#9 is incredibly specious. Why would retired people sell? Where are they going to live?
If a person is physically able, then a smart option is to move to a small apartment in a location close to services and shops. Downsizing reduces unnecessary energy costs, taxes, maintenance, yard work, etc. Based on my city, the equity in a median suburban home could easily pay 15 years of rent without investment, maybe 25 - 30 with really good investment.
If there's physical support required, then an apartment in the massively booming "Retirement Living" industry might be a good choice. Here's an example that costs ~$4,500/month, meaning you could probably pay 10 - 15 years after good money management from the sale of a median suburban house in these markets: http://www.retirement.org/financial-info/home-cost-calculato...
The other option is to sell the house now to investors and use the equity to support living and healthcare costs. Then you simply move out at a more convenient later date (i.e. when you die): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_mortgage#When_the_loan_...
If a person is physically able, then a smart option is to move to a small apartment in a location close to services and shops. Downsizing reduces unnecessary energy costs, taxes, maintenance, yard work, etc. Based on my city, the equity in a median suburban home could easily pay 15 years of rent without investment, maybe 25 - 30 with really good investment.
If there's physical support required, then an apartment in the massively booming "Retirement Living" industry might be a good choice. Here's an example that costs ~$4,500/month, meaning you could probably pay 10 - 15 years after good money management from the sale of a median suburban house in these markets: http://www.retirement.org/financial-info/home-cost-calculato...
The other option is to sell the house now to investors and use the equity to support living and healthcare costs. Then you simply move out at a more convenient later date (i.e. when you die): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_mortgage#When_the_loan_...