You may be at a crossroads, trying to decide whether you should start the process of buying a new home or not. If you are feeling indecisive, this is just the blog post for you.
To help you decide if this is the right time for a change, we are going to provide you with some questions to ask yourself that may clarify your thoughts on the topic. It can be useful to make a list, not only to express your thoughts in a visual way, and to keep track of them- there will probably be a lot going through your head while you consider all of the possibilities and personal circumstances that factor into such a decision. Having a list will also allow you to go back to these thoughts later, and present them in a more cohesive fashion to the people you may want to consider this with.
First of all, why do you want to move? Are there things in your environment you would like to be different, or are you just craving a change? Basically, what is or are the fundamental reason(s) behind your desire to move.
What would you change about your current home? If renovations are not a possibility for you, or you just don’t want to go through the trouble of living in a home through renovation, thinking about this can direct what you are looking for. If there are specific aspects of your home that you wish were different, you can find a house that has something that matches your needs better. If there is nothing about your current living situation that you dislike, craving change itself can be a good reason to move if it truly compels you.
How do you want your life to look and feel in the next two to three years? Would a different home enable you to have the pets you have always wanted, or a space for gym equipment so you can facilitate your fitness journey in the comfort of your own home. You may want a house that has a home office or craft room, to let you work from home, or a kitchen that makes it easier to prepare meals. Consider what you want your future to look like, and how your current living situation may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, no matter what they look like!
It is also important to think about how much maintenance you can comfortably and happily sustain. This will impact the size and type of home you look for if you decide to move. Some items to think about are yard maintenance, and keeping up with house maintenance duties; such as furnace care, maintaining the roof, and making sure the rain gutters are not clogged. Of course, hiring professionals to do these jobs is highly recommended, but it is up to the homeowner to be on top of these issues and call professionals before they become larger issues. If someone’s schedule or circumstances prevent them from keeping up with these things, it may be best to consider a condo or apartment unit.
And finally, think about what amenities you want to have near you. If you love the ones you already have around you, it is probably best to stay close to your current home, or find a similar community!
If you are still not sure about moving and want to talk to a professional, the Dione Irwin Team's real estate professionals can provide you with current listings to show you if there is anything you might like on the market, and they can walk you through current pricing and changes they are seeing in the market.
After you write your list, consider all of the questions and your answers again, understanding your feelings and needs, and their deeper meanings, will help you come to a decision with less stress and anxiety.