Minimize Moving Stress With This Accessible Advice

How to get ready for your move after you sell your house.

Find a Mortgage That Fits

Qualifying for a mortgage is a crucial part of planning a move. Before shopping for homes, apply for prequalification with a trusted lender. They’ll review your credit score, check your employment status and earnings, and let you know whether your borrowing goals are reasonable.

Then, you’ll learn which mortgage types you qualify for and understand how each option works. For example, FHA loans have a 203(k) option for rehabilitating a property, but you (and the property) must meet specific qualifications. Other loans require a property to be in excellent condition, without any cracked paint or repairs necessary.

Work Within Your Budget

Whether your homebuying budget is higher or lower than anticipated, making the most of your prequalification amount is a must. Shop around to find affordable properties in your desired city or neighborhood, keeping in mind the competitiveness of your local market.

Market trends change often — and tend to vary by zip code and even by neighborhood. Yet Statista’s data shows that from March 2021 to February 2022, more than 40 percent of homes sold above their list price.

Tracking market trends can help you and your realtor approach all offers strategically. Given homebuying trends, preparing to bid high may be your best option.

Look for Accessible Features

Many new construction homes have accessible features, but older homes may require modifications. While viewing houses, think about existing amenities and any adjustments you may need. If you’re not sure exactly what features you might need for an age in place situation, consider visiting a few care facilities to see how they manage mobility issues for their residents. You can modify those options for your own home.

Single-level homes are ideal for accessibility, but there’s more to an accessible home than a lack of stairs to the second level. For example, a stepped entry to the front door is an obstacle that homeowners must address with ramps or a lift, depending on mobility needs.

When touring a property, think about how features such as narrow doorways, stairs, tall toilets, and bathtubs may present mobility challenges.

Modifications are usually possible, but they can be expensive and time-consuming. As Fixr notes, accessibility modifications can cost between $5,000 and $20,000. Buying a home that is already equipped with access for all is much easier to live with — and budget for.

Don’t Discount Technology

While your new home may not be fully equipped with a home security system or smart network of devices, consider whether adding them is possible and preferable.

Smart devices can help you stay comfortable and connected at home. These tools help you do everything from adjusting lighting and HVAC settings to checking who’s at the front door, all with a few taps or the press of a button.

However, to ensure you can stay connected, be sure your potential new property offers fast internet service. Especially if you work from home, solid connectivity is a must.

Make Moving Day Less Stressful

Though relocating may be the best long-term choice for a family or individual, it’s also stressful. So stressful that 45 percent of respondents in one study said moving was more stressful than going through a breakup, getting married, or having kids.

To ease moving day stress, start early before your deadline looms. Packing a bit at a time ensures that you’re not rushed. It also gives you time to separate belongings to donate or discard versus bringing them to your new home.

When the boxes are full, another challenging step begins: loading up for the move. Depending on how many close friends and family can help out, you may want to hire out the manual labor involved with loading and transporting your belongings to a company like The Movers.

While some friends and family can be plied with a pizza party, professional movers will stick to your schedule — ensuring you don’t miss work (at home or otherwise).

Do Your Research for an Easier Move

Relocation may not be the easiest experience, especially when you’re researching mortgages and signing mountains of paperwork. But by doing your homework — and letting someone else do the heavy lifting — you’ll be happily settled in your new home in no time.