When you bought it, you couldn’t imagine ever living anywhere else. But over time things change. This is part of the ebb and flow of life. While you have many fond memories that will last a lifetime from living there, it might be time to sit down with your real estate agent and discuss if it is really time to start looking for a new house. Here are seven signs you need a house in Central Florida.
Family Is Growing
When your family is expanding, there is certainly a lot of change in the air. While there is a lot of stress with a new baby entering the picture, that stress is increased if you don’t have enough space to give everyone their own space. If the delivery is expected to be via stork rather than FedEx, it is time to call your real estate agent and look at options for a new house.
Family Has Shrunk
We aren’t talking about shrinking like that Matt Damon movie here. We’re talking about the kids moving out, maybe even far away. Perhaps you are divorcing and starting over. Either way, when the headcount at the nightly dinner table goes down, you might no longer need all that space you got to keep up with that active and growing family. Think about how much less time you’ll spend cleaning and how much more time you can enjoy a cup of tea with a great book on the porch.
Too Much Maintenance
Having a big home with a big yard is the dream of many. But when you have to clean the pool, rake an acre of leaves and keep up four bathrooms without all of being used and enjoyed, it might be time to look for a new home. All that maintenance might be preventing you from actually enjoy the house or other activities you love. Don’t be chained to a house simply because it seems like the perfect place. Your real estate agent can help you find a new house for you that perfect balance between maintenance and enjoyment.
Neighborhood Is Declining
Neighborhoods have ups and downs. This is normal. An older neighborhood that was quiet with a lot of retired people might start to see an influx of new families. Depending on the condition of the homes in the area, more crime and undesirables might find their way onto your block. If you aren’t feeling as secure in your home as you were a few years ago, it’s time to consider looking for a new home.
Ready To Upgrade
Nothing feels as good as the day you take the keys to your first home. It’s an accomplishment and dream come true in so many ways. But that first house is rarely your dream house. In fact, it is often a situation where you sacrifice many things you really want in a home because you could only afford the needed items. Now that you have some equity, stronger credit and got that raise, it is time to look at an upgrade to something that fulfills not just the needs but more of those desires you want in a home.
Repair Costs Increasing
Even if you are handy with fixing a creaking door, considering new roofs, furnaces and even plumbing lines is a big expense. As homes age, these things naturally need to be updated and eventually replaced. Anticipating the costs as they approach and talking to a well-versed real estate agent helps you know when the time comes to cut the cord on your existing home and find one without as many issues for your to deal with.
Commute Is Overwhelming
It seems like there are more cars on Central Florida highways every day. What used to be a 15-minute bearable commute is now approaching 45 minutes. If the commute is driving you crazy and causing you to stay at work later to avoid traffic, you aren’t really fully utilizing your home. Even if you’ve been concerned with the costs of moving closer to work, talk to a real estate agent to find out if your existing equity and lesser-known pockets are a good fit for you.