BLOG 3: Thinking About Moving

When a home no longer fits the way you live, moving is not always the only answer. These six questions can help you decide whether improving your current home or finding another one makes more sense.

Renovate or Move? 6 Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Sometimes the problem is not that you dislike your home.

You may simply need another bedroom. A better kitchen. More storage. Less maintenance. A different commute. Or a layout that works better for the way your life looks today.

That usually leads to one big question:

Should we renovate, or should we move?

There is no universal answer, but these questions can make the decision much clearer.

1. Is the house the problem, or is it the location?

A renovation can change a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or floor plan.

It cannot change your commute, lot, surrounding area, proximity to the places important to you, or many other location-related factors.

If you love where you live, improving the home may deserve serious consideration.

2. Can the property realistically become what you need?

Think beyond cosmetic improvements.

Can the home accommodate the additional space or functionality you want without requiring a project that is far larger than expected?

Sometimes the existing structure works. Sometimes you are trying very hard to make the wrong house become the right house.

3. What would the renovation actually cost?

Get realistic numbers before making the decision.

A project that sounds reasonable in conversation may look very different after contractor estimates, materials, permits, unexpected repairs, and contingency costs are considered.

4. How long are you planning to stay?

Your timeline matters.

If you expect to remain in the home for many years, a renovation that improves your everyday life may make more sense than if you already expect another move in the relatively near future.

5. Are you prepared for the disruption?

Renovations involve more than money.

Depending on the project, there may be noise, dust, contractors, unavailable rooms, delayed materials, and changes to your daily routine.

Be realistic about how much disruption you are willing to accept.

6. What could your current home sell for?

This is the number many homeowners skip.

Before spending heavily to make your existing property work, understand approximately what it may be worth today and what alternatives that could give you in the current market.

You might discover that renovating makes perfect sense.

You might discover that moving gives you more of what you want.

Either answer is useful.

Start With the Numbers, Not the Decision

You do not need to decide to sell just because you are exploring your options.

Start by understanding your current home's potential value, what improvements may cost, and what other homes could realistically offer.

Then make the decision with better information.

Thinking through your next move? Start by finding out what your current home may be worth.