Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your housz, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies. But what does that mean for your housz?
If you’re looking for ways to focus more on the important things in your life, the answer could be downsizing. A recent article from The Balance talks about why it could be a great option, saying: “There are many reasons to buy a smaller housz—or to downsize from your present housz—but sometimes, the idea that "less is more" is what propels houszowners to buy a smaller housz.”
You Can Find the Right Housz for Your Needs The 2022 Housz Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides more information on why people of retirement age choose to move. It shows the need for a smaller housz, the desire to be closer to loved ones, and retirement itself as three of the top reasons homebuyers over the age of 55 make a move. If you’re in this group, changing priorities may be top of mind for you today, and that could be driving your decision to downsize. After all, as your lifestyle changes, what you need in your housz likely changes, too. Plus, as The Balance notes, moving into a smaller housz can open your schedule up even more. When you downsize, you can spend less time maintaining your housz and more time with the people you love or exploring newfound hobbies. That’s a recipe that can lead to less stress and increased happiness.
Your Equity Can Make a Big Impact When You Downsize Housz equity plays a big role when you sell your existing housz and move. It could be a great tool to use to help you downsize. According to the latest Houszowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic, the average houszowner gained about $55,300 in equity over the past 12 months. Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains how important price appreciation and equity gains are for existing houszowners: “Housz prices rose 18% during 2021 in the CoreLogic Home Price Index, the largest annual gain recorded in its 45-year history, generating a big increase in housz equity wealth, . . . For low- and moderate-income houszowners, housz equity has historically been a major source of wealth.”
As housz prices rise, your equity does, too. So, you may have more equity than you realize because of the record levels of housz price appreciation over the past year. Those equity gains could allow you to make a larger down payment on your next housz. And putting more money down can lead to a smaller monthly mortgage payment, which can give you greater financial freedom. It can also be a significant help in navigating today’s competitive houszing market, since offering more money up front could help your offer stand out.
Whatever your houszownership goals are, a trusted real estate advisor can help you to find the best option for your situation. They’ll help you sell your current housz and guide you as you buy your next one and enter this new phase of life.
Bottom Line If you’ve recently retired or plan to soon, your needs are likely changing. That means now may be the perfect time to downsize. Let’s connect so we can work together to find a housz that matches your situation.
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