So you just bought your piece of paradise on Sanibel Island. You’ve navigated the Sanibel real estate market (hopefully with one of our Sanibel realtors!).
Whether it will be your new permanent residence or a vacation home, you want your move to be as seamless and hiccup-free as possible. Realtor.com gives some insight about pitfalls to avoid when moving. From mortgages to design, there are many factors to consider.
7 Mistakes to avoid when you move
- RENTING OUT YOUR OLD HOME BADLY. Renting your old home can be a good option and source of revenue if you already have experience or are familiar with the elements. Landlords should anticipate unforeseen expenses, such as maintenance or periods of vacancy, and not just the mortgage. There’s also a certain role of rental management, so it’s good to have a logistical and financial plan.
- OR – SELLING YOUR OLD HOME PREMATURELY. More often than not, waiting to sell your home down the road will net you more money, and if you have a good tenant, someone else is paying the mortgage payments for you in the meantime.
- MORTGAGE MIXUPS. This is particularly relevant if you’re making a job change in a new state. You should meet with a mortgage loan originator in the state you’re relocating to and ensure you’re fulfilling all requirements.
- REMOTE STORAGE WITH PLANS TO MOVE IT SOMEDAY. If your relocation is permanent, it’s best to move everything at once. For one, you can include your moving expenses on your tax return for the year you move. Also, you can forget about items and then wind up not needing them down the road, winding up wasting a lot of money on storage.
- EXPECTING YOUR POSSESSIONS TO ARRIVE ASAP. Maybe you’re personally transporting your possessions over to your new home and have control over the timing. If not, it’s best not to push it. You may find it takes longer than you expect for everything to arrive, which can cause problems when it comes to the necessities. In either event, you can always have an “emergency” pack that’s easily accessible, with essential clothing, kitchen items, and so on.
- NOT CHECKING YOUR NEW SCHOOL DISTRICT. If you have children and they’ll be changing schools, it’s best to look into the school district way ahead of time. Depending on the school, it could make sense to call schools to ensure that there’s space for your child to enroll.
- TRYING TO ARRANGE YOUR NEW HOME EXACTLY LIKE YOUR LAST. It can add unnecessary stress to try to fit the same living room setup in a new living room. If it’s a vacation home, you may want to try an entirely new look. Even if it’s your primary residence, embrace the change as an opportunity to explore an alternative look, or add fresh elements into your existing style.
Moving into a new house is exciting. There’s much to consider during the process. If any of it’s above your head, there are always others in-the-know who can help out, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your Sanibel realtor and our team at John R Wood Properties.
If you’re interested in Sanibel real estate–whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking–contact one of our knowledgable Sanibel realtors, search our MLS for available properties, or get in touch with our office at 239-272-2411 for general inquiries. We’re also more than happy to help you find the Sanibel realtor that’s the right fit for you.
Source: realtor.com
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This article is provided by John R Wood Properties, a full service Sanibel Island real estate agency made of people who love where they live as much as what they do. With local knowledge and decades of combined experience, our Sanibel and Captiva Island realtors are passionate and dedicated to exceeding your real estate needs.
About the author: Nina Rogers is a writer, designer, and illustrator who grew up on Sanibel Island. As a Communications Content Manager for John R Wood Properties, Nina enjoys keeping people updated with the latest in local news and Sanibel real estate.
