Your residence should be a haven of peace and quiet, and your sanctuary. You should be happy to walk through the door at the end of a long workday. Is this true for you? If not, what is preventing you from loving your home?
Knowing when it’s time to move out and move on is tricky. Here are a few telltale signs that may help you decide whether you should relocate (or renovate).
You’re All a Bit Cramped
If you and your family are starting to feel a little boxed in, confined, and that everyone is stepping on everybody else’s toes, it may be that your dwelling has become too small for your lifestyle. Indeed, a need for more space is one of the most common reasons for putting a house up for sale. Perhaps your family has grown, and you require more bedrooms. Or several occupants are working from home during the same hours and are stuck sharing a single office space. In this case, moving is the solution.
However, if the lack of space is due to an accumulation of possessions over the years, then purging the items you don’t use anymore is probably the answer. Another option, if possible, is enlarging the property by adding livable square footage.
It Doesn’t Feel Like Your Home
Your residence should the place you feel at ease and safe. A sure sign of your discomfort is a pervading sense of foreignness when you spend time there. But before you decide to move, consider redecorating with a cozier ambiance or installing security devices for increased safety.
You’re Having a Hard Time Paying Your Mortgage
Financial constraints can make owning your house unsustainable in the long run. If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, utility bills or even basic property maintenance, this may be a sign that your home has become a burden rather than a sanctuary.
It Doesn’t Meet Your Needs
Your needs and priorities change over time. We have seen that a lack of space can be a motivating factor, but many more potential reasons exist. These can include new noisy neighbours, an outmoded decor you don’t want to remodel, a wish for an open concept plan to make daily life easier, a desire to live in a more family-friendly neighbourhood, etc.
Sift through your must-haves and the things you can do without. Another tip is to look at properties within your price range. Are you tempted?
You’re Discouraged by Your Home’s Condition
If your house is constantly beset by structural issues, costly repairs, or major defects that compromise your comfort and safety, this may be a sign that you should sell it (unless you want to undertake the necessary renovations). Your property can still attract buyers if you place it on the market at a price that reflects the amount of work it needs.
You Feel Disconnected From the Neighbourhood
Your place of residence is more than a roof and walls: it’s an integral part of a neighbourhood and a community. If you feel disconnected or ill at ease in your locality, this could significantly impact your degree of satisfaction regarding your home.
You’re No Longer Healthy Enough to Maintain It
Another frequent reason why people move is their inability to maintain their property due to physical limitations. These may be related to age, an illness, an injury, etc. In any case, if you have difficulty mowing the lawn, cleaning and carrying out all the tasks that come with homeownership, you may want to consider a change of residence.
Recognizing that your house no longer suits your circumstances can be the first step toward a new beginning. Listen to your intuition, assess your needs and carefully reflect on what’s truly important to you in terms of housing. Feeling at home in your own home is one of the keys to happiness and wellbeing! If you’re ready to take the plunge, contact a real estate broker who can guide you through the entire process.