Many homeowners might be surprised when they realize their current house no longer fits their needs. From an expanding family to a change in career, it’s common for a homeowner to find that his or her property is no longer a good match. In fact, one in four Americans outgrow their house within two years.
Whatever the situation, your space may no longer be comfortable or compatible, and you might want to upsize. Considering a move in your immediate future? Read on to learn the signs that you’ve officially outgrown your residence.
Too Much Clutter
As your family grows, possessions tend to pile up, too. Do your kids have toys and sports equipment everywhere? Have you acquired multiple souvenirs from vacations? Your life experiences may have generated a lot of belongings. In fact, about 50% of people said they collected new possessions during their first year at their new residence. Purging items and smart storage solutions can only go so far; upgrading to a larger home is likely the best option.
The Neighborhood Isn’t What It Used to Be
Is your neighborhood changing? This could be another sign that you may have outgrown your residence. Perhaps you bought a home in a cozy community, but it’s now expanding due to new real estate developments. Maybe the safety of the neighborhood has diminished. Whatever the case, if you feel uncomfortable with your current living situation, it may be time to look for a new home in a different area.
Long Commute to Work
If you’ve changed careers or landed a dream job in a new area, you may be dealing with a long, stressful commute. If this is affecting your health and quality time spent with your family, it might be a good idea to look for a property that is closer to the office. That way, you’ll have more time to rest and be with loved ones.
Your Home Lost Its Charm
Have your property’s unique features and quirkiness lost their shine? Perhaps you fell in love with its stained-glass windows, antique light fixtures and pocket doors when you first moved in, but now they seem like an annoyance. If they can’t be remodeled, it may be time to move.
DIY Projects Aren’t Complete
Have you given up on that bathroom makeover? Do a few walls in your home still need drywall repair? If you don’t plan on finishing DIY projects any time soon, it may be a sign that you don’t feel at home in your current space. If you’re living in an unfinished house and the renovations are too costly, it may be time to part ways.
Additional Family Members
If you plan to have more children or you have elderly parents moving into the house, you may find that space is limited. This can make day-to-day living uncomfortable. You may want to consider an abode with no stairs, more bedrooms and/or a bigger yard.
For more signs that you’ve outgrown your home, see the accompanying resource.
AUTHOR BIO: Daniel Close is the owner of We Buy Houses in Kentucky, a real estate agency based in Louisville. He has 15 years of experience in the industry and focuses on making selling your home an easy and stress-free experience.
Infographic Provided by We Buy Houses in Kentucky