Significant life changes tend to be one of the most common reasons for a family to begin searching for a new home. For many, buying a new home means that the kids have flocked from the nest and started lives of their own -- either at college, in their careers or with their new spouse and children.
The empty nest years are a time for parents to look at their future and reconsider the house they call home. Think about it... There you are in this big empty house with a yard to maintain and more space than you need as you head into your golden years.
Whether you've had an empty nest for quite some time or you're beginning to prepare for one, it may be time to consider downsizing your home. But first, let's discuss a few deciding factors:
Overall Cost
Now that the kids are gone, this is the perfect opportunity to asses your expenses and your budget. How much could you save by downsizing? Is this the perfect time to move into a smaller, more affordable home? Or do you want the same amount of space but with a more functional floor plan?
The Laurel floor plan at Vista Developers offers plenty of functional space with three bedrooms plus an optional bonus room. Add to that three baths and an open floor plan with a spacious kitchen! As a 1,689-square-foot, one-story home, this type of design would keep heating and cooling costs to a minimum.
Other Lifestyle Changes
Now that the children are gone, you have the freedom to consider how you want to spend your time. Do you have a bucket list you want to start checking off? Do you need to make one? What about that one hobby you've always pushed aside because there wasn't time? Think about which type of home would suit the lifestyle you want to embrace.
If you plan on seeing the world, there is really no reason to have a 4,000-square-foot house that's time-consuming to maintain and clean. Typically, 2,000 square feet is ample space for two people, and it reduces the amount of upkeep so that you have more time to enjoy the things in your life that you love.
The Opportunity To Build Custom
The empty-nesting years may present the perfect time to build a new home. Custom built homes are an exciting way to move into the new home you need with all the details and customizations you have always wanted.
Taking the time to build will open the opportunity to a wide selection of customizable homes within your price range. For example, you may choose to select a smaller floor plan so that you have more room in your budget to focus on custom features, such as a gourmet kitchen or that spa master bathroom you've always dreamed of.
Is This Your Forever Home?
Do you plan on purchasing another home when you retire? Or should your empty-nest home flow right into your retirement?
If you are planning for your next home to serve you throughout retirement, consider health, accessibility and location. Like they say, time flies when you're having fun. So be strategic with your home planning and design it meet your needs for years to come.
Finding The Right Home For You
We know that building a home from scratch can sound overwhelming and time-consuming. At Vista Developers, we work closely with each of our clients to help make their dreams into a reality in Western North Carolina.
If you are interested in talking to one of our builders and coming home to one of our Vista Developers' communities, call us at (866) 519-2400 or contact an agent online any time!
