Thinking about simplifying your life and moving to Monument or Colorado Springs? You’re not alone. Many empty nesters and retirees choose the Tri‑Lakes area or The Springs for the small‑town feel, mountain views, and easy access to care and conveniences. In this guide, you’ll get a gentle, step‑by‑step plan, practical home features to look for, smart timing options, and a short list of trusted local resources. Let’s dive in.
Why Monument and The Springs work
Monument is growing and welcoming to retirees. Recent estimates show about 13–14% of residents are age 65 or older, which means you can expect active programs and neighbors in a similar life stage. You can explore local context in the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Monument to understand the area’s size and pace of growth here.
Colorado Springs offers broader inventory and services, while Monument brings the Tri‑Lakes charm with shops, trails, and a friendly community fabric. If you value access to programs like nutrition, transportation, and social activities, you’ll find strong support in the region through organizations such as Silver Key.
The regional market has shifted closer to balanced compared to the 2020–2022 surge, so you can often expect reasonable offers with proper pricing and preparation. Your best move is to confirm current median prices and days on market for your specific neighborhood with your agent when you are ready.
Right-size your next home
Choosing a home that fits your daily routines can make life easier right away. Focus on safety, comfort, and low‑maintenance features.
One‑level living and step‑free access
- Aim for a single‑level layout or a primary suite with a full bath on the main floor.
- Look for at least one no‑step entry from the garage or driveway and wider doorways for future flexibility. See universal‑design basics from the WBDG here.
Safer, easier bathrooms
- A curbless shower or walk‑in tub, non‑slip floors, and good lighting reduce risk.
- Ask for reinforced walls to add grab bars now or later. For a room‑by‑room checklist, review AARP’s HomeFit materials here.
Kitchen and daily ergonomics
- Lever handles and faucets are easier on hands.
- Pull‑out shelves, a side‑by‑side refrigerator, and reachable microwave height minimize bending and reaching. The WBDG universal‑design guide also covers these ideas here.
Light, clarity, and fewer trip hazards
- Increase ambient and task lighting and reduce glare.
- Simplify thresholds and rugs so walking paths stay clear and even.
Systems and services that help
- Easy‑to‑use thermostats and reliable internet support telehealth.
- In the Tri‑Lakes area and The Springs, programs like Silver Key offer transportation and meal options that keep daily life smoother.
Pick your move timing
The right timing lowers stress. Here are three common paths and how they work.
Sell first, then buy
- You list your current home, accept an offer, and use a short‑term rental or stay with family while you shop. This avoids carrying two mortgages.
- Downsides: you may feel rushed to find the next home. Good planning and clear criteria help.
Buy first with short‑term financing
- A bridge product lets you buy before you sell, often making your offer more competitive. Understand fees, the maximum term, and what happens if your old home takes longer to sell. Review considerations in this overview of Knock‑style products from Bankrate here.
- This strategy adds short‑term debt, so talk it through with your lender and agent.
Coordinate both with contingencies or rent‑back
- A sale contingency ties your purchase to the sale of your current home. It may be less competitive, depending on inventory.
- A short post‑closing occupancy or rent‑back can give you time to move after closing. Learn what a formal occupancy addendum typically covers here.
A gentle downsizing plan
Start early, move in small steps, and accept help where it counts.
- Start 6–12 months out
- Meet an agent for a market review and a lender for pre‑approval.
- Walk through your home and make three piles: Keep, Sell, Donate/Recycle. Keep the items that support daily routines.
- Inventory papers and valuables
- Gather legal documents, titles, deeds, and insurance. Photograph sentimental items and collections for reference and family sharing.
- Book the right help
- A senior move manager or organizer can coordinate estimates for packing, moving, clean‑outs, and estate sales. As an example of services, see Caring Transitions’ senior resettling overview here. Ask for references and proof of insurance.
- Resolve big items early
- Decide on furniture, vehicles, and large equipment first. Measure rooms and doorways in your next home before committing to what you keep.
- Plan safety updates
- Start with small, high‑impact changes: grab bars, better lighting, lever handles. Use AARP’s HomeFit worksheets to plan room by room here.
- Close and settle smoothly
- Confirm utilities and USPS forwarding, transfer medical providers and prescriptions, and update benefits addresses. If eligible, review the Colorado senior property tax exemption details below and file with the county assessor after you move.
For local referrals and program directories, use the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging Yellow Book, a trusted regional guide to services here.
Local help and resources
Use these organizations as a starting point for Monument and Colorado Springs:
- Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging Yellow Book: Central directory for Medicare counseling, transportation, meals, caregiver support, and safety programs. Explore the latest edition here.
- Silver Key Tri‑Lakes programs: Transportation, meals, and activities that keep you connected. Learn more here.
- Mountain Community Senior Services (MCSS): Volunteer rides and small handyman installs for grab bars and ramps. Ask your agent or PPACG for current contact details.
- Tri‑Lakes Cares: A local donation partner for household goods that benefit neighbors in need. See a community overview here.
- Senior move support: Consider a professional organizer or move manager, such as Caring Transitions. Review service examples here. You can also contact local professional organizers like A Call To Order for quotes.
If you want a curated list of age‑friendly vendors, ask your agent to review regional directories, including Age‑Friendly Pikes Peak’s portal, to match you with screened providers.
Smart tax note for Colorado owners
Colorado offers a senior property tax exemption for eligible homeowners. The statutory framework exempts 50% of the first 200,000 dollars of a home’s actual value, but application rules and deadlines are administered by each county assessor. Review the state’s guidance from the Division of Property Taxation here and contact the El Paso County Assessor for current local filing deadlines and forms.
How Jennifer helps
Downsizing involves more than selling a house. You deserve a calm, coordinated plan. With over 25 years in the Pikes Peak region and specialized credentials including Senior Real Estate Specialist, Jennifer offers boutique, hands‑on guidance backed by Coldwell Banker marketing. You get clear pricing strategy, thoughtful staging, and a coordinated sale‑to‑purchase timeline with introductions to trusted local services.
Ready to plan your next chapter with less stress and more confidence? Reach out to Jennifer Koslowsky Real Estate to Schedule a Consultation.
FAQs
How do I choose furniture for a Monument or Colorado Springs downsizing?
- Measure rooms and doorways in your next home, then keep the pieces you use every day. Photograph heirlooms and collections so family can help decide what to keep, gift, or sell.
Who pays to install grab bars or ramps in a new home?
- Often the homeowner, but local programs may help. Start with the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging’s Yellow Book for potential handyman or home‑modification resources and subsidy options here.
What if I cannot move before my new home closes in El Paso County?
- Consider a short rent‑back or a sale contingency, or explore bridge options to buy first. Learn about bridge‑style products from Bankrate here and see what a post‑closing occupancy agreement covers here.
