The seven-year-itch is a real thing--the National Board of Realtors says that the normal American family moves every seven years. So, if you have been in your house awhile and are feeling itchy, ask yourself these questions to sort out if a move could be on the horizon in Austin.
Do You Require Additional Space?
Growing families tend to increase in many directions, not just numbers. As your little ones turn into tweens and teens, not only do they become bigger, the possessions 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 kids play hockey or football, all that gear needs its own area--preferably nearby the laundry room. And, you have likely discovered that spending all your free time in the family room streaming the most popular teenage thing on Netflix is not always what you would like, and you would enjoy a grown-up space where you can pick what to watch.
Are You Empty Nesting?
When the kiddos have grown up, and you're roaming around in a large empty house that you've got to care for, it's time to think of downsizing--free up your money and your time with a smaller house or even a condo. These days, even small towns have over-55 communities that are like summer camp for parents, where you own your house but have your maintenance provided, dining, social and fitness amenities and the choice to move into managed care when the time comes.
Are There Worthwhile Opportunities Elsewhere?
Economic recoveries are not all the same, and if your city has not yet found the benefits of a better job market, then a move to a city with more and better opportunities could make financial sense. While uprooting your family is tough, the advantages of a better job with higher salary far outweigh the emotional turmoil of a move. If your career is in great shape but the cost of living in your town or neighborhood is outrageous, a local move is something to think about. In many communities, higher real estate prices mean bigger stickers everywhere from the gas station to the plumber, and property assessments hardly ever lead to lower taxes.
Are You Safe and Secure in Your Home?
The inverse of the real estate boom is the bust that is still having an impression on families all over the country. There are lots of formerly upscale housing additions that have been hit with lots of foreclosures, and homes have been turned into rentals in the best-case scenario or deserted in the worst-case scenario. If this sounds like your neighborhood, and you are upset about the transient turn, it might be time to relocate to a new house. There's nothing more vital 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 heading out to be with family for every vacation, perhaps a move to where the family is would be a good idea. Particularly if your family is close-knit or you want your parents to have larger role in your children's lives, a move closer to home gives you an ongoing relationship instead of one that is intermittent. You'll get to vacation in other places, and your kids will view more of the world than the locale where you grew up, charming though it may be.
Just Want New Scenery?
This is where the seven-year itch comes in. Sometimes, you just want a new place to call home. Your tastes change, your hobbies change, and one day you wake up and conclude you want a horse farm or an outdoor kitchen or you want to breed koi. It's all about living your dream, and if that means a new residence, a new locale or a new state, go for it. Americans are always on the move, so if that is appealing to you then find a realtor and a mover, and scratch the itch.
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