Is Downsizing Your Home a Smart Move?

If done right, downsizing your home can be a great idea. Not only will you be left with more money, but it may also simplify your life and reduce your home's maintenance and utility costs for years to come. To make sure you get the most out of downsizing, you must avoid the unexpected difficulties that make it so risky. Reducing the size of your home has many advantages.

First of all, if you've been in your current home for a while, it's likely that its value has increased and that you're close to paying off your mortgage, if you haven't paid it in full. Buying a smaller, cheaper property will give you a lot of leftover capital to use for whatever you want. It also means that you can buy your new home as a cash buyer, giving you more options, a faster chain and the ability to live without mortgages. Reducing to a smaller home means less maintenance, lower bills and more time to do the things you love. It's an exercise to save money and time.

If you're going to reduce your staff in the future, it means you can choose a property that better meets your needs as you age. Rather than having to deal with stairs, limited accessibility, or a huge garden that requires maintenance, you can choose a property that works for you. It's safe to say that homeowners don't usually daydream about buying a smaller home. But minimal maintenance is definitely an advantage of not living in a big way. After all, the time and money you used to spend on cleaning and maintenance can now be spent on fun things.

That's why some people see downsizing as a step forward, not a step backwards. If you think there's less space, you're not alone. After all, an adult who usually goes to college isn't too close, but what about a son or daughter (or even another family member) who might need to move home for other reasons? Would you like to share a bedroom and bathroom with them? When looking for a new home, make sure it meets your physical and emotional needs, as well as your financial needs. Just because you can find a bargain doesn't mean the house is worth it. After all, if you're going to make the effort to move, you have to do it right. You should start the staff reduction process as soon as possible to have time to properly tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed.

A general rule of thumb is that you'll want to start at least 3 months before you plan to move, but honestly, the sooner the better. You can also save money on maintenance and repairs with a smaller home, assuming you reduce its size to a property that is just as up-to-date and in just as good condition. Plus, you'll generally spend less to heat and cool a smaller home, so if you've had to deal with sky-high utility bills, downsizing could help you reduce them. Unless you have the money to buy your new home directly, the reduction in staff may not be worth it financially. Mortgage rates have risen by more than 2.5 percentage points since the beginning of the year, and financing a home purchase is now significantly more expensive than it was a few months ago.

No matter your age, you should make sure your house is clean, maintained and paid for, whether you do the work yourself or pay someone else to do it. Fixing broken shingles on a roof and ensuring that a large patio is constantly cut can be tiring. If you've reached a stage where you're feeling overwhelmed or you just think you could use your time or money better, it's time to go smaller. If you can't remember the last time you entered your guest room except when it was dusted off, consider reducing your staff. If these vacant rooms only collect dust they can be a waste.

Unused rooms still end up costing money not only in property taxes but eventually in maintenance (leaky ceilings, peeling paint etc). Helen Guajrado also reports that financial problems are another reason why some consider reducing staff in old age. The trick to successfully reducing staff for financial reasons is not to wait too long. If you're already using your savings to pay for your home expenses every month chances are you shouldn't be in that house.

You need your retirement savings not to maintain a lifestyle you had when you earned a higher salary. This is a signal that can be applied to any homeowner not just those who are considering downsizing their staff at an older age. For some they bought a house they could afford but circumstances changed and it's now harder to pay for utilities. You shouldn't have to work hard every month just to get the money for your house.

Stress from lack of funds can compromise your mental emotional and physical health so your best bet is finding housing payment that fits comfortably into your budget. If distance from family prevents watching grandchildren's soccer games or ballet recitals consider getting closer by downsizing into smaller house near them. This way lunch with child or reading bedtime stories with grandchild become part of daily routine instead of once-a-year event. Even if don't decide move same city owning smaller home such as condominium with less maintenance makes traveling much easier.

If any of these signs apply it may be time consider buying smaller more maintainable home. Contact KW San Antonio real estate agent help advertising current home or finding new one today from opportunity save money time energy through reduced maintenance bills all way enjoying quality time family members downsizing smart move.