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Moving homes when you have teens can be highly stressful. Whether you are taking your family to another state or across town, there are a lot of tasks to think about, not to mention that any kind of change can be hard for children.
However, because teens are better able to articulate and understand these kinds of changes, it’s worth taking the time to include them in your planning, thereby helping to understand the positive aspects of your new adventure together. Today, MD Sahota Real Estate shares some tips and resources to help you get started!
Hiring Experienced Professionals
Your experience will go much more smoothly if you work with professionals along the way. For instance, find an experienced real estate agent to help you navigate the home selling process and find the ideal property for your family in your new location. From listing your current home to closing on your new one, a realtor can relieve a lot of your stress and help you achieve your goals more quickly. Moreover, consider hiring professional movers to help you pack and transport your belongings from point A to B.
Home Affordability
When it comes to finding the right home to move to, your first consideration should be the price. You do not want to purchase a property that you will have trouble making payments on in the future.
Go through your budget and research the various home loans you might qualify for. For instance, conventional mortgages are typically low-cost loans offered with multiple down payment options. Conventional loans also allow you to choose between fixed and adjustable home mortgage interest rates, and you don’t have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you pay at least 20% down.
You also have the option of buying a Real Estate Owned, or REO, property, which means that the lender has repossessed a property because the owner was not able to pay. REO and foreclosed homes can be great choices because they are less expensive, but they can also have damage due to neglect. If you’re interested, search for REO homes for sale and work with a realtor to determine if purchasing one is right for you.
Be aware that some REOs can also be listed “as is” sales. According to Rossi, Hamerslough, Reischel, and Chuck, sellers of these properties must disclose major problems to potential buyers. There is an underlying assumption that, once the issues are fixed, the home will be a great investment; but these lawyers advise potential buyers to use caution. Weigh your options before committing to an “as is” listing. Have a licensed contractor examine the structure for foundation, plumbing, drywall, mold, and pest problems. And don’t just look at the specific issues in the disclosure. It’s best to be cautious and examine all potential major problems before putting in an offer.
Preparing for the Move
As moving day approaches, you will want to make sure your teens are prepared for the change. Frame your family’s relocation as a step in the right direction for all of you. Hold a family meeting to explain the situation to them, and make sure they know what to expect on moving day and in the weeks and months after you arrive at your new home.
Another way to keep your relocation in a positive light is to involve your teens by allowing them to design their new bedroom. If you can, bring your teens with you to a showing so that they can see the home in person; if that is not an option, show them pictures of the space and then discuss room colors, decor, and other fun items that they could include in their new room.
If you’re an entrepreneur and you are moving your entire business, you should also discuss these changes with your teens. They are likely accustomed to you working in a certain way with certain people in a reliable location. Let them help you pack up items and label the boxes differently from the boxes with home items. It could be helpful to explain how you handled the move with your employees, especially if they have grown attached to specific people. Let them ask any questions they have, and do your best to answer honestly and thoroughly.
Moving Day Tips
You can also include your teens in your moving day activities to help them transition. For instance, toddlers can help you clean your old home before moving out or assist the movers by carrying lightweight items to the truck. Also, don’t forget to introduce your teens to the movers and discuss plans for the day’s activities. And make sure you pack a box of essential items, toiletries, and other comfort objects in case anyone needs them!
Settling Into the New Place
Finally, once you get your belongings unloaded into your new home, it’s time to settle in and get to know the area. Consider going on a walk through the neighborhood and meeting your neighbors, and start planning a housewarming party that will provide the opportunity to meet several of your new community members at once.
Do some of the same activities you did at your old home to make your new one feel more familiar. Perhaps it’s a game night or playing badminton in the backyard. Even taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood can help things to become familiar.
Furthermore, ensure that any necessary repairs are handled promptly, and start taking care of any home refresh projects that your family wants to tackle so that your new property feels like home.
Making a Smooth Transition
It may not be easy, but moving with teenagers does not have to be overwhelming. Take time to prepare for your move diligently, and talk through things with your teens, even the logistics of moving your business, too. The move will likely still be emotionally challenging for your teen, but being involved and feeling listened to will make a big difference in helping smooth the transition. And don’t forget to work with professionals like MD Sahota Real Estate who can help you figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on your new home.