Moving to a new place is a big deal whether it’s due to a job change, retirement or a family situation. And it’s an even bigger deal if you’re moving to a new city or state. Ask yourself these 8 questions before you make that move.
1. Why am I moving?
What is pulling you to the new location? Is it a new job, lower housing costs, better weather, family, friends, life style? Did you just get back from vacation and fell in love with the place you visited?
2. What am I giving up?
Are you moving away from friends and family? How important is the time you spend with them? As a REALTOR®, I’ve helped a lot of people come back to San Diego County after they’ve moved away from kids, grandkids, family and friends and realized how important those people were in their lives.
3. Is the new community a fit for me and those who are moving with me?
Spend as much time in the new community as you can before you make your final decision. When you go there, live like a local, not a tourist. Vacationing somewhere and living there can be very different. Try out short-term rentals in the neighborhoods that interest you instead of staying in the tourist zones.
Talk to locals and find out where they like to go on the weekends, what their favorite restaurants and stores are, what they like most about the area and what they like least. Ask friends if they know anyone living there. Someone will. They can answer your questions and make recommendations about the area.
If you can, rent there for a year before you purchase a home. That way you’ll get a much better feel for the community and the weather. Check out the whole area. You might find better options once you’ve really gotten to know what’s around you.
4. What’s the cost of living?
Housing may be less expensive than it is here in San Diego, but what are your other costs? What will utility, grocery and insurance costs be? What’s the tax situation?
5. How will moving change my health care?
Not only are you moving away from your primary physician, you’re also leaving your dentist, eye doctor and medical specialists. What does your health insurance cover in your new area? How far away from your new home are medical facilities?
6. How Do I Feel About the Climate?
As a native Southern Californian, I’m incredibly spoiled by our near perfect weather. If you’ve lived here all your life or for a long while, how are you going to feel about the climate in your new area? Spend a year there if you can so you get to know the weather in all four seasons.
7. Are schools important?
If you’ve got kids in school, find out where they will go to school and learn as much as you can about the local school system.
8. What’s my backup plan?
If you or your family decide that the new community isn’t a good fit, what are your options? If you own a home in your old community and keep it as a rental while you are test-driving your new one, you will have a place to move back to.
Whether you’re ready to make a move or need help weighing your options, I’d love to help. I can determine your current home’s value and refer you to an agent in your dream locale. Contact me today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation!