When is the right time to move?

People move everyday in our busy society. They may be relocating due to changing jobs or getting promoted. They may be moving closer to family. They may be moving up to a bigger, better home or right sizing their home because they’ve become empty nesters. The reasons are many but most experience the same feeling – stress. Moving isn’t easy but I can help you make it a smoother process. By helping you eliminate the stressor, I can make your move easier. This article was written to prepare you for your move, no matter the reason. Just skip to the section that most applies to your situation to find out how to make it easier.

Empty Nesters: Right-size your home for comfort and affordability

Empty nesters are people whose children have grown and moved out of the house. Often, there’s no longer a need (or desire) to maintain a large familial home. This is the perfect time to scale-down – or right size – your living situation. By finding a home that is more in-tuned with your current lifestyle, you can live the life you’ve earned. You’ve spent a lifetime caring for your family, now it’s your turn to do what’s right for you. Perhaps that means you’d like to spend less time maintaining your home and yard. Fortunately, now your options are better than ever. Your choices include moving to a smaller home, a retirement community or a condo.

Obviously, smaller homes mean less maintenance and lower costs. Retirement communities on the other hand, ensure your neighbors are in the same age bracket and have similar interests. Condominiums may mean little-to-no yard maintenance and close proximity to activities and other favorable amenities. Ideally, your “right sized” home will accommodate your changing needs. Remember to take into consideration your future needs as well. Will you need care? Will the stairs in your home become a challenge? Things like that should be considered when changing your living situation. Another consideration is remaining in, or moving out of, your current neighborhood. Many empty nesters have lived in the same home and/or neighborhood for over 25 years. They’re comfortable there – familiar with the neighbors and the area. You have to decide which is best for you. Do you want a change? Is the type of housing available in your current location? Only you know the answers to these questions. But to help you make the most informed decisions, I’ve provided the different options you have available with the inherent advantages and disadvantages of each.

Condominiums

Condos generally offer low maintenance and abundant amenities, which make them popular with seniors. There are condos available in virtually every price range – from minimal accommodations to luxurious. With amenities such as pools, tennis courts, fitness facilities and even golf courses, condos are a great choice for those wanting to stay active yet live independently. However, there are things to consider before buying a condo. Condo owners are governed by bylaws, rules and regulations established by the condo board. These rules were put in place to ensure the safety and cleanliness for all occupants. So before buying a condo, check their rules and regulations to make sure you can abide by them before making your purchase. Be sure to ask about Homeowner dues. By the way, I can help you find this type of property!

Smaller Homes

Scaling down from a large family home to a smaller home can mean getting the best of both worlds – you still have a single-family home but without all the maintenance you had before. Many empty nesters are selling their large homes and buying smaller ones with the proceeds. Doing so means they have less upkeep, no mortgage and a home they can manage. Ready to downsize to a smaller property with less expense and maintenance? I can help!

Retirement Communities

The retirement community option allows retirees to live among others in the same situation and with similar interests. They typically offer amenities that include fitness facilities, tennis courts, game rooms, pools and sometimes golf courses. Often located close enough to the city for convenience, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle that they still have a quiet place to live. If having neighbors within your age group and are interested in the same or similar activities, this would be a good choice when rightsizing your home. Want to know your options for local area retirement communities? Ask me now!

Need information about any of these options? Contact me now!

Moving Up

With your new job or big promotion, you’ve decided to start thinking about moving up to a larger or more expensive home in a better neighborhood.

If you’re concerned whether or not you’re making the right choice at the right time, I’d like to help alleviate those concerns. I’ve provided questions you can answer to help you make the right decision.

1. How much equity do you have in your home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of paying a mortgage, but if you’ve owned your home for a number of years, you may have significant unrealized gains.
2. Has your income increased enough to cover the extra mortgage costs and the costs of moving?
3. Does your neighborhood still meet your needs? For example, if you’ve had children, the quality of the schools may be more of a concern now than when you first purchased your home.
4. Can you add on or remodel? If you have a large yard, there might be room to expand your home. If not, your options may be limited. Also, do you want to undertake the headaches of remodeling?
5. How is the real market market? If it’s good, you may get top dollar for your home.
6. How are interest rates? A low rate not only helps you buy more home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.
   

Not sure what options are best for you? I Can Help Today!

Want to search for properties now?

Need to sell your home first? Why not request your Cape Fear Coast House-Values Analysis TM today.