[asianthree]

Good to be prepared, however 12-18 months really can’t put you into the reality of what homes are available and cost today to 1.5 years from now. You may be without road noise, but your neighbors are 10’away.

There will be homes between the 6’s built between 2005-2010ish. Although the bond won’t be paid, the amount of balance is very low. Just remember whatever you buy will be 7- 10+ years older when you retire. New roofs, HVAC, dated, irrigation systems, HW tank, the list goes on. For us I respect older gens like my parents, but moving to an older neighborhood was like moving to my parents. Gathering at 2-4 sidewalks rolling up @ 6. We never eat until 8 so big lifestyle change, until we moved farther south with younger people

Yes you have a budget, but as pointed out the best you may get is an older 2/2 with 1.5 garage. Plus did you budget for ongoing repairs and maintenance?
Consider renting the first year or two off season for a month, in that smaller home, getting your spouse closer to retirement. Yes you are throwing away a few thousand for rent, but not paying maintenance, taxes, repairs, the list goes on.

For us PV was great for a Vaca, but to live full time was never in the cards. Plus your only storage is spare bedroom, garage, and tiny hot as a match attic above the garage.

Since you are Cold climate people renting in December and January 35 degree nights and 50 during the day will feel balmy, because you are wearing a light jacket while long timers are wearing puffy winter coats.

I continued to work for 4 years while my spouse wintered in TV, at our house. It takes a unique bond to acclimate, and sometimes a true test of marriage. I loved the winters with snow, had no issues with snow removal, house maintenance, and such. But I also had a Work family, spending 50 plus hours a week, sharing meals, conversations, so really never alone until sleep. I also had the ability to take 10-12 paid weeks off a year, to travel down.

My spouse made friends quickly in TV golf, beach tennis, clubs and so on. But being alone can create its own issues for some. Your spouse is still working, pay scale here was 60% less then my northern job.

So yes your plan will work, looking for a home until you buy may be disappointing, because what you loved today won’t be available in 12-18 months.