Are you outgrowing your home?
Back to BlogOwning a home is a great way to build equity in your financial future. Maybe you’re just getting started in your career and have purchased your first home. Or maybe you used to have a smaller family, but now that the kids are grown, they’re bringing their families (and friends) over to your place more often. Whatever the reason, it’s possible to outgrow your house—even the one you thought would be “forever.” If this is happening to you, it may be time for an upgrade. Here are some of the reasons you might be looking to upgrade your family home.
You have no room for your storage
If you have no room for your storage, it may be time to move. A small home can be charming, but if the amount of stuff you’re storing is greater than your total square footage, you might want to consider moving into something bigger. For example, a studio apartment or small one-bedroom that is jam-packed with stuff won’t feel like home; it will feel like storage space.
To determine whether or not a home has enough storage space, walk through every room and note where items are stored (e.g., under the bed). Also, keep in mind what types of things are being stored: It’s okay if there’s not enough closet space for all your clothes; however, if all other rooms are filled with clutter while closets remain empty due to lack of shelving or hanging rods then this could be an indication that the house isn’t large enough for your needs anymore. You might be able to find some additional space by storing items in the attic or basement—but if both of these areas are full, that may not be an option.
You have a growing family
As your family grows, you might find yourself wanting to upgrade your home to fit more kids. You may need to expand your living space or acquire more bedrooms for children who are no longer sharing a room. Or maybe you just want an extra room in which to house a playroom, an art studio, or a media center. Whatever the reason, upgrading your home can be a great way to accommodate all of the new members of your family.
You have aging parents to take care of
As your parents get older, it can be difficult to know how to best care for them. You want to do what’s best for them, but you also want to make sure you have enough time and energy to take care of yourself. More families are choosing to care for their aging parents at home. You’ll need a house large enough for two adults—and possibly additional family members or guests—and an additional bathroom with a shower or tub. While this may seem obvious, it’s something many families overlook when they consider bringing aging parents into their homes.
You are transitioning to a hybrid or work-from-home environment
If your home office is a little too cramped, you may not feel comfortable with the need to work from home. In this case, it’s important to have a quiet space where you can focus on your work without distractions. The best place in your house for this kind of workspace is an unused bedroom or basement area with carpeting and plenty of natural light. You should try to create a dedicated office that doesn’t feel much like part of the rest of the house—nothing says “work” quite like an office.
You’re at the stage where you want to entertain a lot
You need a bigger space, but not one that’s so big it overwhelms your life. When you have friends and family over for meals, the size of your dining room is an important consideration. If possible, make sure your living room has plenty of seating for guests so they can mingle easily without feeling cramped or confined. Your kitchen should be large enough to accommodate multiple cooks at once—and have plenty of counter space for preparing food when company comes over for dinner!
You are ready to upgrade your home. What are the next steps?
Needing to move to a larger home is a great opportunity to take stock of your needs, goals, and priorities. The process of finding and purchasing a new home can be overwhelming, but the first step is always to get organized.
If you’ve decided that you need more space, start by making a list of what your dream home would look like. What features are most important to you, your partner, or your family members? Do you need a fenced-in yard? How much storage space will house all your belongings? Is this house going to be your first place together or your last stop before retirement? Do you want it to be close to work, school, or grocery stores or do you prefer a lake view?
Now that you know what’s most important for your ideal home—and what’s least important—you can begin looking for properties that meet those criteria. To receive updates on upcoming properties, connect with a Century 21 agent and you’ll be in good hands!