With the
state of the 2022 real estate market so far, it’s hard NOT to think about what it would be like to sell your current place and upgrade to something a bit closer to your dream home. A little more space, a little better neighborhood, and some room to lean into your future plans. What should you consider as you try to decide what’s best for you? Here are X things in our Boise Guide for move-up home buyers.
1. Hire an Expert to Help You Explore the Options
There are only a handful of people who are really qualified to know what’s moving and shaking in Boise’s real estate world. We study the landscape, know about developments coming on board, and what areas are the best to invest in right now.
We’ll take the time to find out your goals, your dreams, and what is most important to you. And then we roll that into our home search, making sure you only see the places that meet your criteria, and that you don’t spend time viewing those that don’t.
We also know current values, making sure that any offer you put in is appropriate and well-strategized. (And if you’re selling your current home while you look, we’ll make sure that it’s positioned on the market in a way that showcases its best features and is priced to bring you top dollar.)
2. Determine What You Love and What You Don’t
When you moved into your current home, there were likely a few concessions. It happens with almost every real estate purchase. And since you’ve moved in, you’ve probably discovered a few new things you love and a few you wish you had known before you purchased.
Home
What worked well in the home you’re currently in? Are there features you wouldn’t want to live without now that you’ve experienced them? Are there things you thought you’d love but ended up not liking at all? Have your list of needs and your list of wants, and know what you’d be willing to concede before you even start looking for your next home.
Neighborhood
Is your neighborhood something you’ll miss or are you eager for a change? Maybe you moved in because there were other new families on your street. Now you may feel kids overrun the street. Or maybe your neighborhood has turned over and become full of rentals. Each of these changes the tone of an area. Consider what you love and what you want to avoid as you check out a new neighborhood. It’s also possible that your upward trajectory has made you outgrow those around you and you’d like to surround yourself with more like-minded people.
Community
Do you love being within walking distance of the kids’ school and all the shops? Or would you rather get out of town a bit and enjoy a quieter space to unwind? Are you ready to add some distance between you and the elementary school, no matter how good it is? Are the places you socialize in still close enough to your future home? Think about all the things that keep you healthy, happy, and fulfilled, and make sure they’re still within a reasonable distance of your move-up home.
3. Know What You Can Afford
Just as when you bought your very first home, get pre-approved so you know how much you can afford as a move-up home buyer. (And consider refreshing yourself on the 6 things every first-time home buyer needs to know.) There’s a good chance it doesn’t feel as vital this time around, but that doesn’t mean you should skip this step.
As you consider your options, know what any maintenance costs might be as well. A bigger property likely means more expensive yard care and HOAs may be more expensive. You may want a housekeeper to help you maintain the inside of a larger home. (Here’s what sets a luxury home apart from the rest of the market.)
If you’re moving into an older estate, don’t forget to factor in home repair costs. No matter how well the inspection report comes back, older homes require more time and energy to keep running smoothly.
If you intentionally follow these 3 steps for move-up home buyers, you’ll be well on your way to transitioning into the home of your dreams. At the right time for the right investment, with you at the helm making confident, informed decisions.
