Is This the Last Home You'll Ever Buy? Why Future Proofing Matters in St. George
Buying a home in St. George isn’t just about today’s comfort, it’s also about tomorrow’s needs. Whether you’re approaching retirement, planning for a growing family, or anticipating multi-generational living, the decisions you make now can determine if this is the last home you’ll ever need to buy.
Why Future-Proofing Matters
Over my years working with buyers in Washington County, I’ve seen too many homeowners make a purchase that fits the moment but falls short when life changes. Of course you can always make a move later, but for some buyers it's ideal to make one final (even if it's the first) investment. Later remodels for accessibility or space can be expensive and disruptive. By thinking ahead, you can save yourself future headaches, costs, and moves.
Aging-in-Place Considerations
Aging-in-place is all about living safely, comfortably, and independently in your own home as long as possible. In St. George’s warm, active community, many homeowners value features such as:
- Single-level living with minimal stairs
- Wide doorways and hallways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs
- Zero-step entries at the front door and garage
- Bathrooms with walk-in showers, grab bars, and comfort-height toilets
- Non-slip flooring and good natural lighting
Consider how important these features might be to you either now or in the future to create a wish list that guides your decision making.
Accessibility as a Resale Advantage
Homes that incorporate accessibility aren’t just for older buyers; they’re attractive to anyone seeking long-term convenience. In fact, homes with universal design features often sell faster and at higher prices because they appeal to a broader range of buyers, including families with young children or those caring for relatives with mobility challenges. A home that’s easy to live in is easy to sell.
Considering Multi-Generational Living
In St. George, multi-generational households are becoming more common, whether that means adult children returning home, grandparents moving in, or a mix of both. Living in a multi-generational home keeps your options open as the needs of the family change. For example, maybe in the near future your adult child will need a soft place to land after graduating college, and you can provide it for them at an affordable rate while offsetting your own living costs.
Then, down the road you may welcome an aging parent to live with you or decide to leverage the other dwelling as a short term rental property. In St. George, short term rentals on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO can be lucrative sources of side income.
If this could be in your future, consider:
- A separate entrance or suite for privacy
- Multiple living areas to give everyone space
- Additional kitchen or kitchenette
- Extra bathrooms to reduce morning traffic jams
These features make a home adaptable over decades of life changes.
Putting It All Together
Future-proofing is about more than just avoiding a move—it’s about investing in comfort, safety, and flexibility for years to come. If you plan carefully now, you can enjoy your home for decades without costly renovations or the stress of relocating.
When we are touring St. George homes, visualize not only how the home fits today, but how it will serve you 10, 20, or even 30 years from now.
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