Prepare Now for your Move Later
The number of memes, cartoons and quotes circulating on social media about the frenzy of cleaning out, purging hard and decluttering while we stay home may be starting to get old.
After all, whether you are feeling stuck at home or safe at home, it feels good to get to those things that in our “normal” lives way back before March were tasks we struggled to find time to do.
During this global pandemic, it is difficult to imagine what life will be like when things go back to our perceived normal. Still, the truth is that setting goals and envisioning life after COVID19 is an excellent strategy for coping as well as making the daily home life a little more purposeful.
I speak to so many potential home buyers or sellers that have found the preparation planning of moving quite daunting. Having a plan and checklist is a valuable way to map the road trip to your next big decision about your most significant investment.
If you are starting to think about selling or buying within the next year, setting some goals with your partner or family will help you achieve some effective results and offer inspiration and motivation about tackling things now while at home.
Here are some forward-thinking ways to begin the process of actionably moving towards your goals, so you are ready and able to launch your plan when the time is right.
Write it down.
Get a notebook specifically for this new goal. Your local essential grocery stores, indigo, Michaels all have beautiful and practical options to fuel your creativity, spark your dreams and record your vision. Record or chart what you are doing today to make that big dream a reality later on. Write down the considerations about your optimal timeline, pricing, market, job security and features that will be instrumental in you working toward your goal. It will inspire you to see all the little steps you are taking to your goal.
Take Charge of the Clutter.
With stores and businesses closed for non-essential items, this is an excellent time to make room! Ruthlessly clearing out one small space a day will be a productive project every day that will later create a sense of calm when you begin to wonder if you are ready to inch into the real estate market. The beautiful thing about decluttering is that it is one of the best ways to ease anxiety at the moment also! Taking charge of clutter has immediate and long term benefits!
Spend some time Counting the costs.
Taking thoughtful time around your kitchen table to carefully calculate the costs of moving and the current situation’s impact on your family’s income and expenses will help you objectively be prepared for the market when you are ready to enter it. Awareness is power, and having your finances in clear view will help you when making decisions that are guided by facts, and not just emotions. There are fantastic user-friendly templates available to budget an upcoming move.
Prepare your home for showing now.
Those annoying little holes in the wall, faded or dated paint, and other fix-it irritations that you haven’t had a reason to make a priority are staring at you now while at home. With contactless home repair stores available, now is a great time to do those chores and add a decorative spark to your space. Not only will you enjoy your space more, and be proud of your accomplishment, but your house will be ready to be primed for selling.
Research! Get informed.
If you haven’t been a research-minded home buyer before, now is an exciting time to watch and read about the market. Familiarize yourself with what is happening in the market, what is happening to interest rates and start to see what is available given the current situation. Your realtor can help you discern what it means, advise on predictions and trends, and keep you in the loop as to steps to prepare for when your dream home comes onto the market or the perfect time to sell becomes evident.
If you are thinking about buying or selling later on, now is a great time to get started to seize that dream.
Still have questions? Reach out and ask for our free unique buyer’s guide magazine we have created just for you to help you along the planning path! We would love to send it your way!
