Stay or Move? 5 Questions to Help You Decide

It can be tough to make the decision to sell. In fact, for many homeowners, it’s overwhelming. If you’re considering making a move and struggling with the decision, here are five helpful questions to ask yourself:

1. “What is your practical reason for selling?”

This question refers to what you’ll get by moving to a new home. The reasons could include a bigger backyard, a shorter commute to work, an extra bedroom, a more desirable neighbourhood, etc.

2. “What are your emotional reasons for selling?”

This question refers to how you’ll feel about living in a new home. For example, you might feel safer, less cramped, less worried (because the local schools are better), or happier (because the shorter commute means more time with your family).

3. “What type of new home can you afford?”

This question involves finding out how much you’ll likely get when you sell your existing home and how much of a mortgage you qualify to receive. With that information, you’ll have a price range within which you can comfortably shop, plus a clear idea of what your mortgage payments will be. 

4. “In what ways will your lifestyle be better in a new home?”

This ties in closely with emotional reasons for selling. It relates to what your life will be like in a new home. Try to paint a picture in your mind. For example, you might want to be able to spend Saturday afternoons relaxing in your bigger backyard or Sunday nights entertaining friends and family in your larger living room.

5. “What else do you need to know before you decide to sell and move?”

Sometimes people are hesitant about selling simply because they have unanswered questions. So, if there’s any part of the selling and buying process that’s not clear, be sure to ask me.