John Karadsheh
Moving can be trendy and the homebuying frenzies of 2021 and 2022 were almost as contagious as COVID. However, did you know that regardless of trend, the average American moves approximately every seven years? On average, that is more than 11 moves in a lifetime.
People don’t only move because interest rates are low or they have a job relocation, there are bigger reasons that motivate people to move.
Here are five reasons why now may be the right time for you to move.
1. YOU ARE UNHAPPY IN YOUR SPACE
This is a real thing. Even if your home ticks all the boxes, it may no longer be right for you and that is okay.
Perhaps you live alone and want more community. Perhaps your home does not make you feel physically or financially safe anymore. Or perhaps you just don’t like it because of lighting, location, or vibe. Your well-being is justification enough to move and a fresh start may be just what you need to be happy at home again.
2. YOU NEED TO RIGHT SIZE
Does your existing home have enough room for your life? Do you have a yard for pets and play? Do you have adequate home office space and storage? Or perhaps your home is too large, and you find that you are only actually using 10 percent of your space 90 percent of the time.
Right-sizing always requires an analysis of how you actually use your space and a determination of how much stuff you want to store under your roof. Figure out what size is truly right for you and start planning a move in that direction.
3. YOUR MAINTENANCE COSTS ARE TOO HIGH
With inflation and the economy impacting fixed incomes and maintenance costs, your home may have become a burden both physically and financially. It may be time to transition to a home that is newer, smaller, or has less maintenance coming due.
We are talking with many people who have lived in their homes for decades and who are now facing significant renovation and deferred maintenance costs. They have great equity but limited cash liquidity for updates. In many cases, a move is a great way to escape the grind of maintaining a larger property and a way to liberate the equity from a property for other purposes.
You don’t have to stay in the same home forever just because you are supposed to. Find a house that fits your needs today and in the future.
YOU HAVE HAD A CHANGE OF RELATIONSHIP
Perhaps you have a new relationship and it is time to combine households or perhaps you have had a change in your relationship status that makes your existing home feel less comforting than it did before. Death, divorce, and marriage are among the main drivers of housing transitions. Don’t be afraid to move to set a new tone for the next chapter in your life. New space is always inspiring.
5. YOU NEED TO BE CLOSER TO WHAT YOU LOVE
Since the pandemic, many people have moved across the country to be closer to friends and family. However, people have also moved across the Valley to be closer to their favorite mountain biking trails, gym, restaurants, grandkids, or schools. With remote and hybrid work options, you don’t only have to live near your workplace.
Being nearer to the community that you love is a great reason to move. Quality of life definitely impacts overall health, so you have to love where you live
We know you have heard a million news snippets about today’s real estate market of higher interest rates, low inventory, and low demand. However, the real silver lining is that buyers and sellers finally have a little more time to think about their next steps.
If you are seeking a new start, now is a good time to start looking and figuring out what your next chapter will look like. We recommend that you start your journey by looking at homes in person. All the scrolling just isn’t as helpful.
Give us a call to schedule a complimentary analysis of your housing goals and let us help you craft a plan for your next chapter. Helping our clients figure out how to achieve their goals is what we do best.
John and Natascha Karadsheh are co-owners of KOR Properties, a boutique real estate brokerage serving the Valley of the Sun.
John is the Designated Broker of KOR Properties and has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for over 20 years. He is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and serves on the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) Rules & Policies Committee, ARMLS Appeals Committee, and the West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley Professional Standards Committee.
Natascha is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer and Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR). She is the Founder of Mesa Food Truck Fridays, a Member and Past-Chair of the City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board, and on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.