You love your house. It’s comfortable, it’s familiar, and it’s been good to you. But there comes a time in every home’s life when it’s time to move on. Maybe the kids have outgrown the space, or you’re ready to change scenery. Whatever the reason, some signs indicate it might be time to start looking for a new house. Here are eight of them.
You don’t have enough space
If your family has outgrown your home or you find yourself constantly running out of storage space, it might be time to start looking for something bigger. A lack of space can make your home feel cluttered, cramped, frustrating, and stressful. If you’re sick of feeling like you’re living on top of each other, it might be time to start searching for a new house with a little more elbow room.
You’re ready for a change
If you’ve lived in your house for a long time and you’re just feeling stir-crazy, it might be time for a change of scenery. Moving to a new house can give you the fresh start you’re looking for and help you fall in love with your living situation all over again. Sometimes, all you need is a new view out the window to feel better about your day-to-day life.
The neighborhood has changed
If you’ve noticed more crime in your neighborhood or an influx of new residents that don’t quite fit the mold, it might be time to consider moving elsewhere. A changing community can make you feel unsafe or unwelcome in your own home, and that’s not a feeling anyone deserves to have. If you don’t recognize your neighborhood anymore, it might be time for a fresh start someplace new.
You can afford it
Buying a new house means taking on a lot of new expenses. But if you’re in a comfortable financial position and have the money to make it work, buying a new house can be a gratifying experience. And with historically low-interest mortgage rates right now, this might be the perfect time to jump into homeownership. Of course, you should make sure you can afford the mortgage and other related costs before committing to anything.
Maintenance is piling up
Houses require constant upkeep and maintenance, but sometimes those repairs can pile up faster than we’d like them to. If your list of repairs is starting to feel never-ending or if they’re starting to put a severe dent in your budget, it might be time to start thinking about finding a newer home that won’t need as much work right off the bat. No one wants to spend their entire lives chasing repairmen around—sometimes, it’s just easier (and cheaper) to start over from scratch. Leave the repairs to someone else and enjoy your new home.
You want something different
Sometimes, the only sign that it’s time to find a new house is that you’re just done with your current one. Whether you’ve outgrown it or you’re just getting bored, sometimes all it takes is the desire for something new and different. If you’re feeling restless and ready for a change, now might be the time to start looking for a new house that fits your needs better.
You want features your house doesn’t have
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of having a big backyard or an updated kitchen—whatever it is, if there’s something your current house is missing that you really want, it might be worth looking into getting it by finding somewhere new to live. Of course, renovations are always an option, but sometimes they’re not feasible (or affordable). Moving into a new place with the features you desire can save you both time and money in the long run—plus, who doesn’t love getting everything on their checklist?
You’ve outgrown your commute
Lastly, Perhaps you’ve taken on a new job, or your kids have started school—whatever the case may be, if your current commute has become unmanageable or too lengthy, it might be worth considering a move closer to whatever (or wherever) it is you need to get too. A long commute can add unnecessary stress to our lives, So if you spend more time in the car than you’d like, consider using that as motivation to start fresh somewhere closer to home. No one wants to spend hours stuck in traffic every day — life’s too short to waste away behind the wheel.
The bottom line
If any (or all) of these things sound familiar, it could be a sign that it’s time for you to start exploring different housing options. Of course, there’s no rush — these things take time, and you don’t want to make rash decisions. Keep in mind that a house is a big investment that requires a lot of thought and contemplation, but if you do decide to take the plunge, it could be one of the best decisions you ever make.
