Your Current Home Is Too Small
A starter home is usually spacious enough at first, but eventually the walls seem to close in. Closets overflow with clothes and sporting gear, bicycles take up precious space in the living room, and storage containers hog all the space under the bed. If your family is growing, or if you’ve accumulated more possessions than your home can possibly accommodate, it’s time to start looking for a larger place to live.
Related: 21 Brilliant Money-Saving Hacks for Your Next Move
Your Neighborhood Isn't Safe
When you find yourself hanging blankets on the walls to mask the sound of near-constant police sirens, and you don’t dare walk to the corner convenience store after dusk, it might be time to start looking for a place in a safer neighborhood. Life’s too short to worry about getting mugged on the way home from work.
Related: 9 Unexpected Turnoffs for Home Buyers
Commuting Is a Drag
If your commute has you leaving before dawn and getting home long after dark, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by relocating closer to your office. You can use the extra hours of the day to work out, garden, or take up a variety of other hobbies. A shorter commute means more leisure time for you!
Related: 11 Myths Home Buyers Should Never Believe
Your Home Is Too Big
Large families really appreciate sprawling homes with upward of five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Once the kids move out, however, a large abode becomes a hassle to clean and maintain. Many empty-nesters downsize to smaller dwellings, which gives them freedom to focus on more than merely tending to their property.
Related: 12 Things Realtors Look For in Homes of Their Own
You Dream of Being a Homeowner
Saving up a sizable down payment for a house takes time. But if you watch your pennies, you'll eventually be able to stop paying rent to a landlord every month and start building equity in a home of your own. Buying that first home is a smart investment for your future, and it allows you to establish yourself as part of a community.
Related: 12 Surprising Truths About Millennial Home Buyers
The Stairs Are Killing You
You used to navigate your multilevel home with ease, but recently your bum knee has been protesting with every step. If aching muscles, arthritic joints, or other health issues are hampering your day-to-day life in your current dwelling, then it’s time to move into a more accessible property.
Related: 10 Spots It's Okay to Snoop at Every Open House
You Hate Yard Work
Maintaining a yard and landscaping is labor-intensive and time-consuming work. If you want to spend more time on the golf course and less with the hedge shears, consider moving to a residential development with a homeowners association (HOA) that provides landscaping and maintenance services for all residents. Full-service communities take care of watering, trimming, mowing, and other outdoor chores, so you can enjoy a beautiful yard without lifting a finger.
Related: 9 Clever Landscaping Hacks for Your Best-Ever Yard
Your Utility Bills Are Through the Roof
Do you have an older HVAC system, poorly insulated walls, or single-pane windows? Chances are you also suffer from sky-high heating and cooling bills. If you’re tired of sending a sizable chunk of your paycheck to the utility company, but you’re not willing to do the necessary renovations to bring your house up to snuff, it might be time to look for a more energy-efficient residence.
Related: 14 Secrets of People with Low Energy Bills
Better Schools Are on the Other Side of Town
After starting a family, many young parents decide to move to neighborhoods with highly ranked school districts. Not only will an impressive school system give your child the best shot at success, it will also increase the value of your home when it comes time to move again.
Related: Sell High: Top 7 Value-Boosting Home Renovations
You Need to Tighten Your Belt
A large mortgage can wreak havoc on your finances, especially if you get hit with unanticipated expenses. Moving to a more affordable home—even temporarily—can ease your financial woes and help you get back on track.
Related: 9 Age-Old Real Estate Tips to Ignore Completely
You Want to Build Your Own Home
Many people fantasize about building the home of their dreams rather than just making do with what's already on the market. If you’re itching to sketch your own floor plan, consider looking for a residential development and a reputable builder. Constructing a new home can take up to a year, so plan accordingly as you prepare to sell your current abode.
Related: 9 Ways to Get the Best Price on Your Dream Home
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