Seattle: Should You Move or Improve?

How to Make the Right Decision for Your Family

As our families grow and our needs change, our homes can feel a little cramped and outdated. When this happens, it’s time to start thinking about whether you should move or improve your current space. Often, homeowners don’t entertain the idea of renovating because they don’t know what’s possible with their property, but if you love your current Seattle neighborhood and home, it’s worth considering all of your options. Let’s look at the pros and cons to remodeling and moving, so you can determine which choice is best for you. 

The Cost 

While it’s important to consider the financial cost of buying a new home vs. remodeling your current home, it’s also important to consider the emotional expense regarding your time and peace of mind. If you choose to build a home addition, you will likely live in a construction zone temporarily or you may choose to move out until the renovation is complete. This transitional period can be tough, but it’s still far less expensive and stressful than if you decide to purchase a new home.  

The home-buying process — from researching and touring new homes to packing up your current home and putting it on the market — is one of the most stressful life events, and you must be completely sure it’s what you want to make it worth the expense. 

Your Attachment to Your Current Home 

Do you love your home and neighborhood? If so, you may want to consider whether you’re ready to leave and if there’s something better out there for your family. The first rule of real estate is always location, and if you love your commute, your neighborhood’s walkability, and your school district, it may be best to adapt your current home to fit your needs. There are plenty of ways to add an addition if you love your current home and neighborhood enough to stay. 

If, on the other hand, your home’s layout isn’t working to meet your needs, or if your neighborhood isn’t ideal, it may be best to move. 

The Seattle Housing Market 

Seattle’s real estate market is booming, and it’s highly competitive for potential buyers. With corporations like Microsoft and Amazon in town, the housing market isn’t likely to slow down anytime soon. The available houses in Seattle are predicted to remain low, and snagging the right one can be very difficult in today’s market. If you love your home and can improve it to meet your needs, you can avoid the headache of finding the perfect home in a highly competitive market. 

Your Home vs. Your Neighborhood 

Compare your home to others in the neighborhood and ask yourself a few questions. How does it compare in terms of size and curb appeal? Is your home in need of improvements, or is it one of the nicest homes in your neighborhood? If your home is older and needs renovation, it may be worth remodeling and staying. That way, you’ll get the best bang for your buck when it’s time to sell. If, on the other hand, it’s one of the nicest homes on your street, you may want to think about whether further updates will make it harder to sell down the road. 

Timing is Everything 

Consider whether the timing is right for your family. What are your long-term plans? If you plan on living in your current home for several more years, you’ll likely receive the ROI on your renovations. On the other hand, if you plan on moving sooner, you may sell before you can receive your ROI. 

Do You Desire a Custom Space? 

The home-buying process can be stressful, and most people begin with a list of wants and needs. Very rarely, does anyone find a home that checks every item on their list, and compromises are a part of the process. If you want a customized space that meets your needs perfectly, it’s best to renovate your current home. That way, you can be a part of the planning process to ensure you get exactly what you want. 

Your Home Improvement Options 

If renovating your current home is the best choice, you’ve got three options: 

1. A  home renovation:  Our experts can transform your current space to perfectly meet your needs. 
2. An ADU: Attached or detached, we can help you design and build an Accessory Dwelling Unit on your property to provide additional living space.
3. A home addition: We’ll help determine how to increase your home’s footprint by adding customized space to your home. 

If you’re interested in improving your home to meet your needs better, we’re here to help. Contact Harjo Construction today to start planning your home renovation.