Home buying before or after retirement

I’ve been researching the issue of whether to purchase a home before I retire or wait to after? I have a couple of situations to consider. Obviously my income, would not be the same vs retirement, however I believe we can afford a reasonalbe mortgage, under $1400.00.,
then I wish to live out of the country for 4-6 months.
So should I consider income property to purchase or not buy; or just rent a different place upon returning….
If we decide to buy it will probably be in Florida west coast, or perhaps Georgia Coast. We’re beach people..

Terry Says:   There’s a lot to this decision.  But let me assure you that it will be difficult if not impossible to get a mortgage once you’re retired!  The new rules require evidence of  ongoing income.  So if you will need a mortgage, buy now!  (Nothing says you can’t pay off the mortgage by selling your current home, if you have one, and using the cash to extinguish the mortgage.  You must get this mortgage as either a primary residence or a second home — not as a rental.  That will also make it difficult to get a mortgage.  I think you should work with a financial planner to go over all your finances and see if you can afford to do this — along with 4-6 months of travel — AND the sequence in which you should do the selling and buying!