Think Twice, Move Once
Relocating Advice from a REALTOR®
by Meg Minehan | August 1, 2017
I have been very fortunate in my real estate career. After 33 years I have developed a wonderful referral clientele and have remained friends with many of my clients. Based on many experiences with repeat clients, I am comfortable giving advice when asked for it.
Over the last ten years or so I’ve gotten calls from both buyers and those looking to sell for some very interesting reasons. It seems as though many folks have picked up their stakes and relocated only to find that the destination they thought would be their forever home is not at all to their liking. It’s been for a myriad of reasons, but one theme is constant, they made the move too soon, without thinking it through and figuring out the ramifications it would have on their future.
I’ve compiled a list of suggestions based on these past experiences that if they can save one person from needlessly relocating only to find it was a huge mistake, then I will feel better for it.
One client called me after making the move to Florida to retire. Apparently they made the decision after spending some gorgeous Winter months down there that that was where they were going to retire. After living there full time for two years, the extreme heat and tropical storms drove them North again. Their take away was they should have spent some time down there in the off seasons so they really experienced the climes year ‘round instead of when it was fun and Winter up North. If you’re considering relocating South, make sure you experience the area you’re considering during different times of the year before taking the plunge. You may decide that Florida is too far South and that the Carolinas are more to your liking. You may even decide that keeping your house up here and buying a small condo that can be rented out when you’re not there is a wiser choice.
Another wonderful client spent millions on a beautiful home on a lake in our area. It was very customized and specific to their tastes. Thankfully it was beautifully built with fabulous amenities but it was so specific, it took us some time to sell it and they didn’t realize half of what they spent on construction costs back when it sold. The lure of children and grandchildren on the West Coast was so strong they wanted to be near family. They probably just should have just left the house small and cozy until they were sure of where they wanted to be.
Other clients made a move from Southern Saratoga County to Northern Washington County. Less than a decade later, they are moving back, as all their doctors are in Southern Saratoga County and the drive is becoming arduous. As they were already older when they moved up North, perhaps compromising and settling in Saratoga Springs would have been a good move. Now they are trying to sell a house with a limited market and buy something in the hottest market in the area. Very tough as things go in multiple offers with no contingencies.
I have been trying to follow my own advice. Jack and I built a house almost 24 years ago. We held off making major improvements thinking we would eventually scale down a bit. Our oldest son and daughter in law built a house 4 years ago less than two miles away and our three grandchildren are there. Having them within walking distance made the decision for us. We’ve since taken down walls, installed wood flooring, completely renovated a bath, gutted the kitchen and are putting in a pool. We’re not going anywhere. The first floor dining room and 6 x 8 pantry would make a great first floor master suite should the need ever arise.
Hopefully having this discussion will help at least one person think twice about making a drastic move. Writing down the pros and cons of an area or improvement to an existing home should be the first order of business when it’s time to make a decision to move. Check with your Realtor on buying and selling trends in any area, we can help with that anywhere in the US now. Not all moves are happy ones, that can never be totally avoided, but more thought out ones tend to be happier.
About the Author
Meg Minehan has over 32 years of experience in the real estate industry and is an Associate Broker at Roohan Realty. Meg specializes in residential real estate, buyer and seller representation, relocation, marketing and negotiation. Meg’s bio
You might also like…