As they get older or circumstances change, some homeowners realize what was once the perfect home for them might now be too big, impractical or expensive. Moving into a smaller home typically means less maintenance and lower bills. Is it time for you to downsize? Here are seven signs that it might be:
- Retirement. Retirement is among the most common reasons homeowners downsize. If you’ve retired or plan on doing so soon, moving into a smaller place could help decrease your annual expenses and stretch out your retirement savings.
- Unused Space. Despite what they might say, bigger isn’t always better. If your children have moved out or you have an office or guest rooms collecting dust, you’re likely wasting money by heating and cooling that unused space.
- Maintenance. All homes need maintenance, but if the cost, time and physical demands of maintaining your property have grown too overwhelming for you, downsizing to a home with a smaller yard or a rental whose landlord takes care of upkeep could alleviate the burden.
- You’re Hardly Home. Wasting money on an unused room can be bad enough, but what if your entire home goes unused while you’re constantly traveling for business or pleasure? Regardless of where you are in the world, you’ll still have bills and property taxes to pay, so getting a smaller place or relocating could be more cost-effective.
- Difficulty Getting Around. A home you bought in your 30s might not be the most suitable place for you later in life. If you have trouble climbing stairs due to age or medical issues, it might be time to move to a smaller, one-story home.
- Financial Struggles. Maybe your household earns less income than before, or maybe your expenses have skyrocketed for some reason. If you find yourself struggling to make house payments every month, paying for a smaller home may be more sustainable.
- You Could Cash In. Market conditions fluctuate, but if similar homes in your neighborhood are selling for top dollar during a long-term upswing, you might want to consider getting in on the action while you can and sell your home. By switching to a smaller home, you could save the extra cash for retirement, or use it to start checking off items on your bucket list.
