Thinking about Moving

**StormRichards** · 01-27-2017, 04:47 AM

How long has your DD been playing on this travel team, and has there been a lot of turnover? My DD plays on two travel teams and the teammates have changed quite a bit over the past few years. Thus her friends on the team have changed a bit over the years as well.

Might be a good thing for her if it is a tight group that has been together for several years. If it is new, might not turn out as you hope.

**bigdaddybus** · 01-27-2017, 05:56 AM

My family of 6 moved from a town of 170,000 to a town of 2,200 last May.

Everyone loves it! Kids are more engaged in school and community activities, my wife and I know more neighbors and people in town that we ever did before. Sometimes change is awesome! And I hope you find the same.

**sv2007** · 01-27-2017, 06:53 AM

Moving isn't too big a deal since it happens just once, i.e. hopefully not a regularly recurring event.

Plus, you'll be doing some spring cleaning too (ok, maybe not, as we still have unopened boxes from our major move 10 yrs ago; which are good candidates for donation really; anyway).

The thing about housing is that there's a lot of cost per transaction. Typically there's 6% realtor fee, 1% tax, 1% title insurance. So, that may be something to consider. But then again, it's only happening once (or once every few years) ; and the benefits, as they say, is priceless in many situations.

Here's what I'd ask myself:

Is it considered an upgrade from your current house by other people? E.g. better neighborhood, school, location? Newer, nicer house? Closer to job? etc.

If that answer is also "yes" (in addition to your personal desires to move), then it is a no-brainer -- move once you find a new house.

**bjl584** · 01-27-2017, 06:57 AM

I probably wouldn't move because my kid made good friends with people at the neighboring school district. A few years from now, she'll be graduated anyway, and none of that will matter. Not saying that is your main motivation, but you did bring it up.

**StormRichards** · 01-27-2017, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by sv2007 View Post

Here's what I'd ask myself:

Is it considered an upgrade from your current house by other people? E.g. better neighborhood, school, location? Newer, nicer house? Closer to job? etc.

If that answer is also "yes" (in addition to your personal desires to move), then it is a no-brainer -- move once you find a new house.

Why does it matter if other people would consider it an upgrade? That sounds a lot like "keeping up with the jones" mentality.

All that matters is if it makes sense for them.

**sv2007** · 01-27-2017, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by StormRichards View Post

Why does it matter if other people would consider it an upgrade? That sounds a lot like "keeping up with the jones" mentality.

All that matters is if it makes sense for them.

It's a resale value thing and if their kid chagnes his mind later thing.

**StormRichards** · 01-27-2017, 07:47 AM

Originally posted by bjl584 View Post

I probably wouldn't move because my kid made good friends with people at the neighboring school district. A few years from now, she'll be graduated anyway, and none of that will matter. Not saying that is your main motivation, but you did bring it up.

I am leaning your way on this with them but the parents bonding with each other is another factor in play. One team my DD is on there is absolutely no socializing among the parents. The other team the parents get together all the team. If that dynamic is new, then I personally wouldn't jump the gun on the idea of moving. However, if these friendships have been developing for a few years now, then it might be a good fit for them to live closer.

Not too long ago my DH went to a guy's poker night at a soccer dad's house, while the ladies went a charity bingo event. The guy's house is a couple blocks away, so it was nice that DH could leave the car in the garage and have a few drinks without worrying about whether he was safe to drive or not.

**msomnipotent** · 01-27-2017, 09:21 AM

From what you posted, it seems that you would be happier with the move. Moving isn't that big of a PITA. I have moved 5 times already and I'm looking at a sixth. Just do it!

**StormRichards** · 01-27-2017, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by msomnipotent View Post

From what you posted, it seems that you would be happier with the move. Moving isn't that big of a PITA. I have moved 5 times already and I'm looking at a sixth. Just do it!

Fugitive? Witness Protection?

I personally wouldn't have a problem with looking for a house (something I would enjoy), or the physical move. The thing that I don't enjoy is the selling of the house. Of course a lot of that has to do with living in some older houses, where there is a much bigger chance of little things being nitpicked by realtors, home buyers and inspectors. The newer the house, the less of that you typically have to deal with.

**msomnipotent** · 01-27-2017, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by StormRichards View Post

Fugitive? Witness Protection?

I personally wouldn't have a problem with looking for a house (something I would enjoy), or the physical move. The thing that I don't enjoy is the selling of the house. Of course a lot of that has to do with living in some older houses, where there is a much bigger chance of little things being nitpicked by realtors, home buyers and inspectors. The newer the house, the less of that you typically have to deal with.

Lol. I wish I was that exciting. I moved from my parents, then my condo sold WAY earlier than expected and had to move back to the 'rents before I got married, then got married and moved to his house, then husband got a new job, then the neighborhood changed for the worse and we wanted better schools for our daughter, and now we either move or start burning houses down.

**snafu** · 01-28-2017, 08:09 AM

Moving is often a life's milestone and it goes better with some planning and understanding the various touch points. 1st financial impact. Do you buy 1st to nail down a place you're excited about and fully understand costs or do you wait until 'under contract' to sell, as safety factor. 2nd, as a seller do some research to learn what homes in your neighbourhood, similar lot size, similar square footage have sold for in the past 3 or so months and how many days on the market.
3rd, with help from financial officer [bank, CU, mortgage broker,lender] what sum are you eligible, what's the best rate, what's the best term, what advantage of 20% DP, how much does mortgage insurance cost annually, will it end with 20% equity?

I suggest hiring the most experienced realtor whose signage is prominent in the area. [not your sister's best friend who is just starting out]. We always get 3,detailed presentations what will they do, how many hours, who takes photos, on-line presentation, suggested evaluation and Why.

Buying a home is usually the most expensive item we buy. As a buyer, it's easy to start with an on-line search for properties offered for sale. What exactly do you need, what extras do you want, what would be 'nice to have.' Location is always the 1st criteria. That school district sounds important to you. Sufficient SF is? Amenities used regularly are ? Style acceptable are {ranch, two story, SFD, Townhouse, condo}? Personally, I never focus on appliances or paint as they are easy to change. You need to know how a mortgage amotorization schedule works. How much will you pay in interest for the term of the mortgage? Principal plus interest is a total of ____________?

Buying a house remains a totally capitalist experience with the buyer typically in charge of the procedure. No matter the listing price, you are free t offer whatever sum you feel the place is worth to you. You can ask for anything you like even though it's not part of the listing like draperies or garden tools. You can add any contingency like 'on approved credit' and I would insist on a through inspection by a qualified, certificated home inspector able to prove al is within code. so that you don't fall into a money pit.

Preparing your home for listing via staging is huge. Most people find it get's the existing home sold faster and for a far better price. It adds a whole new dimension to packing up and getting out.

**chrisjesy78** · 01-31-2017, 08:39 PM

Moving is not a big deal. This is the third time I'm moving. I love making new friends and partying. It will be fun. You can make new friends and also your DD will be happy. Just go for it!!

**sv2007** · 02-03-2017, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by chrisjesy78 View Post

Moving is not a big deal. This is the third time I'm moving. I love making new friends and partying. It will be fun. You can make new friends and also your DD will be happy. Just go for it!!

You must be young. I used to not think much about moving; I moved 2x every year while in college and grad school. But as you get older, with more stuff (expensive stuff that's heavy and big and hard to move) and want to live in your own house (lots of overhead buying/selling houses), moving becomes much more painful even when you pay for packing/shipping/unpacking.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 02-07-2017, 11:14 AM

Depends on why you are moving. We moved 18 months ago and haven't regretted a second of it. Only regret is wish we had moved sooner for so many reasons. One of which might be we'd have a third kid.

Meh. Anyway we leaped with careful planning and without job, but lots of money. Sometimes you PAY for what you really desire. And yes it resulted in a big financial loss for us, 6 figure hit. But long term? We are happy and more fufilled in ways we can't explain.

Our kids are happier, we're happier, marriage better, family overall just more satisfied. We work better now. I can't explain all the details.

I am a bit stressed since we've been renting about buying a house but that's another story and another day. So yes we are moving within the town we're in and no regrets.

But I love the fact we uprooted the kids and moved cross country and love every second of it. It's not for everyone I know but it worked for us.

Thinking about Moving