Move Or Improve? That Is The Question!

Move Or Improve? There’s nothing like something seriously global (such as this current pandemic) to make people realize that life is short and there’s no time like the present to move ahead with something they’ve always wanted to do. I work in real estate and we have never seen houses sell so fast in the history of our company. When it comes to deciding to stay or upgrade I think it always comes down to location – or, at least, it should always come down to location. With enough work almost any home can work as long as the current home owner is just where they want to be. Currently though, this is a seller’s market and if selling your home has ever been a good idea – it is right now!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

2021 is here, and many of us will be thinking about making changes in the months ahead. For some, a move may be an appealing prospect, but relocating may not be the only option on the table.

If you’re at a crossroads, and you don’t know whether to move or improve your existing property, hopefully, this guide will prove useful. We’ll explore the pros and cons to help you make the right decision. 

Moving house: The pros and cons

Most homeowners will think about moving house at least once in their lifetime.

There are several reasons why a move may be on the cards, from new jobs and additions to the family to a desire to want to be closer to good schools or family and friends. In some cases, there is no option but to relocate, but often, it’s difficult for homeowners to choose between staying put and upping sticks. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to take the time to explore both options. 

Relocating to pastures new offers an opportunity to explore different areas, to be near friends and family, to improve work-life balance and to get more for your money. You can also take advantage of the chance to put your own stamp on a new home, to take on a project and to enjoy a change of scenery.

If you’ve always lived in the same house, or previous moves have taken you around the corner, you may be keen to spread your wings and make a fresh start. In many cases, moving can also open doors in terms of finding work and meeting new people. 

Moving house offers many benefits, but it’s no secret that it can be stressful. Packing endless boxes, finding buyers and agreeing a price and overseeing the relocation of all your possessions can be daunting.

Planning ahead, enlisting the help of friends and family and professional moving companies and hiring real estate agents with a proven track record can all help to alleviate pressure and stress. It’s also possible to use services like HomeGo to sell quickly and easily and cut out long-winded processes, involving hosting open houses, cleaning up for daily viewings and negotiating with buyers. 

Tips for facilitating a smooth move

If you have decided to sell your property, and you’re looking forward to moving house in 2021, there are steps you can take to minimize stress and hassle and make the process as enjoyable as possible. 

Before you start your search for a new home, think about what you’re looking for and create a wish-list. Analyze your finances, compare mortgages and seek financial advice to set a budget for your new home.

Consider possible locations and undertake research to find out more about the local market. It’s always useful to have an understanding of the types of properties available, the level of demand and average selling prices, and amenities and facilities in the local area. If you find that your chosen location is too expensive, it is worth expanding your search area slightly.

By moving to a different street, neighborhood or part of town, you may find that you get a lot more for your money. It’s also beneficial to look into buying in an up-and-coming area, particularly if you’re looking for properties in large cities. Signs of development or regeneration can signal opportunities to enhance the value of a property significantly. 

Once you are ready to find a new home, contact local agents, meet with representatives to discuss your requirements and preferences and sign up for alerts. View listings online, get to know the areas in which you’re looking and try to be open-minded.

You might have your heart set on a specific style, for example, but don’t rule out other types of houses before you have seen them in the flesh. It’s also wise to look beyond interior design when viewing properties. Look for potential, and think about how you could transform the house to make it suit your taste.

If a property is spacious, light, and it crosses all of the boxes in terms of location and price, don’t let garish wallpaper or a patterned carpet put you off. If you find a home you love, arrange a second viewing and go back as many times as you need to before you make a decision.

Be prepared to negotiate if the property has been on the market for a long time, or the owners are eager to sell quickly. 

When moving house, it’s always helpful to be organized. Once you have a moving date, contact reputable local moving companies, start packing things you won’t need before you move and write a list of all the jobs you need to complete before you hand over the keys.

Take the opportunity to have a clear out. If you’re packing boxes, and you come across clothes you’ve never worn, books you’ve already read or old electric appliances, create piles of stuff to donate, sell or throw away. 

Improving your home

In 2020, many of us decided to embark upon projects to enhance the look of our homes. With most of us spending more time than ever at home, it has never been more important to feel comfortable, safe and content.

There are myriad ways you can improve your home, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make a positive difference to the aesthetic of a property and create a base that suits your lifestyle. If you’re not sold on moving house, there may be alternatives. 

One of the most common reasons people move house is a lack of space. If you’ve started working from home, you’ve welcomed children or pets to your family, or you need more space to enjoy hobbies and interests, you may assume that you need to relocate. In some cases, this may be true, but often there are ways to maximize living space.

One option is to alter the layout of your home. If you live in an old house, for example, you might have a number of small rooms, such as a laundry room, a pantry, a dining room and a snug.

By knocking down walls, you can create larger, more open rooms, which provide more space and afford greater versatility and flexibility.

If you have room at the back or the side of the property, you could also consider adding an extension. With an extension, you could create a new room or expand an existing area, for example, the kitchen. Extensions require substantial investment, but they do add value and they can also make properties more saleable. Another avenue you may wish to pursue is converting an attic or basement. Loft rooms are ideal for extra bedrooms and workspaces, while basements make brilliant kitchens, games rooms, playrooms and home gyms. 

Refreshing the decor is another way to add appeal and increase your enjoyment of your home. Even simple changes, such as painting walls, investing in new furniture and altering colorways can make a huge difference.

If you’re short on space, opting for light tones, decluttering, hanging mirrors and angling furniture towards windows and doors can maximize natural light and make rooms appear larger and brighter. 

Are you thinking about moving house this year? If you’re unsure whether to move or improve your existing home, it’s always beneficial to take the time to consider both options. If you love your home, there may be solutions to problems like dated decor and cramped kitchens. Weigh up the pros and cons, outline your priorities and don’t rush into making a decision. 

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)