By Sara Huebener
Spring market is upon us! Market activity has picked up to prove it. Showings are picking up and inventory is beginning to increase. First-time homebuyers and those who are upsizing have some of the best opportunities we have seen in years. And then there are some who would like to sell but simply cannot recoup what they paid for the home and/or owe on the mortgage. So now what? As simple as this sounds, I say - Enjoy your house!
I have always been one of those people who are always looking for something new and better, though I rarely take the plunge unless necessary. Housing is no exception. I've been asked many times if being in this industry makes me want to move all the time. Yes and no. Personally I like the idea that a new house equals many new projects I can putz with. I could work on various house/garage/garden projects from sunup until sundown if time allowed. I often joke with Chad that we need to move because I have simply run out of places to create new perennial gardens.
In reality, I love where we live. I think it is fair to say that most people can find something about their house they would have done differently. And a new house will never solve that problem completely. So, if you find you are in a position where you need to "stay put", well....ENJOY your house!
We are in the same shoes as most other people who bought or built homes in 2004 and 2005, and expect it will be a number of years before we can sell (if we ever wanted to). So for now, we are enjoying the wonderful things our home has to offer, and making it better wherever possible.
We have seen too many people add upgrades to their home at the time they are putting it on the market, because they need to do so in order to make it show well. My philosophy is to add upgrades while you are living in the home so you can enjoy them. Put in hardwood floors, tile or new carpet, upgrade your countertops, or finish the basement. My favorite picks for inexpensive updates are paint, a kitchen backsplash, and tiled bathrooms. No matter what you choose to do....LOVE where you live!
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