The seven-year-itch is a actual thing--the National Board of Realtors says that the typical American family relocates every seven years. So, if you've resided in your house for a bit and are feeling like relocating, ask yourself these questions to sort out if a move could be on the horizon in Little Rock.
Do You Need More Space?
Growing families tend to expand in many directions, not just numbers. As your toddlers turn into tweens and teens, not only do they grow bigger, the things they need multiplies--a pair of soccer shoes and some shin guards turns into a bag of balls, shoes for every surface and a goal in the backyard. If your kids play hockey or football, all that gear needs its own area--preferably near to the washing maching. And, you've likely learned that spending all your free time in the family room streaming the most popular teenage thing on Netflix is not always what you enjoy, and you would fancy a grown-up space where you can choose the TV channel.
Are You Empty Nesting?
When the kiddos have grown up, and you're roving around in a large empty house that you've got to care for, it's time to think of downsizing--free up your money and your time with a smaller house or even a condo. Nowadays, even quaint towns have over-55 communities that are like being on vacation all the time, where you own your house but have your upkeep provided, dining, social and fitness amenities and the choice to move into managed care when the time comes.
Are There Favorable Opportunities Somewhere Else?
Economic recoveries are not all the same, and if your town has not yet felt the benefits of a better job market, then a relocation to a city with more and better opportunities could make financial sense. While uprooting your family is difficult, the advantages of a better job with higher wage far outweigh the emotional turmoil of a relocation. If your career is in good shape but the cost of living in your town or neighborhood is very expensive, a local move could be a possibility. In most communities, higher real estate prices lead to bigger stickers everywhere from the gas station to the plumber, and property re-evaluations seldom lead to lower taxes.
Are You Safe and Secure in Your House?
The flip side of the real estate boom is the bust that is still having an impression on families all over the country. There are many formerly luxury housing additions that have been hit with lots of foreclosures, and homes have been turned into rentals at best or left vacant at worst. If this characterizes your neighborhood, and you are distressed about the transient turn, it is time to move to a different residence. There's nothing more imperative than your family's safety, and a change would give everyone peace of mind.
Do You Want to Be Closer to Family?
If you find yourself leaving town to visit family each vacation, maybe a move to where the family is would be something to ponder. Especially if your family is close-knit or you want your parents to play bigger role in your children's lives, a move closer to home gives you an ongoing relationship instead of one that is intermittent. You'll get to vacation in new and exciting places, and your kids will see more of the world than the town where you grew up, charming though it may be.
Just Want New Scenery?
This is where the seven-year itch comes in. Sometimes, you just want a new abode. Your tastes change, your hobbies change, and one day you get up and arrive at the conclusion that you want a vineyard or an outdoor kitchen or you want to breed koi. It's all about living your dream, and if that means a new residence, a new city or a new state, go for it. Americans are always on the move, so if that is appealing to you then find a realtor and a mover, and scratch the itch.
Ready to get started? We can help.
