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Imagine embarking on the exciting journey of downsizing your home. Whether you're a senior seeking a new chapter or an empty-nester opting for convenience, downsizing doesn't have to feel overwhelming. It's an opportunity to simplify and embrace a fresh adventure. Here's how to make downsizing easy! Step 1: Start with a Vision Begin by envisioning your downsized life. Define your ideal living space and prioritize what truly matters. This vision will guide your decisions and keep you motivated as you navigate this transition. Step 2: Declutter Like a Pro Embrace the art of decluttering, one room at a time. Ask yourself if each item sparks joy. Donate, sell, or gift belongings that no longer serve you. Downsizing is about making room for what matters most. Step 3: Plan Ahead Plan strategically for your move. Measure your new space and visualize its layout. Opt for multi-functional furniture to maximize your living area creatively. Step 4: Sort and Pack Strategically Categorize your belongings as "keep," "donate," "sell," or "toss." Use labeled boxes and pack fragile items carefully. Create an "essentials" box for immediate comfort in your new space. Step 5: Seek Support and Resources Don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Engage friends, family, or a certified senior transition specialist to guide you. These professionals offer knowledge and emotional support throughout your journey. Congratulations on mastering the art of downsizing! With a clear vision, strategic planning, decluttering skills, and the right support, your transition to a downsized space is underway. Embrace this chance to curate a simpler, more intentional lifestyle, focusing on what truly brings you joy. Embark on a seamless downsizing journey with me, your dedicated Raleigh, NC real estate agent and Certified Senior Transition Specialist. Whether you're a senior looking for a new chapter or an empty-nester craving convenience, downsizing is your chance for a fresh adventure. I'll help you envision your ideal living space, expertly declutter, strategically plan for the move, and provide the support you need. Simplify your life, prioritize what matters, and step into a more intentional lifestyle – contact me today to start your downsizing journey!

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key home selling challenges holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles. Home Selling Challenge #1: The Reluctance to Take on a Higher Mortgage Rate According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4% (see graph below): But today, the typical 30-year fixed mortgage rate offered to buyers is closer to 7%. As a result, many homeowners are opting to stay put instead of moving to another home with a higher borrowing cost. This is a situation known as the mortgage rate lock-in effect. The Advice: Waiting May Not Pay Off While experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year as inflation cools, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wait to sell. Mortgage rates are notoriously hard to predict. And, right now home prices are back on the rise. If you move now, you’ll at least beat rising home prices when you buy your next home. And, if experts are right and rates fall, you can always refinance later if that happens. Challenge #2: The Fear of Not Finding Something to Buy When so many homeowners are reluctant to take on a higher rate, fewer homes are going to come onto the market. That’s going to keep inventory low. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains: “Inventory will remain tight in the coming months and even for the next couple of years. Some homeowners are unwilling to trade up or trade down after locking in historically-low mortgage rates in recent years.” Even though you know this limited housing supply helps your house stand out to eager buyers, it may also make you feel hesitant to sell because you don’t want to struggle to find something to purchase. The Advice: Broaden Your Search If fear you won’t be able to find your next home is the primary thing holding you back, remember to consider all your options. Looking at all housing types including condos, townhouses, and even newly built homes can help give you more to choose from. Plus, if you’re able to work fully remote or hybrid, you may be able to consider areas you hadn’t previously searched. If you can look further from your place of work, you may have more affordable options. Bottom Line Instead of focusing on the challenges, focus on what you can control. Reach out to a local agent so you’re working with a professional who has the experience to navigate these waters and find the perfect home for you.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? And it’s no surprise you don’t have the clarity you need on that topic. Part of the issue is how headlines are talking about prices. Spoiler alert, shocking real estate headlines are click bait! They’re basing their negative news by comparing current stats to the last few years. But you can’t compare this year to the ‘unicorn’ years (when home prices reached record highs that were unsustainable). And as prices begin to normalize now, they’re talking about it like it’s a bad thing and making people fear what’s next. But the worst home price declines are already behind us. What we’re starting to see now is the return to more normal home price appreciation. To help make home price trends easier to understand, let’s focus on what’s typical for the market and omit the last few years since they were anomalies. Let’s start by talking about seasonality in real estate. In the housing market, there are predictable ebbs and flows that happen each year. Spring is the peak homebuying season when the market is most active. That activity is typically still strong in the summer but begins to wane as the cooler months approach. Home prices follow along with seasonality because prices appreciate most when something is in high demand. That’s why, before the abnormal years we just experienced, there was a reliable long-term home price trend. The graph below uses data from Case-Shiller to show typical monthly home price movement from 1973 through 2021 (not adjusted, so you can see the seasonality): As the data from the last 48 years shows, at the beginning of the year, home prices grow, but not as much as they do entering the spring and summer markets. That’s because the market is less active in January and February since fewer people move in the cooler months. As the market transitions into the peak homebuying season in the spring, activity ramps up, and home prices go up a lot more in response. Then, as fall and winter approach, activity eases again. Price growth slows, but still typically appreciates. Why This Is So Important to Understand In the coming months, as the housing market moves further into a more predictable seasonal rhythm, you’re going to see even more headlines that either get what’s happening with home prices wrong or, at the very least, are misleading. Those headlines might use a number of price terms, like: Appreciation: when prices increase. Deceleration of appreciation: when prices continue to appreciate, but at a slower or more moderate pace. Depreciation: when prices decrease. They’re going to mistake the slowing home price growth (deceleration of appreciation) that’s typical of market seasonality in the fall and winter and think prices are falling (depreciation). Don’t let those headlines confuse you or spark fear. Instead, remember it’s normal to see a deceleration of appreciation, slowing home price growth, as the months go by. Bottom Line If you have questions about what’s happening with home prices in your area, connect with a trusted real estate professional.

Even though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy that was so characteristic of the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean today’s market is at a standstill. In actuality, buyer traffic is still strong today. The ShowingTime Showing Index is a measure of how much buyers are touring homes. The graph below uses that index to illustrate buyer activity trends over time to help put today into the proper perspective. It shows there’s seasonality in real estate. If you look at the last normal years in the market (shown in gray), there was a consistent pattern as buyer activity peaked in the first half of each year (during the peak homebuying season in the spring) and slowed as each year came to a close. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, that trend was disrupted as the market responded to the resulting uncertainty (shown in blue in the middle). From there, we entered the ‘unicorn’ years of housing (shown in pink). This is when mortgage rates were record-low and buyer demand was sky high. Similar seasonal trends still existed even during that time, just at much higher levels. Now, let’s look at 2023. Traffic is down from the previous month and it’s also lower than the peaks we saw in the ‘unicorn’ years. But what’s happening isn’t a steep drop off in demand – it’s a slow return toward more normal seasonality. As the ShowingTime report explains: “Showing traffic declined about 10% in May . . . This follows a typical seasonal pattern – disrupted by the pandemic but now beginning to return . . .” And, to highlight this isn’t a drastic decline, let’s zoom in. Here’s a graph using just the May data for the last five years. It shows just how active homebuyer demand still is. What Does That Mean for You? Buyers are still out there touring homes. They’re more active than they were in May 2022 (when sticker shock over higher mortgage rates started to set in) and certainly more than they were in the last normal years. So, remember, buyer activity is still strong. And it could actually be even stronger if it wasn’t constrained by the limited supply of homes for sale. According to U.S. News: “Housing markets have cooled slightly, but demand hasn’t disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market.” Bottom Line Don’t lose sight of just how active the market still is today. If your house isn’t on the market, it’s not getting in front of all those buyers who are looking to make a purchase right now. Connect with a real estate agent to start the process.

If you’re following mortgage rates because you know they impact your borrowing costs, you may be wondering what the future holds for them. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to answer that question because mortgage rates are notoriously hard to forecast. But, there’s one thing that’s historically a good indicator of what’ll happen with rates, and that’s the relationship between the 30-Year Mortgage Rate and the 10-Year Treasury Yield. Here’s a graph showing those two metrics since Freddie Mac started keeping mortgage rate records in 1972: As the graph shows, historically, the average spread between the two over the last 50 years was 1.72 percentage points (also commonly referred to as 172 basis points). If you look at the trend line you can see when the Treasury Yield trends up, mortgage rates will usually respond. And, when the Yield drops, mortgage rates tend to follow. While they typically move in sync like this, the gap between the two has remained about 1.72 percentage points for quite some time. But, what’s crucial to notice is that spread is widening far beyond the norm lately (see graph below): If you’re asking yourself: what’s pushing the spread beyond its typical average? It’s primarily because of uncertainty in the financial markets. Factors such as inflation, other economic drivers, and the policy and decisions from the Federal Reserve (The Fed) are all influencing mortgage rates and a widening spread. Why Does This Matter for You? This may feel overly technical and granular, but here’s why homebuyers like you should understand the spread. It means, based on the normal historical gap between the two, there’s room for mortgage rates to improve today. And, experts think that’s what lies ahead as long as inflation continues to cool. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains: “It’s reasonable to assume that the spread and, therefore, mortgage rates will retreat in the second half of the year if the Fed takes its foot off the monetary tightening pedal . . . However, it’s unlikely that the spread will return to its historical average of 170 basis points, as some risks are here to stay.” Similarly, an article from Forbes says: “Though housing market watchers expect mortgage rates to remain elevated amid ongoing economic uncertainty and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hiking war on inflation, they believe rates peaked last fall and will decline—to some degree—later this year, barring any unforeseen surprises.” Bottom Line If you’re either a first-time home buyer or a current homeowner thinking of moving into a home that better fits your current needs, keep on top of what’s happening with mortgage rates and what experts think will happen in the coming months.

Downsizing can be a game-changer in reducing your housing expenses. And tapping into your existing equity can empower you to cut costs when transitioning to a smaller home. There are lots of potential benefits of downsizing.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear about the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, overhearing someone chatting at the local supermarket, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage rates are coming up a lot. To help cut through the noise and give you the information you need most, take a look at what the data says. Here are the top two questions you need to ask yourself about home prices and mortgage rates as you make your decision: 1. Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading? One reliable place you can turn to for that information is the Home Price Expectation Survey from Pulsenomics – a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists. According to the latest release, the experts surveyed are projecting slight depreciation this year (see the red in the graph below). But here’s the context you need most. The worst home price declines are already behind us, and prices are actually appreciating again in many markets. Not to mention, the small 0.37% depreciation HPES is showing for 2023 is far from the crash some people originally said would happen. Now, let’s look to the future. The green in the graph below shows prices have turned a corner and are expected to appreciate in 2024 and beyond. After this year, the HPES is forecasting home price appreciation returning to more normal levels for the next several years. So, why does this matter to you? It means your home will likely grow in value and you should gain home equity in the years ahead, but only if you buy now. If you wait, based on these forecasts, the home will only cost you more later on. 2. Where Do I Think Mortgage Rates Are Heading? Over the past year, mortgage rates have risen in response to economic uncertainty, inflation, and more. We know based on the latest reports that inflation, while still high, has moderated from its peak. This is an encouraging sign for the market and for mortgage rates. Here’s why. When inflation cools, mortgage rates generally fall in response. This may be why some experts are saying mortgage rates will pull back slightly over the next few quarters and settle somewhere around roughly 5.5 and 6% on average. But, not even the experts can say with absolute certainty where mortgage rates will be next year, or even next month. That’s because there are so many factors that can impact what happens. So, to give you a lens into the various possible outcomes, here’s what you should consider: If you buy now and mortgage rates don’t change: You made a good move since home prices are projected to grow with time, so at least you beat rising prices. If you buy now and mortgage rates fall (as projected): You probably still made a good decision because you got the house before home prices appreciated more. And, you can always refinance your home later on if rates are lower. If you buy now and mortgage rates rise: If this happens, you made a great decision because you bought before both the price of the home and the mortgage rate went up. Bottom Line If you’re thinking about buying a home, you need to know what’s expected with home prices and mortgage rates. While no one can say for certain where they’ll go, expert projections can give you powerful information to keep you informed. Lean on a trusted real estate professional who can add in an expert opinion on your local market.

An open floor plan seems to be at the top of most of my buyers' wish lists. But is an open floor plan all that it's made out to be? Well, get ready to have your mind blown as we delve into the fascinating world of spacious, interconnected spaces. In this blog post, we'll uncover the pros and cons of open floor plans, helping you decide whether it's the perfect fit for your dream abode. Advantages of Open Floor Plans: Let's kick things off with the perks, shall we? Spaciousness and Flow: Say goodbye to cramped quarters! Open floor plans create a sense of airy spaciousness, allowing your home to breathe. With seamless transitions between rooms, your abode will exude an inviting vibe that makes you feel like you're living in a personal oasis. Plus, those rays of natural light? They'll be partying throughout your entire space, creating an ambiance that's downright heavenly. Social Interaction and Entertaining: Ready to become the ultimate host or hostess with the mostest? Open floor plans are your secret weapon. Picture this: you're prepping a delectable feast in your sleek kitchen while chatting with friends lounging in the living room. No more FOMO (fear of missing out) while slaving away alone in the kitchen. With an open layout, you'll never miss a beat during your epic gatherings. Flexibility and Customization: Who needs a rigid, cookie-cutter design when you can have the freedom to make your space truly yours? Open floor plans offer unparalleled versatility. You can arrange furniture in a multitude of creative ways, transforming your living room into a cozy reading nook or setting up a mini yoga studio in the corner. Let your imagination run wild and personalize your space to match your unique style. Drawbacks of Open Floor Plans: But hold on a sec, not everything about open floor plans is sunshine and rainbows. Let's shed some light on the potential drawbacks: Noise and Lack of Privacy: With great openness comes... well, a bit more noise. While open layouts foster togetherness, they can also amplify the sound of every conversation, footstep, and even that catchy tune your neighbor loves playing. Additionally, finding a quiet corner to escape to might be a tad challenging. So, if you crave peace and solitude, this is something to consider. Limited Storage and Display Space: Got a collection of rare vintage vinyl records or family heirlooms that deserve their moment in the spotlight? In an open floor plan, finding enough wall space can be a bit of a puzzle. Storage options might be limited too, so careful organization and creative solutions are a must. Lack of Defined Zones: Working from home? Need a peaceful retreat for reading your favorite books? In an open floor plan, carving out distinct areas can be a tad tricky. It's like trying to define spaces with an invisible marker. If you're someone who craves separate zones for specific activities, this might pose a challenge. Considerations for Decision Making: Now that we've examined the pros and cons, how do you make the final call? Here are some key factors to ponder: Lifestyle and Personal Preferences: Consider your lifestyle and how an open floor plan aligns with it. Are you a social butterfly who loves hosting gatherings? Or do you value your quiet sanctuary? As Leslie Knope from Parks & Rec would say, "We have to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. But work has to come third." So, think about what makes you truly happy and find the floor plan that supports your waffle-filled dreams. Future Resale Value: Keep in mind that open floor plans have become highly sought after by homebuyers. So, if you're thinking long-term and considering resale value, embracing the open layout might be a savvy move. Conclusion Congratulations! You're now equipped with the knowledge to tackle the open floor plan conundrum. We've explored the spaciousness, the social perks, and the creative freedom it offers. We've also shone a light on the potential noise, storage challenges, and the need for defined zones. Ultimately, the decision is yours. So, go forth and design your dream space, keeping in mind your unique preferences and lifestyle. And remember, if you need any assistance or further consultation, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Happy home designing, folks!

Are you ready to unlock the door to your dream home? Don't let the fear of the pre-approval process hold you back! We all have those tasks that we think are gonna be really overwhelming, or they're gonna take a long time and we put them off and then most of the time, once you have gotten through it, you realize it really wasn't that bad at all. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can be just like that. Let's remove some of the concern or the fear that you may have about getting pre-approved. It really is this simple: you provide some information to the lender. The lender reviews the information. And then, together, you have a conversation about what that means, how much you might be able to get pre-approved for, and more importantly, what you are comfortable with, your monthly budget being. That is an important part to taking the next step, which is the fun part, finding the house and getting under contract. Need a connection to a lender? Let me know and I'll make that introduction for you!

While the sun is shining mercilessly outside, why not take refuge indoors and transform your living space into a cool, clutter-free oasis? Keep reading for information on the benefits of decluttering beyond tidiness, practical tips for indoor decluttering, and responsible donation and disposal options. Let's beat the heat and conquer clutter for a blissfully organized summer. Benefits of Decluttering: More Than Just Tidy Spaces Decluttering has never been more appealing when the alternative is sweating buckets under the summer sun. Not only will you create a beautifully organized home, but you'll also enjoy the relief of escaping the blistering heat outdoors. Picture yourself sipping an ice-cold lemonade, basking in the air conditioning, and admiring your clutter-free sanctuary—now that's what we call summer bliss! Indoor Decluttering in the Summer: Beating the Heat, One Item at a Time While others are bravely facing the sizzling temperatures, you can be a decluttering superhero, turning your attention to indoor projects. Take advantage of the cooler environment and the refreshing breeze of your trusty fans or air conditioner. Declare war on the clutter as you sip iced tea and relish the sweet victory of an organized home without breaking a sweat. Donation and Disposal Dilemmas: Where Stuff Finds New Zen, Indoors When it's too hot to venture outside, focus on finding new homes for your unwanted items without stepping foot into the blistering sun. Seek out local charities, thrift stores, or donation centers that gladly accept your gently used treasures. While others are out there roasting under the summer heat, you can make a positive impact from the comfort of your cool and clutter-free space. And remember, responsible disposal ensures that your clutter finds its zen in an environmentally friendly way—no sunburn required! Looking to recycle electronic devices? In Pasco County, FL reach out to Rocycle. In Raleigh, NC contact Anything With a Plug Recycling. From Chaos to Calm: Sustaining Your Clutter-Free Haven, Indoors With the heat outside, it's essential to maintain your cool and clutter-free paradise inside. Embrace the joy of labels, invest in creative storage solutions, and establish a regular cleaning routine without breaking a sweat. By staying organized, you not only beat the heat but also create a tranquil haven where you can retreat and recharge. So, let's keep that summer vibe alive as we banish clutter and revel in the refreshing coolness of our indoor oasis. This summer, while the heatwave rages outside, let's transform our homes into serene and clutter-free retreats. Embrace the benefits of decluttering, from creating a tidy space to escaping the scorching temperatures outdoors. Beat the heat by engaging in indoor decluttering adventures, donating and disposing responsibly, and sustaining your clutter-free haven. So grab a chilled beverage, bask in the air conditioning, and let the clutter-busting journey begin. Stay cool, stay organized, and enjoy the sweet victory over clutter this summer!

Several economic indicators are showing improvement, but the Fed warns that two more rate increases are likely this year. That has some economists concerned. Ending a cycle of 10 consecutive rate hikes, the Federal Reserve voted this week to hold off on another increase to its key short-term interest rate. The news fueled hopes that borrowing costs for home buyers could cool in the coming weeks, but only if the Fed continues to pause rate hikes. Mortgage rates are not directly tied to the Fed’s benchmark rate but are often influenced by it. The Fed’s decision at its latest meeting came on the heels of an improved inflation rate, which was at a 4% annually in May. While that’s its lowest level in two years, it's still far from the Fed’s 2% target. “It also marks the first month in two years that wage growth outpaced consumer price inflation, improving the average standard of living,” says National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who added that “further deceleration” in inflation appears likely in the coming months. However, the Fed on Wednesday signaled that two more increases to its benchmark rate are likely this year as it continues to manage the inflation rate. Yun says further Fed hikes are unwarranted; in fact, the Fed may need to start lowering its rate soon. “A monetary policy lag time exists between decision and inflation,” Yun says. “The rate hikes from earlier months have yet to exert their force at a time when inflation has already decelerated to 4%. There is no need to consider raising interest rates. In fact, considering the balance sheet difficulties faced by community banks and the weakness in the commercial real estate sector, the Fed should look at cutting interest rates before the end of the year. The Fed should look forward, not backward.” How Mortgage Rates Could Respond Mortgage rates are more closely tied to the 10-year Treasury bond, which responded this week to better inflation news with a rate decline to 3.7%. “That normally means the 30-year mortgage rate is around 5.5% to 5.7%,” Yun says. “Of course, we know mortgage rates have been near 7% recently, but the potential for a decline is real as we progress through the year.” Freddie Mac reported that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.71% last week, up from 5.23% a year earlier and an even further spread from the 3% averages in early 2022. The higher rates have added considerably to home buyers’ costs. The Fed’s latest decision to hold off on a rate increase in June “will ensure that mortgage rates are likely to keep moving sideways for the next couple of months,” says George Ratiu, chief economist at Keeping Current Matters. “While the Fed’s short-term rate does not directly impact long-term mortgage rates, higher borrowing costs have been trickling throughout the financial system. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has hovered in the 6% to 7% range since mid-November 2022, cresting the upper limit several times over the past few weeks. The spread between the 10-year Treasury and the 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains about 300 basis points.” The economy remains on solid footing: “Employment continues rising, and consumer spending has been resilient even with higher borrowing costs,” Ratiu says. “The big question for the central bank centers on consumers’ ability to manage high interest rates considering record-high debt levels.” June 15, 2023 Financing & Credit, Mortgage Financing By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Melissa Dittmann Tracey Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine, editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog, and produces a segment called "Hot or Not?(link is external)" in home design that airs on NAR’s Real Estate Today radio show. Follow Melissa on Instagram and Twitter at @housingmuse. Original article: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/what-feds-pause-on-rate-hikes-means-for-home-buyers

If you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And, while things like mortgage rates are a key part of your decision on what you’ll buy next, it’s important to not lose sight of the reason you want to make a change in the first place. It’s true mortgage rates have climbed from the record lows we saw in recent years, and that has an impact on affordability. With rates where they are right now, some homeowners are deciding they’ll wait to sell because they don’t want to move and have a higher mortgage rate on their next home. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains: “. . . homeowners who locked in a 30-year fixed rate in the 2-3% range don’t necessarily want to give that up in exchange for a rate in the 6-7% range.” But your lifestyle and your changing needs should matter more. Here are a few of the most common reasons people choose to sell today. Any one of these may be more important than keeping your current mortgage rate. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says in a recent tweet: “First-time and move-up buyers are both active . . . the latter driven by life changes. Divorce, marriage, new higher paid job, and existing home unsuitable all referenced.” Relocation Some of the things that can motivate a move to a new area include changing jobs, a desire to be closer to friends and loved ones, wanting to live in a dream location, or just looking for a change in scenery. For example, if you live in suburbia and just landed your dream job in NYC, you may be thinking about selling your current home and moving to the city for work. Upgrading Many homeowners decide to sell to move into a larger home. This is especially common when there’s a need for more room to entertain, a home office or gym, or additional bedrooms to accommodate a growing number of loved ones. For example, if you’re living in a condo and decide it’s time to seek out a home with more space, or if your household is growing, it may be time to find a home that better fits those needs. Downsizing With inflation driving up everyday expenses, homeowners may also decide to sell to reduce maintenance and costs. Or, they may sell because someone’s moved out of the home recently and there’s now more space than needed. It could also be that they’ve recently retired or are ready for a change. For example, you’ve just kicked off your retirement and you want to move to somewhere you can enjoy the warm weather and have less house to maintain. Your new lifestyle may be better suited for a different home. Change in Relationship Status Divorce, separation, or marriage are other common reasons individuals sell to buy different homes. For example, if you’ve recently separated, it may be difficult to still live under one roof. Selling and downsizing may be better options. Health Concerns If a homeowner faces mobility challenges or health issues that require specific living arrangements or modifications, they might sell their current home to find one that works better for them. For example, you may be looking to sell your home and use the proceeds to help pay for a unit in an assisted-living facility. With higher mortgage rates, there are some affordability challenges right now – but your needs and your lifestyle matter too. As a recent article from Bankrate says: “Deciding whether it’s the right time to sell your home is a very personal decision. There are numerous important questions to consider, both financial and lifestyle-based, before putting your home on the market. . . . Your future plans and goals should be a significant part of the equation . . .” Bottom Line If you’re ready to sell your house so you can make a move, connect with a real estate professional. That way you have an expert on your side to help you navigate the process and find a home that can deliver on what you’re looking for.