I’m sure you’ve seen Love it or List it- where a family has totally outgrown their space but one of the partners just doesn’t want to leave, so they decide to renovate.
And if the renovations aren’t fixing the issue, then, and only then, do they move…
While reality TV is fun to watch, the reality of living in a construction zone while shopping for a new house, isn’t.
That’s why I recommend doing one or the other. Let’s break it down.
A lot of times, people get frustrated with their space. They’ve had another baby, fallen out of love with their condo, or started dreaming of retiring in a smaller space near the beach.
Whatever the reason, it’s very important to first identify WHY you are considering a move, and then go from there.
Here’s five things to think about…
#1 Can it be fixed easily?
If you want an updated kitchen, swapping out fixtures, painting cabinets, and buying new appliances is a pretty easy fix. But if you want a bigger kitchen, you’re going to have to move.
#2 Can you deal with contractors?
Hiring an interior designer or general contractor to manage your project will help, but renovations require you to work with multiple companies and contractors on a daily basis. And you’ll be totally dependent on their timeline, expertise, and quality of work. If you don’t want people coming in and out of your home for weeks on end, it may be time to move into a turn key home.
#3 Can you live with the mess?
Renovations can be dusty and dirty and shrink an already hard-to-navigate environment. Tools will be everywhere, equipment will be everywhere, and people will be everywhere. Is a renovation going to get in the way of school, work, or travel? If so, something turnkey may be more appealing.
#4 Can you tolerate a move?
You may dread the thought of having to pack up your entire home while paying a moving company thousands of dollars to pick up your heirloom armoire and try and make it through the front door. If this sounds unbearable to you, it may be cause to stay.
#5 Do you love your location?
If the view, zoning, corner lot, or amazing neighbors are the reason why you moved to your current house to begin with, then moving may not be the answer. In this case, it would be better to renovate the inside of the home to match the amazing benefits of the outside of the home.
No matter whether you decide to love it or list it, it’s important to have a good Realtor to help you understand how renovations will affect your home value and help you decide if you’re better off packing up or staying put. That’s where I can help.
If you’re thinking about making a move (or know someone who is), Please reach out! No pressure, no sales tactics, just helpful advice and the guidance you need!
And finally, if you’re not thinking about making a move just yet, feel free to save this page for future reference, so you can come back to it!
If you want to get to know either of us better you can go to our pages Jessica or Tekela