Moving is a big deal. The logistics involved can leave you overwhelmed very quickly. The prospect of moving is also exciting. Whether you are transitioning into a new home or going further afield to a new city, changing locations brings a lot of change, to say the least. If you are thinking about a move, there are some points to consider first.
Find the Right Home for You and Your Family
Finding a home that is the right fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle can be a little bit tricky at first. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the process. Pull back on the throttle and take stock of what you want out of a new home. Think about everything that you do and do not like in your current home. Now combine these lists into one and begin your search for something new. Look at websites like 101 Residential for ideas and inspiration to help you in the decision-making process.
Think about whether you would like to start from scratch and build a home. Or you might prefer a pre-existing home that you can remodel to meet your unique specifications. Another option is to find a turnkey home that is move-in ready. You have a lot of options before you.
Consider the Financial Advantages
Moving can become costly, but there are also financial benefits to take advantage of. If your current home is in good condition and it is a seller’s market, you can capitalize on those two things to sell your home at a premium. The money you receive can be rolled right into the purchase of your new home. This may help you avoid capital gains taxes and reduce your property mortgage insurance, or PMI. This fund will also give you more buying power, because you can come to the negotiating table with cash in hand.
Other financial advantages may include moving from a larger and more expensive home to a smaller one. Everything from property taxes, home and yard maintenance, and homeowner’s association fees to the cost to commute could be reduced in your new location.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space
One of the most important things to pay attention to whenever you are moving to a new home is space. An empty home or one that has not yet been built can look big enough for your needs. But when you move in the furniture and occupy the space with people, things can become cramped and crowded quickly. Take some time to measure any furniture and storage boxes you intend to move with you. Jot down the measurements in your phone, so you can refer to them whenever you need to.
Assess any home you are looking at by making sure there is room for the way you live. If you like to entertain, will there be sufficient space for a large table and to pull the chairs out and comfortably walk around them? Will there be room for your friends and family to visit and spend time there with you? Is there space for hobbies and a home gym or anything else you might prioritize? While you can always make do, it is often better to make the home what you want it to be by finding the right one that fits your needs.
Aging in Place
Regardless of your current age, have you considered what you will do and where you will live as you progress through your life? If you have not previously thought about it, now might be the perfect time to do so. Think about whether you would like to age in place. If so, is your next move going to be your last one? Taking this idea into account as you search for or build a new home could prevent you from making costly modifications to your home later on.
Look for homes with ample space to attach safety railings or move a walker or wheelchair through the hallways. Take note of the stairs within the house and at the entrance and exit points. Having a home that is not elderly-friendly right now does not mean it is a deal-breaker, but it can be helpful to think about your future.
Proximity to Activities and Work
As you are househunting, take note of the things you enjoy doing. If you prioritize going to yoga a few blocks from your current home every morning, try to find a studio near the zip code you are looking for homes in. You might not want to drive 45 minutes each way for exercise. If you like a vibrant nightlife or easy access to local parks and green spaces, look for those, too.
Pay attention to the commute and public transportation access to your workplace and healthcare facilities. Moving to a new home just to spend more time in transit or in traffic might not be the payoff you are looking for.
Try It Before You Buy It
If you are thinking about moving across the country or around the world, you might want to approach this life-changing decision with a “try it before you buy it” mindset. If you have the time and the expendable income available, you should consider taking a short vacation or an extended one to learn about the area. This is especially helpful if you have never been there before.
Another option is to make a mini-move. You can put your home on the market, sell it, and place your belongings in storage, or take a wait-and-see approach. Pack up what you need and find a short-term rental in your destination location. Try to live in the area in which you hope to purchase a home. That way, you can get a true feel for what it will be like to live there.
There are so many reasons to move, but it is important to figure out what your motivation is. Look for a new home that fits your lifestyle and dreams, along with anything else you desire. Creating a home in a new destination is exciting. Take your time and find what will work best for you and your family.
