I am 72. Can I still buy a house?

Hi Rose, Short answer: yes. At 72 you have the same right to buy as a 32 year old. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes it illegal for a lender to deny you or change your terms because of your age, and there is no maximum age on a 30 year mortgage. The real question at your stage is not whether, but how you structure the income side. A few paths people your age often miss: - If most of your money sits in savings or investments rather than a paycheck, ask lenders about an asset depletion loan (also called asset dissipation). They convert your accounts into a qualifying monthly income figure, so you can qualify on assets alone. - Social Security and pension income can often be grossed up, because a lender can treat non taxable income as worth more when they qualify you. - If you would rather buy without a monthly mortgage payment at all, look at a HECM for Purchase, which is a reverse mortgage used to buy. You put down a larger amount, and there is no required monthly principal and interest payment as long as you live there and keep the property taxes and insurance current. One California note if you are buying in this state: at 55 or older, Proposition 19 lets you carry your existing low property tax base to your new home, up to three times, as long as you buy within two years of selling. On a long held home that can save you thousands every year. I am Zoltan Peresztegi, a South Bay and Los Angeles real estate professional and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). I am not a lender, so run the loan structure by a good loan officer, but every one of these should be on the table for you. If you tell me what area you are shopping in, I am glad to point you to a strong SRES colleague near you. Zoltan

Yes—you can absolutely buy a house at 72. There is no age limit to buying real estate in the U.S. As long as you can qualify financially or arrange financing, you are fully eligible to purchase a home. What matters to lenders (if you need a mortgage) is not your age, but things like: • Income or retirement income (Social Security, pension, etc.) • Credit score • Debt-to-income ratio • Assets and savings In fact, many retirees successfully buy homes using: • Retirement income • Savings or proceeds from a previous home sale • Cash purchases • Reverse mortgage options (in specific situations, usually for refinancing later, not buying directly) If you are buying with cash, the process is even simpler and age is not a factor at all. The main thing to consider at your stage of life is not whether you *can* buy, but what type of home best fits your needs—such as: • Single-story layout • Lower maintenance property • Location near family, healthcare, or amenities So yes—you are absolutely able to buy a home, and many people do so comfortably at your age and beyond.

Hi Rose, You can absolutely still purchase a home at 72! You have so many options to purchase, including a Reverse for Purchase Option! The first thing you should do is speak to a local Realtor that is has an SRES designation. They can help you find the right lender that can go over ALL of your options. That way you are informed on each loan type available to you and you can make the right decision for you based on your needs and wants. I just had a Buyer settle on her first home at 78. She used a Reverse for Purchase loan, put 38% down and she will never pay a payment. What was really great about the home she purchased was that it had an in-law suite with a separate entrance for a live-on caretaker for her if she were to ever need someone. Right now, she rents it out and the tenant cares for the lawn and exterior maintenance for her. You can have up to 3 units with a reverse mortgage. Reverse Mortgages aren't your only option of course, but it is one option that works great for a lot of Buyers. Best of luck to you! Jessica Sauls, Realtor and Owner Memory Lane Property Group

Absolutely you can. As long as you have income to qualify for a loan it does not have to be from an employer it can be retirement money etc. and of course you need good credit

You sure can! Buying a home has no age limit. If it is a good investment for you, then I think it's a wonderful idea. You have options for purchasing, buying all cash or financing. For financing the lender will have requirements you need to meet, but age is not one of them. They include income, assets, credit score and debts that will be reviewed.

Yes, you can still buy a home when you are 72. There is no discrimination in Real Estate. You likely have a couple of options including a reverse mortgage. You should start by talking to a lender.

Yes—you absolutely can buy a house at 72. There is no age limit for buying a home. Lenders are not allowed to deny a loan based on age alone. What they focus on instead is your financial profile. What lenders typically look at: • Income (Social Security, retirement, pensions, etc.) • Credit score • Debt-to-income ratio • Assets and savings Many buyers in their 60s, 70s, and beyond successfully purchase homes every year. Options some buyers in this stage consider: Depending on your goals, you might look at: • A traditional mortgage • Downsizing to a smaller, easier-to-maintain home • Paying cash (if applicable) • A reverse mortgage (in certain situations, depending on your needs) What matters most: The key question isn’t age—it’s: • Does the payment fit comfortably within your budget? • Does the home support your lifestyle needs now and in the future? Many buyers at this stage are looking for: • Simplicity • Lower maintenance • A home that fits their long-term plans A good next step: Speaking with a lender can help you understand what options are available based on your income and goals. You’re definitely not alone—many people choose to buy later in life for the right reasons. — Becky Groe Coldwell Banker Realty

Yes, you can. There's no age limit for buying a house. Lenders can't discriminate based on age. If you're getting a mortgage, they'll look at your income (Social Security, retirement accounts, pensions) to make sure you can afford the payments. As long as your income supports the loan, you're fine. If you're paying cash, it's even easier. Just make sure the house works for you long-term and fits your budget.

Absolutely — yes, you can buy a house at 72. Age is not a barrier to getting a mortgage or purchasing property in the United States. Lenders are prohibited from using age as a factor in approving or denying a loan. Here’s what actually matters. What lenders look at (not your age) - Income (Social Security, pension, retirement accounts, investments all count) - Credit score - Debt‑to‑income ratio - Assets and reserves - Property type and condition As long as those pieces check out, you can absolutely qualify. How mortgages work for older buyers Lenders cannot ask how long you expect to live or make assumptions about your lifespan. They only need to verify that you have stable, reliable income to cover the payment. Many buyers in their 60s, 70s, and 80s use: - Social Security - Pension income - Required minimum distributions - Retirement savings - Annuities - Investment income All of these are acceptable. Common advantages at your age You may actually have more flexibility than younger buyers: - Stronger credit history - More savings or equity - Lower overall debt - Ability to buy with a larger down payment Some buyers even choose 15‑year loans to build equity faster, while others prefer 30‑year loans for lower monthly payments. Both are allowed. Bottom line Being 72 does not limit your ability to buy a home. If the finances make sense and the property fits your lifestyle, you can move forward confidently

Yes — you can absolutely buy a house at 72. Age cannot be used against you when qualifying for a mortgage. What really matters is your financial profile, not your age. Lenders will look at things like: Income (retirement, Social Security, pensions, etc.) Credit score Assets and reserves Depending on your situation, you may also want to explore options like a reverse mortgage for purchase, which can allow you to buy with a larger down payment and no required monthly mortgage payment. Bottom line: you have options. The key is working with the right lender and real estate team to find the best strategy for your goals.

Hi Rose, you're able to buy a home long as you can qualify for a loan, lenders don't have an age limit, long as your credit scores are good, you have down payment reserves and your debt to income ratio is in range to qualify for a loan you should be good to buy a home. Contact your local area real estate agent to assist you with you needs and contact a lender to see how much you can qualify for.

Absolutely! I just helped a couple sell their home in Burien, WA and they purchased in a 55+ active living community in Lacey, WA...the husband is in his 70's Another client just moved up from California and purchased in University Place and she is in her 70's as well. There is no age restriction when purchasing a home : )

Absolutely. Age is not a factor in qualifying for a mortgage. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits lenders from discriminating based on age. A 72 year old and a 32 year old are evaluated on the same criteria: income, assets, credit history, and debt. If the numbers work, the loan gets approved. Fixed income from Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts all count toward qualifying. The math just needs to work on paper the same way it would for any borrower. What does change is the conversation around which home and which loan actually fits your life right now. Maintenance load, accessibility, proximity to family or healthcare, and long term livability all deserve a spot in that discussion alongside price and location. The SRES designation exists specifically for this stage of life. It means your agent understands the financial and lifestyle considerations that come with buying later in life and can help you make a decision that works for the years ahead. Can you buy at 72? Absolutely. People do it every day. The question is just making sure the right home meets the right plan. Amanda Mullins, MBA, SRES REALTOR® | eXp Realty Southwest Ohio | Referrals Nationwide movesmartwithamanda.com

Hi Rose! You most certainly can still purchase a home. I've helped many people in their 70s purchase homes in 55+ Communities. Wishing you happy buying! Alāna Mey Real Estate Broker in Bellingham, WA Compass www.AlanaMey.com

Of course, as long as you have income and meet the mortgage requirements or have the cash to purchase you should be fine, barring any extenuating circumstances like non-citizenship or being on the FBI wanted list. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

of course, the lenders can't discriminate against a person for their age

Absolutely!! Anyone can buy a home.