Perhaps you’ve been completely content in a condo until recently, but now you’re ready to upsize. If so, you’re not alone. There comes a time for many homeowners when greater square footage and a bit of outdoor space start to take priority. When that happens, there are a few things to consider before you make the move into a single-family home.
If you’re planning to leave condo living behind and purchase your first house, here’s what you should know…
1) Replacements will be necessary
There’s no getting around it: houses are complex. They’re comprised of many systems, components, and appliances—all of which are bound to get worn out over time. Unless the home you’re buying is brand new, you’ll almost certainly have to replace at least one big-ticket item within the first year (whether it’s your HVAC system or your windows.) To avoid financial strain, be sure to leave some extra room in your budget for when these issues arise.
2) Your expenses will change
Most homeowners who move from a condo to a house are happy to leave monthly maintenance fees behind. What they often forget is, the expenses associated with a single-family home can wind up being higher than those you’ll pay for a unit. Along with the repairs you’ll need to cover, more space usually means more expensive utilities. Fortunately, getting a sense of a property’s general condition (and the average monthly bills associated with it) can help you create a more accurate budget.
3) Landscaping is vital
There’s nothing quite like enjoying your own private outdoor space, but it’s important to remember that a yard requires upkeep. From feeding, watering, and mowing your lawn, to raking your leaves and pruning your shrubs, you’ll need to attend to some regular landscaping tasks. Ignoring them can lead to more work down the line, so be vigilant—and ask an expert at your local gardening store for advice if need be!
4) You may need to hit the shops
If you’re like many condo owners, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of stuff for your relatively small space. While you might think that your furniture and decor will fit perfectly in a house, there’s a good chance that you’re underestimating the space you have to fill. That may mean it’s time to go shopping. If so, consider investing in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time—especially if you’ll be living in your house long-term.
5) Your chores will be different
Moving into a house can lead to a different set of chores. For example, while you may have used a convenient garbage chute in your condo, now you’ll have to walk your trash out to the curb. On the other hand, if you’ll own a dishwasher for the first time, it’s going to mean loading and unloading it (as opposed to hand washing). If you have kids, you should start thinking about how you’ll divvy up these new tasks. Keeping a home neat and tidy is a family responsibility—and now is a great time to reset expectations if need be!
Moving from a condo to a house can require a bit of a mental shift. To ensure that your transition is smooth, prepare yourself for a significant lifestyle change—one that’s worth getting excited about!
Are you ready to make the move from your condo to a house? Reach out to learn how we can help!
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