rhythm will look like for you, zeroing in on a destination becomes easier;
the sprawling fields of wine country wait in both Niagara-on-the-Lake and Prince Edward County; the cottage life is on deck in Muskoka, Kawartha Lakes, and Georgian Bay; or maybe even further pastures call, and it’s time to explore the east coast or the mountainous skyline out west – in which case, that aforementioned luxurious city condo could serve as a perfect pied-a-terre for weekend visits with family.
Note your non-negotiable needs
In addition to checking off what you want most out of your new home – location, nearby activities, and special touches within the space itself such as a pool, golf simulator, or in-house sauna – it’s also important to note your needs. These are the non-negotiables that, if not present, would inhibit your ability to live a full and free life. Details to consider for a retirement residence include storeys (or lack thereof), general property accessibility such as ramps and/or elevators, reliable internet and/or cell phone connectivity, access to outdoor space (be it private or shared), a home within a dedicated retirement community, and any other requirements that may apply to you personally.
Once you’ve crafted your vision, from nice-to-haves to wants to needs, you can officially begin the search for your luxurious new retirement abode.
Now it’s time to connect with a knowledgeable luxury real estate agent who will serve as the linking piece between you and your dream luxury home. When corresponding with your agent, be sure to inform them of your vision’s details – not just where you want to live, but what your non-negotiables are. From here, the fun begins: the journey of exploring gorgeous property listings and securing the one that speaks directly to you.
I would be pleased to work with you as you endeavor on this exciting journey towards your dream retirement lifestyle. For those of you who are looking to enjoy your retirement in further, maybe international pastures, my Sotheby’s International Realty® partners around the globe will be happy to guide you along the way.
Final Thoughts
Beyond perusing these tips, you may be seeking further support as you navigate the luxury real estate market. Do not hesitate to contact me to to help you fulfill all of your Toronto luxury real estate goals.
About the Author: Cheryl Thompson is a leading luxury Realtor® and Senior Vice President of Sales with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada helping buyers and sellers to fulfill their real estate goals in Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. She can be reached at cthompson@sothebysrealty.ca or 416.419.1991.