HOW TO MOVE. WHEN TO MOVE. WHERE TO MOVE
It’s all in the art of the move.
Finding a new place to live is a decision not to be taken lightly. We often hear that people wish they had known how to analyze their options before they bought, built or remodeled their last house. When you build with us, we will guide you on this journey.
DOES MOVING MAKE SENSE?
Whether you rent or own, moving requires both time and energy—two valuable resources. Delaying a move can have some significant advantages. If you’re planning to stay in your current home for a while, remodeling could be a smart and cost-effective alternative to relocating. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. In The Art of the Move, we explore key questions to help guide your decision.
What are the significant advantages to moving from your current residence?
What are the costs of moving?
How much more or less will living in your new home be?
How much deferred maintenance do you have on your current home?
Have you outgrown your existing home?
Should I Remodel My Home?
Remodeling can have a mixed reputation, but when done with care, it can be a smart alternative to moving and even increase your home’s value. Sometimes, a smaller remodel is the perfect first step toward getting your house ready for sale. However, it’s important to approach remodeling thoughtfully to avoid potential issues. In The Art of the Move, we begin by asking the following questions.
How long do I plan to stay if I remodel?
Does remodeling make financial sense?
How should I finance the remodel?
What’s the remodeling process?
Is Renting Just
Throwing Money Away?
While there’s a common belief that owning is always better than renting, this view can be overly simplistic. Many factors—such as financial resources, lifestyle flexibility, and job stability—play a critical role in determining whether renting or buying makes more sense for you. Renting can offer advantages, depending on your situation. In The Art of the Move, we explore key questions to consider.
How much am I saving by renting vs. owning?
What are the costs of moving?
How long do I plan to stay in my current area?
Does my lease protect me from rent increases or eviction?
Is the community safe for my family?
Is this a good market to buy a home?
Buying An Existing Home
While buying an existing home may seem simpler and faster than building, it can actually be one of the most complex paths. There are numerous factors to consider, and without the right guidance, it can become overwhelming. From assessing the condition of the home to determining a fair price, each step requires careful thought and often professional advice. In The Art of the Move, we help you explore the key questions that can simplify the process.
What’s the condition of the home I’m buying?
How do I determine a fair price?
How much money will I need?
What homes are available?
Does the home meet my needs and wants?
Building A New Home
Building a new home may seem intimidating, but it can also be the most rewarding and financially smart option. The ability to customize your home from the ground up is one of the biggest advantages, making the time investment worthwhile. Understanding the process and knowing what to expect are key to a successful project. In The Art of the Move, we explore the essential questions to help guide your journey.
Where would you like to build your home?
What are your needs and wants for the new space?
How long do you plan to stay in the new home?
What is your budget?
What architectural style and interior design do you prefer?
HIRING THE RIGHT EXPERTS
Each expert plays a specialized role in the moving process, and knowing who to hire and when is crucial. These experts fall into four main categories, with some bridging multiple areas.
Legal and Codes
Attorneys
Land Use Specialists
Builders/Remodelers
Building Officials
Mediators
Builders
Design
Engineers
Architects
Home Designers
Interior Designers
Stagers
Real Estate Agents
Builders/Remodelers
Finance
Local Bankers
Appraisers
Mortgage Lenders
Mortgage Brokers
Real Estate Agents
Accountants
Tax Specialists
Builders/Remodelers
Construction
Builders/Remodelers
Real Estate Agents
Home Inspectors
Maintenance/Repair
Vendors
MAKING A DECISION THAT WORKS FOR YOU
When contemplating a move, experts come in all shapes and sizes, offering various services, levels of competence, and costs. However, the most crucial expert in the moving process is you. With some basic tools, anyone can become a reliable (and affordable) expert in understanding their own personal goals, financial constraints and physical limitations.