Are You Ready: Being Prepared for a Move
One of the hardest things for me to watch is when my clients fall in love with a house before they are truly ready to move. What do you do in that position? Do you take the risk and buy before you’ve really prepared for a move? Do you stick your neck out to secure the place you adore, creating a potentially vulnerable situation? Or, do you have to let the house go, and plan to take the time to get your current home and finances properly prepared for the next option? It can be heart‑wrenching to watch clients walk away from what could be their dream home.
Now, there is always another house, decision, and better opportunity for you and your family. I’d love to say that there is just one true love when it comes to homes, but it’s usually more complicated than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. I think a few suggestions to help you get ready, without being ready, so that you are ready when “the” house comes along.
If you have a little inkling that you might move in the next year or so. Here are the tips to prepare:
Prepare financially. Do you have a deposit set aside if you want to put an offer on a house tomorrow? If you are thinking of moving it’s a good idea to have savings handy, so that if an opportunity comes along or you come across the perfect home you are prepared.
Prepare mentally. Really think about the reasons you are thinking of moving, downsizing, upsizing, too many stairs etc. Think about what your wish list looks like. You don’t want to be caught off guard by the bling of a new house, then find out it doesn’t actually check all the boxes.
Prepare your family. Have conversations with the important people in your life and who might be involved with your move. Support from friends and family can be crucial and it’s always good to have someone in your corner who knows you well and can properly help support you in big decisions in your life.
Prepare your home. All those things you were going to do when you moved in, is now top of the list. Likely the buyer is going to see your home the same way you do and any updating, doing paint touch-ups, fixing fussy door knobs and dripping taps all need to get done.
The bonus of going through this list is that you are financially confident, spent time on thinking of your goals, you have had real conversations with family and your home looks fabulous, whether you do end up moving or staying where you are.
To further help you when you come to researching for your potential move, I have added a page on my websites for resources to help you plan a move. This includes resources for exploring Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas area, schools in the Kawartha Pine Ridge district, cycling and walking trails. I will continue to add to this resource page to help create a good starting point for you.
Lastly, as always, I’m here to help with advice, suggesting a trade or any other help you may need on your journey. What updates will bring you the best value to your home when you sell? What is important to do? What don't you need to worry about? Have me in for a cup of tea and a chat, I would love to catch up and hear from you!
