5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding
You’ve spent all winter thinking about it, talking about it and trying to decide – should you fix up your current home or trade up to someplace new? And now spring is here and you’re still a bit uncertain.
It’s not an easy decision. Remodeling your current home takes a lot of work. So does selling your current home, buying a new place and moving.
Want to know what’s right for you? Begin by asking yourself these five questions.
Where do you want to live?
You may love your current neighborhood, but perhaps it no longer works for you and your family. Is it convenient to work? Close to family and friends? Or would life somehow be simpler or better in a new neighborhood?
How much space do you need?
Maybe you’ve run out of space. The kids are growing up or there’s a new baby on the way. Or maybe you just want more room to spread out and enjoy yourselves. Do you need more square footage? Or do you just want an upgraded kitchen or bathroom?
Do you have room to remodel?
Some homes lend themselves to upgrades and additions. Others do not. With your current home, what are your options? Would remodeling answer your needs? There’s no harm in getting estimates from remodelers to help you decide.
Will improvements be in line with your neighborhood?
If you’re going to remodel, keep your improvements in line with other houses in the neighborhood. Don’t go overboard. If you become the most expensive house on the block, you’ll have a tougher time selling, if and when the time comes.
How are your finances?
If you’ve got good income and little debt beyond your mortgage, then trading up is definitely an option for you. With a good payment history on your current mortgage, you’ll have lenders eager to work with you on your trade up.
Home Buyer's Guide to Trading Up
Fili Sanchez (NMLS #528671) is the Vice President and Mortgage Relationship Manager for our Kearney, Riverdale, Burwell and Ord markets. He has been with Heartland Bank for 10 years and has 15 years of mortgage lending experience. He is also a recent graduate of the Advanced School of Banking. Fili enjoys participating in the community with the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Kearney, Nebraska Banker's Association, and serves on the board for the Yanney Heritage Park Foundation. Outside of the bank, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, traveling to kids' sports activities and family vacations.
