What kind of property will make you happy? It's easy!

Your home is an extension of you.?It reflects your needs, your habits.?It enables you to do what makes you feel good, feel comfortable on a daily basis.?Above all, it enables you to live your dream lifestyle!?If your current home helps you achieve that, great!?If not, it might be time to “rightsize” you home. How?

Let’s take a look…

When you reach a certain age, you get inundated with articles about downsizing. People often talk about downsizing as if it’s the only option – and the “tiny house movement” certainly gives the impression that everyone needs to move into a glorified caravan to simplify their lives and be happy.

However, I like to take a different approach and prefer to talk about ‘rightsizing’ rather than downsizing. This applies to any age group because it is not determined by age, but rather by the lifestyle you want you live.

What is rightsizing?

Rightsizing is about having the space you need at the age you are that makes you happy and allows you to live comfortably, pursue your hobbies and interests easily and invite family / friends around when you want to. That might mean that you sell the family home that’s too large for your needs and finding a smaller home elsewhere, either closer in or out of the city. However, if what makes you happy is entertaining and having family and friends visit, then you might look at a larger property with some acreage instead.

Downsizing

Once the "children" have left home and you start to change the way you live your life, cleaning a large home might not be your cup of tea (if it ever was). There’s a good reason minimalism has taken off in the last 10 years; it’s all those homeowners who wanted to make their lives more manageable.

Larger homes with loads of storage space can encourage hoarding, and possessions can be a burden that you might no longer wish to deal with. If this sounds like you, it might be time to think about finding a smaller home that allows you to live your life the way you want to – without all the clutter, the cleaning, mowing grass and endless repairs.

Upsizing

Young couples and first home buyers in this market can generally afford only a modestly sized property. Once children come along, they realise it’s worth investing in a larger home to accommodate a growing family and a more active lifestyle. Older couples, too, might choose to sell the suburban family home in favour of a larger property with a pool or a tennis court, because this allows for plenty of room to accommodate visitors and keep the grandkids entertained. So, it’s lifestyle, not necessarily age, that determines the best fit for you right now!

Multigenerational living

Given the recent surge in property prices as well as the need for emotional and physical support, there’s a greater tendency these days for several generations to pool resources and live together. While this might sound like each generation would lack the privacy they need, properties such as dual-key homes offer the perfect balance of proximity and privacy.

If you aren’t familiar with the dual-key concept, a dual-key home is one with two homes on the same block. They tend to be apartments or townhouse-style, with separate entrances. Owners of dual-key properties can live separately but together, or rent half their property. Dual-key home designs tend to allow for future merging of the two properties into one as family needs change.

For those considering a new build for multigenerational living, creative architecture and interior design can also ensure comfort and privacy through zoning, subtle level changes and considered use of materials.

What are my top tips for rightsizing your home and upsizing your lifestyle?

While there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way, if you follow these basic tips, you’ll be on the right path to living in a home that lets you live the way you really want to..

1.?First, make a list of potential locations

You might have lived in the same area for your whole life but that’s no reason to stay. Your current home might be far from where you practise your hobby, or be outside a good school catchment area, or far from work, medical facilities or shopping. Think about what you’ll need for the next ten years and factor that into your next move.

2.?Make a list of must-haves

Whatever you’re doing – downsizing or upsizing – to find the perfect property, you need to be clear about what type of physical space you want. Start by asking yourself questions like: how much space do you need and are you prepared to clean; what type of space do you need for relaxing/hobbies/entertaining/guests staying over etc; what indoor / outdoor balance will make you feel most comfortable; what possessions you want to keep and how much space do you need for them; and, above all, what amazing lifestyle do you want your new home to help you live?

You want to be both happy and comfortable.?You deserve it, so plan carefully.

3. Audit your finances

Rightsizing is about helping you live your best life and you can’t do that if you’re trying to service a mortgage you can’t afford. So, take stock of your finances, talk to a mortgage broker you trust (I can recommend one), and buy a home you can afford without stress.

4. Get a "genuinely helpful” real estate agent who understands your plans and goals

Psychologists tell us that moving house is one of the top 5 most stressful things we can do.?Selling a house and buying another at the same time can certainly be emotional, so it requires an agent who is able and willing to help with BOTH transactions at no extra cost!

For example, as an agent, I always offer a free buyers agency service to all my clients when I sell their house because to me it makes sense that I help them complete their move from house "A" to house "B", and not just move out of "A". This way, I help my clients complete their property journey with professional help, advice and support all the way on BOTH the purchase and the sale.

My client feedback regarding this additional help at no extra cost is that this extra service helps them enormously when it comes to making the right decisions with regard to pricing, timing, coordinating both contracts to ensure they work well together and the physical move itself.

So, remember, your home is an extension of you.?It should suit as many of your needs and wants as possible.?Above all, it must enable you to live out your dream lifestyle.?Make your move wisely...your happiness depends upon it!

Can I help you "rightsize" your home? Get in touch with me today.

? 2023 Brian McKiernan

Selling and not sure where to start? I have personally sold properties in 34 different suburbs in the last 2 years, so I'm confident I can help you!

Send me your questions and I’ll respond directly within 24 hrs.?It's a COMPLIMENTARY service to help you MAXIMISE YOUR PRICE.

Mob: 0450 408 651

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: briansellsproperty

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