by Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Do You Require More Space?
Growing families tend to expand in many directions, not just numbers. As your toddlers turn into tweens and teens, not only do they grow bigger, the things they need multiplies--a pair of soccer cleats and some shin guards turns into a bag of balls, shoes for every surface and a goal in the side yard. If your youngsters play hockey or football, all that gear needs its own room--preferably nearby the laundry room. And, you have most likely discovered that spending all your free time in the family room streaming the most popular teenage show on Netflix is not always what you would prefer, and you would enjoy a grown-up space where you can control the remote.
Are You Empty Nesting?
When the fledglings have flown, and you are roaming around in a large empty house that you've got to keep up, it is time to give thought to downsizing--free up your money and your time with a smaller house or even a condo. Anymore, even small towns have over-55 communities that are like being on vacation all the time, where you own your house but have your upkeep provided, dining, social and fitness activities and the option to move into managed care when you need it.
Are There More Advantageous Opportunities Somewhere Else?
Economic recoveries are not created equal, and so a move to a metropolitan area with more and better opportunities could make financial sense. While uprooting your family is difficult, the advantages of a better job with higher pay far outweigh the emotional turbulence of a move. If your career is in decent shape but the cost of living in your town or neighborhood is very expensive, a local move is a good strategy. In most communities, higher real estate prices lead to more expensive stickers everywhere from the gas station to the plumber, and property assessments seldom lead to lower taxes.
Are You Safe and Secure in Your Residence?
The reality is there are innumerable formerly luxury residential areas that have experienced lots of foreclosures, and homes are now rentals in the best-case scenario or deserted in the worst-case scenario. If this describes your neighborhood, and you're worried about the transient turn, it might be time to relocate to a new house. There's nothing more imperative than your family's security, and a change would give everyone peace of mind.
Do You Want to Be Closer to Family?
If you find yourself leaving town to visit family for every vacation, perhaps a move to where the family is would be something to think about. Particularly if your family is close-knit or you want your parents to play bigger role in your children's lives, a move closer to home gives you an ongoing relationship rather than one that is intermittent. You'll get to vacation in other places, and your kids will view more of the world than the town where you grew up, charming though it may be.
Just Want a Change of Scenery?
This is where the seven-year itch settles in. Sometimes, you just want a new abode. Your tastes change, your hobbies change, and one day you get up and decide you want a vineyard or an outdoor kitchen or you want to have a art studio. It is all about living your dream, and if that means a new house, a new town or a new state, go for it. Americans are constantly on the move, so if that is appealing to you then look for a realtor and a professional mover in Houston and scratch the itch.
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