10 Ways to Know You're Ready to Move

Most real estate agents want to their clients to be prepared, whether you're buying or selling. If you're ready to move, you should know it! If you're just considering, on the fence or really don't have the money, it's not your time.. and that's OK! It's OK to wait until you're really ready. But how do you know when it's time? Do you just wake up one day and think, "Hey, let's move today!" Maybe but I like to see clients that really put in the time to consider what moving entails. Here are my 10 ways to know you're ready to move by several experts in the real estate field.

#1. You've outgrown your existing space.

"Now, this is not the only reason that you should move but it is a really good one. As long as other things fall into place on this list, if you've outgrown your existing home, apartment or condominium it might be time to move into a larger space. Perhaps you had a couple of kids, added a family member or simply collected more personal belongings. If you are being crowded out of your existing home, it might be time to move." - Jackie Barikhan, Jumbo Mortgage Officer

#2. You don't need as much space.

Contrary to #1, perhaps the kids have moved out, you've gotten a divorce, or you simply don't need as much space as he once did. You just don't want the responsibility, the maintenance or the space to clean every week. This is a great reason to move.

#3. The area may be on the decline.

"Are crime rates going up in your area? Schools declining, freeway going through town? These are all reasons that you may be wanting to move. Before things get too bad, you want to sell your property right away to avoid any decline in value. If you're renting in a certain area, you will need to worry about this at all." - Gregg Camp, Santa Cruz Realtor®

#4. You're tired of paying someone else's mortgage.

"This is really for renters. If you've been renting most of your life you're simply paying someone else's mortgage on the property. If you're tired of doing that and what your own responsibilities, fix up and remodel the home to your liking or just want more freedom, it might be a great time to consider moving into a home of your own." - Alexander Gutierrez, Mesquite Homes for Sale

#5. It would cost you less to move the to fix your current home.

"This is a tricky one as it really comes down to weighing the costs. If you know the home needs a new roof, new foundation, new wiring, plumbing or other major issues and you just don't want to put in tens of thousands of dollars, it might be time to sell as is and move into a home that doesn't need as much work. This is not a decision to take lightly. You may be losing money by selling your home as is but this is where weighing the cost of repair, versus selling, versus buying a place that doesn't need as much work really matters. Have your real estate agent go over the numbers with you as to what makes the most sense for your financial situation." Karen Baker, Sunset Beach NC Homes for Sale

#6. You have saved enough money.

"Money is really the key to whether or not you actually can buy a new house. You might have all the other reasons of wanting to, but if your finances don't stack up to a new mortgage payment, taxes and insurance it might not be the best time. If you sent a little money aside for a down payment, have enough for an earnest money deposit and home inspection, and you spoken to a lender about how much home you can afford, it might be a great time to start. Interest rates will continue to rise over the next couple of years so if you're intimidated about these rising interest rates and you have the funds to purchase now, this is really the best time." - Kenny Raymond, Brickell FL Condos for Sale

#7. You've been putting off moving for some time.

"If you've been wanting to put your house on the market you have to do a lot of prep work or you're simply dreading the thought of the home sale process, just bite the bullet and do it now while interest rates are still low. You'll get a decent amount of buyers through the door and have a better chance of getting an offer now than you would in a couple of years." - Mitzi Cameron, Homes on Camano Island

#8. You've changed jobs or the commute is a bear.

"If you've changed jobs and either moved farther away from your current home or you're simply tired of the commute you have now, it might be a great time to move. There may be homes around your place of employment that are exactly what you're looking for and may offer a lower payment or better amenities. If you don't look you just don't know." Matthew Kennedy, Niagara County NY Realtor®

#9. You're ready to settle down.

"Perhaps you found that special someone and you're ready to buy a home together. This is a great way to blend finances and start a life together in a new home. If you live separately for some time, this is a great way to measure lives together." Portland, Oregon Suburbs Real Estate

#10. You simply need a fresh start.

"Whatever you've gone through in your life perhaps at the death, job change, divorce, new baby, kids of going off to college, or maybe a financial windfall, you're looking for a fresh change, a new direction and a new place." - Dale Corpus, San Ramon Homes for Sale

More Great Tips for Movers:

When to Sell and When to Stay - Sara Mehrpouyan

Can you Buy and Sell Real Property with Bitcoin? - Luis Pezzini

Simple Things to Remember When Relocating - PCBeach