Deciding When to Sell Your Home

I would love to take credit for this next post, but alas, it was written by Elaine Bannigan, the owner and founder of Pinnacle Residential Properties in Wellesley, which is also my place of employment. Elaine, who has been selling homes in Weston, Wellesley and the surrounding towns for over 30 years, wrote this for those who have lived in their houses for many years and are contemplating their next step in life. I thought it was quite pertinent, informative, well-written and poignant, and so I wanted to share it with you.....

One of the most difficult decisions you often have to make in life is to sell your home. This means, among other things, leaving the house where you've raised your family, entertained your friends, decorated with your own personal style, created your garden and established neighborhood relationships. (Buyers note that these are the reasons that selling a home is often much more emotional than buying one.) While many are content to remain in their homes throughout their retirement years, sometimes the appeal of streamlining and living a simpler life motivates us to sell. Here are some questions and thoughts to consider when determining the best strategy to follow:

• Is the upkeep of your home becoming too challenging?
• When it comes to the costly endeavors of painting, reroofing, general maintenance, etc., is it often difficult to find qualified people to do the work as well?
• Is the size of the house manageable?
• Are the taxes, utilities, maintenance on the space you no longer use wasteful of your resources?
• Are there too many stairs?
• Could cashing in on the substantial equity you've built provide a good deal of security?
• Have your friends moved and neighbors changed? Sometimes remaining in your home after your neighbors have changed (e.g., your area has a new influx of young families) gives you less opportunity for socialization than before.

Moving can be a complex and difficult decision to make.  It is almost always stressful, and the older we get, sometimes the more difficult change can be. You may want to consult with family, friends or other advisors for help with this decision.

And we would also love to answer any other questions you may have.....