Unfortunately our homes don’t always grow with us. What may have worked well for a single person, a young couple’s starter home or a family with a newborn can quickly become too small as families expand and multiple generations live under one roof.
Remodeling and adding to your home is one option for creating more space; however, it can be costly, and the size of your property may be prohibitive. That’s when moving to a bigger home becomes the best solution.
WHERE DO YOU NEED MORE SPACE?
The first thought when upsizing your home is to consider square footage, bedrooms and bathrooms. But it’s important to take a more critical approach to how your space will actually be used. If you have younger children (or possibly more on the way), then focusing on bedrooms and bathrooms makes sense.
But if your children are closer to heading off to college or starting their own families, it may be better to prioritize gathering spaces like the kitchen, dining room, living room and outdoor areas. It’ll pay off during the holidays and summer vacations, when everyone comes back to visit.
MOVING OUTWARD
If you need more space but don’t necessarily want a more expensive home, you may be able to get more house for your money by moving a little further from a city center. While the walkability and short commutes of a dense neighborhood or condo are hard to leave behind, your lifestyle — and preferences for hosting Thanksgiving, barbecues, and birthdays — might mean that a spacious home in the suburbs makes the most sense.
It’s your best option for up-sizing while avoiding a heftier price tag.
Owen & Co. Real Estate specializes in both commercial and residential properties in cities along the Gulf Coast. Reach them at (228) 822-9870 or info@owenandco.com.