By Johanna Wiseman
Photo by Gundolf
Each year, as winter transitions into spring, some homeowners are ready to trade the responsibilities of home maintenance for an easier lifestyle. Your planned move may be a “downsize,” but a reduction in square footage isn’t always the goal. The biggest question facing my clients is what kind of housing to move to and where it should be. Working with an experienced real estate agent helps clarify your needs and priorities. As your agent, I help examine your options and develop a plan to sell your current home, if applicable, in coordination with acquiring your next home.
Luckily, many communities cater to the desire for outsourced home maintenance. Most condo and townhouse developments provide landscaping, snow removal, exterior maintenance, and common amenities in exchange for monthly association fees. Amenities range from basic to luxurious. A swimming pool, playground, clubhouse, fitness center, and/or a jogging path are fairly common, but the sky is the limit depending on the price point. You might find a world-class golf course, a full social calendar, and travel opportunities.
If you qualify by age and have no minor dependents, you may have the added option of 55+ communities. Many towns have allowed builders to develop age-restricted housing (usually 55+) because it doesn’t add to school enrollment. These “active adult” communities offer numerous physical advantages, including first-floor bedroom suites, one-level floorplans, no-step entries, and elevators. If that’s not for you, there are plenty of other developments to choose from that offer convenient, low-maintenance housing without any age restrictions.
At the onset, you should compare resale homes with new construction. Your agent will help you become familiar with existing homes that are being resold by the current occupants. Knowing the existing inventory is an important point of comparison because you will need to consider the expense of any necessary renovations versus an investment in brand-new. While viewing resales, your agent can simultaneously guide you to new communities and assist you in navigating building sites by accompanying you to the sales center and helping you with registration. Most builders are willing to compensate your agent should you decide to purchase a new home in exchange for the accompanied registration.
Having your own advocate is a tremendous advantage. The presence of an agent alleviates sales pressure. From my previous experience with the new construction process, I know what questions to ask the builder’s representative on your behalf. Often, there are practical considerations that the sales center won’t mention unless asked.
If now is the right time for you, you can benefit from a very strong seller’s market. As an experienced agent, I help prepare your home for sale and select the best price and terms from among many willing buyers. Equally as important, I can position you to have a plan in place for your next home, so you won’t be under pressure to move quickly.
Don’t hesitate to contact me or your own trusted real estate professional to guide you through the process of finding your next home. We are here to help!
For more information, contact Local Real Estate Expert Johanna Wiseman of RE/MAX Preferred Professionals, at 908-705-0652 or visit MyBridgewaterHome.com.
