Are you looking for larger homes for sale in Magnolia so you can find a comfortable house, with a little extra elbow room for changing needs? Or are you on the other side of the spectrum and would like to downsize, perhaps to simplify your space and maintenance needs? Whether you need to upsize or downsize, Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood is a wonderful place to do it. With its breathtaking views of the water, multiple parks, and Magnolia Village as the quaint, neighborhood commercial center, Magnolia is an ideal place for young professionals, retirees, and everyone in between. Here are some tips to help you upsize and downsize in this desirable Seattle neighborhood.
Tips for upsizing
Upsizing is the process of selling your home and buying another home that is more spacious in Magnolia. Many people upsize as the number of occupants in their home increases—or because their income has grown and they are able to expand the budget for their home. Here are some tips to help you upsize effectively:
- Know what you want. To achieve your upsizing goals, it’s good to know specifically what they are. Are you moving solely to have more bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space? Are you looking for more or better amenities – perhaps a larger kitchen, a dedicated home office, or a master suite? Your Magnolia real estate broker, Mr. Magnolia, will better be able to connect you with the right homes if you’re specific about your reason for moving.
- Look toward the future. Sometimes, those looking at larger homes for sale in Magnolia focus solely on their immediate upsizing needs, not realizing that they may not need all that space long term. When you’re upsizing, try to foresee what the next two, five, and ten years will bring so you can buy accordingly.
- Realize what the true cost will be. Those who want a bigger home usually take into account how much more they will be spending on the mortgage, taxes, and insurance, but some don’t consider other additional expenses of owning a larger home. A larger home may cost more to heat and cool, furnish, and maintain. If you buy a home with a pool, theatre room, or other high-end amenities, you may also have costs associated with these—especially if anything happens to them.
- Don’t forget to show your current home the love! In the excitement to upsize to a larger home, it’s easy to lose track of care at your existing home. Protect the resale value of your current home by staying up with maintenance items both interior and exterior. From yard work to touch-up paint, the careful maintenance of your home will pay dividends when it’s time to sell, and help you enjoy the home you have now as you prepare for your move.
Tips for downsizing
Downsizing involves purchasing homes with less square footage or that have fewer maintenance requirements. Not all “downsized” homes will cost less than the house they are currently in. Some buyers are willing to spend more on high-end amenities or their favorite location even though they are reducing their total amount of living space. The most common reasons for downsizing are changing lifestyles, perhaps it’s time to travel, explore a second career or enjoy a more simplified lifestyle. Follow these tips to reach your downsizing goals:
- Decide what to do with extra belongings. With less space comes less storage and you’ll likely have to prioritize your belongings when you downsize. Make piles of what you want to keep, what you want to donate or throw out, and what you want to pass on to those dear to you. If you have too much you want to keep, consider taking photos of some of the items instead so you can stay connected to the memory, but not the item.
- Downsize furniture. Some of your larger pieces of furniture may not fit in smaller homes for sale in Magnolia or may make rooms look crowded. Now’s the time to get rid of pieces that are bulky or perhaps past their prime. Wait to buy new furniture until you’re settled in your new home so you can buy items that specifically fit certain rooms.
- Don’t rush it. Selling a home that you have spent years making memories in is not an easy task. If you rush through it, you may find yourself regretting your decision or battling other powerful emotions down the road. Give yourself time to say goodbye to items, relive memories, and maybe have a few more get-togethers before you put it up for sale.
- Make sure there’s a spot for everything. If you’re moving to a much smaller home, you may need to analyze what has a place in your new house and what doesn’t. As you’re packing belongings, sketch out where they will go in your new place. If you find there isn’t a place for them to go, decide if you will give the items away, sell them, or choose other possessions you don’t need to free up the needed room.
- Focus on the lifestyle. It can be difficult to leave a larger place for smaller homes for sale in Magnolia, so try to focus on the upgraded lifestyle you’ll experience in your new place instead of what you’ll be missing. Is your new home near Magnolia Village with access to frequent social activities or amenities? Is it near a park where you can walk your dog every day? How much easier and enjoyable will your life be when you no longer have to mow or clean out gutters?
Both upsizing and downsizing have perks and challenges. To achieve your moving goals, work with an experienced Magnolia real estate broker and follow the above tips. Ready to move forward? Reach out to experienced The Mr. Magnolia Team for expert guidance when moving to smaller homes for sale in Magnolia.