You Know It’s Time to Move When…
Whether you’re changing careers, relationships, or are looking for different home features, many reasons can factor into your desire for a change in scenery.
Is it time to show your house who’s boss? Isn’t your home supposed to be helping you create the life you want? Here are 11 signs that a move may be in your future.
You’re packed in like sardines
If you’ve got three kids, three tiny bedrooms, a dog, a cat, and a drum kit that’s squished into the corner of your music room/dining room/homework area…it might be time to move. Whether you have a newborn and you’ve discovered just how much stuff comes with this tiny little bundle of joy, or you simply want your house to be the place where your kids’ friends hang out, remember that house-hunting is free.
You’re ready for House 2.0
Maybe you’ve lived in your first home for a few years and you’re starting to feel like you wish you had a bigger backyard, a gourmet kitchen, a pool or hot tub, or an ensuite bathroom. Sometimes it makes sense to stay where you are and renovate, but sometimes it’s just easier to move. Depending on your neighbourhood and other factors, you also may not get your invested money back if you do decide to sell one day. For example, if your tiny kitchen is flanked by two load-bearing walls (one of which contains all the plumbing and electrical) and your house is in a neighbourhood where you will never recoup the astronomical expenditure for an updated, big kitchen in an open-concept space…it’s probably time to move.
You got a new job in a new town
If you recently got a new job north of the GTA, it’s worth taking a look to see if you can save some money moving into the 705 or even the 905 area code. Frankly, with over 16% of Barrie residents commuting for an hour or more, it’s a lifestyle choice some people are making. Daily GoTransit service makes commuting easier.
Your nest is feeling empty
Are you a Baby Boomer thinking of a move? You’re not alone – 1.4 million 54 to 72-year-old Canadians are expecting to do just that in the next few years. When the kids have gone off to university or are starting their career, you can end up with a lot of unused space in your home. If you’re finding it more work to clean, maintain, and pay for your home, it might be time to sell, look for something smaller, and pocket the balance. It’s nice to have options – you may want to use the equity in your home to travel, help your adult children buy their first home, or just improve your view. Maybe now is the time to find that smaller home by the lake.
Suburbia is starting to look good
You never thought you’d get tired of city life, but suddenly you’re longing for more space, a spare bedroom, a garden, or dare I say…a minivan? The idea of more room in a safe area close to good schools is starting to sound appealing for your next chapter. Life in the suburbs usually means a lower cost of living and paying towards the ownership of your own home instead of paying your landlord.
It’s getting tough to love thy neighbour
Not a fan of noisy Charlie next door and his equally noisy owners? Selling your home and buying a new one can be an expensive way to get away from certain neighbours, but feeling like your home is a sanctuary is also worth something. A first-home in a typical suburb can mean living with a cookie-cutter backyard with three backdoor neighbours that often leaves you feeling like you’re living with and not beside people – especially if there’s a trampoline or tall playhouse involved. Sometimes the issue isn’t one particular neighbour but a neighbourhood or a street that leaves something to be desired. Talk to a Realtor® for a recommendation on some great neighbourhoods. Exploring your options is free.
#relationshipstatusupdate
One of the most commonly-cited reasons to look for a new home is a change in your relationship status. Whether you’re parting ways with a partner or are about to get married and are looking for a first home, a new home is the beginning of a fresh start.
You’re done with commuting
If you add up all the hours you spend in a car on the highway driving to and from work in all kinds of weather, the number may surprise you. If your commute is making you go prematurely grey, it’s time to talk to a Realtor® to help you find something that will give you your week back.
You’ve made bank or gone bust
If you’ve hit pay dirt with a well-paying job or have come into an inheritance, you may now be in a position to either find your first or larger home. In this economy, times are hard for many people, and if your financial situation has changed for the worse, you may have to explore the option of downsizing. Speak to a Realtor® to find out how they can help you make the best of a difficult situation. Using the equity in your home to get out of debt while finding a home that suits your family’s needs may just be the perfect solution so you can breath easy again.
Your family needs you
Your last visit to your parents, grandparents, or your in-laws was eye-opening. Perhaps there are new mobility or other health issues, or the death of a spouse is making it difficult for a loved one to continue to live alone. Although this season can be a challenge, there are solutions available that can alleviate the stress, and a change of address is often part of that.
Your kids need a school upgrade
Nothing motivates people to move like the love of their children. We all want to give our children the best that we possibly can, so if you’re living in an area with schools that are poorly ranked or have fewer resources available, it’s natural to start thinking about a move. Connecting with a Realtor® who is knowledgeable about schools and the neighbourhoods they are in is a great place to start.
The good news is, there’s a lot of great inventory on the market and it costs you absolutely nothing to make an appointment with a trusted Realtor® to get some advice about your specific situation. Get all the information you need from a trusted source as well as a real estate market overview. You don’t have to be decided to give us a call. Let’s talk.
1-888-444-9533 | Contact Us | Active Listings
Mark Faris, CEO & Broker
Thinking of making a move?
