If you just don’t have enough space, it might be time to move.
You love your house, but there comes a time when it just isn’t the right fit anymore. If you can say “yes” to some of the factors below, moving house might be a good option.
It’s getting crowded
Your two-bedroom home might have felt roomy when you had just one kid. But since welcoming your second child, it seems like your house is bursting at the seams. Your kids are forced to share a room, you have to line up to use the bathroom, and inviting people over just isn’t feasible anymore. If this sounds like your predicament, it’s time to start looking for a new house.
There’s too much space
On the flip side, maybe your home has become too big for you. Your kids may have gone off to college or moved out and you’re left with a much-too-big house. While this isn’t a problem for everyone per se, if you’re still paying off the mortgage then you’re essentially paying full price for a house that’s not being fully utilized. It might be more economical to move to a condo or a smaller home.
Your home is getting long in the tooth
Maintenance expenses are an inescapable part of homeownership. But if you find that repairs have turned your home into a money sink, perhaps it’s time to buy a new home. And even if your place isn’t falling apart, an older home is still more expensive to run. For example, old HVAC systems and plumbing can lead to higher utility bills.
Your commute is getting out of hand
Do you spend more time behind the wheel than with your family? That can only mean one thing: you live too far away from work. Aside from being a huge time waste, a brutal commute can wreak havoc on your well-being. Even though moving to a new place will cost you money, it will be well worth it.
The schools aren’t very good
Here’s something you might not know: school quality is the top consideration for many homebuyers. After all, a good education is often the stepping stone to a prosperous life. If you think the schools in your area aren’t up to snuff, considering moving to a place that has better schools. You can search online to find the top school districts in your area.
You want to be closer to family
This goes both ways, actually. If you’re a retiree who wants to be with your grandkids more often, moving closer is a good idea. On the other hand, you may also wish to move closer to attend to an ailing parent or to be closer to your siblings.
You just got promoted
Chances are, upgrading your home has always been in the cards. With your promotion and the attendant salary bump, you can finally afford to do so. But it’s not just about keeping up with the Joneses; buying a better house in a better neighborhood means you can expect greater property valuation in the years to come.
The neighborhood isn’t what it used to be
Your neighborhood was once a promising community, but recently it’s been on the decline. The parks are no longer maintained, the roads have gone to seed, and the neighbors are noisy. If you’re no longer happy where you are, look for a better community.
Home values aren’t rising
Have home prices in your area been stagnant? At some point, they may well start dipping – and so will your home’s value. Sell before the price starts falling and move to a more promising neighborhood.
There are myriad reasons to move house. If you’re seeing any of the above signs, it may indeed be time to get moving. After deciding, you may refer to this guide when staging your home to sell it quickly. When that time comes, get in touch with Kerrigan Country Realty, at 631.288.9600 or e-mail us at broker(at)kerriganrealty(dotted)com.