The seven-year-itch is a real thing--the National Board of Realtors says that the average American family relocates every seven years. So, if you have been in your house for some time and are feeling like moving, ask yourself these questions to figure out if a move is right for you in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Do You Require More Space?
Growing families tend to increase in many directions, not just numbers. As your toddlers turn into tweens and teens, not only do they get bigger, the stuff they need multiplies--a pair of soccer shoes and some shin guards turns into a bag of balls, shoes for every surface and a goal in the side yard. If your kids play hockey or football, all that gear needs its own space--preferably close to the laundry room. And, you've probably learned that spending all your relaxation time in the family room streaming the most popular teenage movie on Netflix is not always what you would prefer, and you would favor a grown-up space where you can control the remote.
Are You Empty Nesting?
When the fledglings have flown, and you are rattling around in a sizable empty house that you've got to care for, it's time to think of downsizing--free up your money and your time with a smaller house or even a condo. Anymore, even little towns have over-55 communities that are like summer camp for parents, where you own your house but have your maintenance provided, dining, social and fitness activities and the choice to move into managed care when the time comes.
Are There Beneficial Opportunities in a Different Community?
Economic recoveries are not created equal, and if your town has not yet found the benefits of a stronger job market, then a move to a city with more and better opportunities could make financial sense. While uprooting your family could be not easy, the gains of a better job with higher pay far outweigh the emotional turmoil of a relocation. If your career is in good shape but the cost of living in your town or neighborhood is skyrocketing, a local move is something to think about. In many communities, higher real estate prices mean bigger stickers everywhere from the gas station to the plumber, and property assessments scarcely lead to lower taxes.
Are You Safe and Secure in Your House?
The flip side of the real estate boom is the bust that is still having an impact on families all over the country. There are innumerable formerly luxury housing additions that have been hit with lots of foreclosures, and homes are now rentals at best or abandoned at worst. If this characterizes your neighborhood, and you're upset about the transient turn, it might be time to move to a new house. There is nothing more imperative than your family's safety, and a change would provide everyone peace of mind.
Do You Want to Be Closer to Family?
If you find yourself leaving town to visit family each vacation, maybe a move to where the family is would be a good idea. Especially if your family is close-knit or you want your parents to have larger role in your children's lives, a relocation closer to home gives you an ongoing relationship rather than one that is on and off. You will get to vacation in different places, and your kids will encounter more of the world than the area where you grew up, charming though it may be.
Just Want New Scenery?
This is where the seven-year itch comes in. Sometimes, you just want a new house. Your tastes change, your hobbies change, and one day you wake up and arrive at the conclusion that you want a rose garden or an outdoor kitchen or you want to breed koi. It's all about living your dream, and if that means a new residence, a new city or a new part of the country, go for it. Americans are always on the move, so if that is appealing to you then find a realtor and a mover, and scratch the itch.
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