Deciding on the right time to sell your home is tough. Right now in Southern California, we’re experiencing a seller’s market with tight inventory and rising prices, so for most homeowners, it’s a financially opportune time to sell for top dollar in order to afford their dream home. However, according to statistics from the National Association of Realtors®, cashing out big and making a profit didn’t make the list for primary reasons to sell a home in their 2020 Profile of Buyers and Sellers.

So what pushes most homeowners to decide to sell? Turns out it has more to do with life changes than financial gain. And it certainly is a great time to review all of life’s changes. Let’s break down the top 5 reasons for selling together:

1. Want to move closer to friends or family (16%)

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Across all age groups of sellers, the number 1 reason for a move was a motivation to be closer to loved ones. Sellers 74-94 years old were actually the most likely to claim this reason for their move (33%). Although it’s possible to stay connected via social media and video calls, nothing beats having your friends and family over for an impromptu game night or backyard barbecue.

2. Home is too small (13%)

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As families grow, it is only natural to search for more space. The report also shows that the average seller swapped a 1,900 square foot home for 2,060 square feet. Since coronavirus, we’re guessing even more homeowners are feeling like their home may be too small. With more people than ever working from home and spending the majority of their lives inside, space is crucial. Conversely, a home being too large accounted for 9% of why homeowners sell, primarily being sellers 74-94 years old.

3. Job relocation (11%)

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It will be interesting to see if this reason for selling changes over the next year as so many people have begun working remotely. However, we could be seeing a large number of individuals finally moving to where they truly want to live – uninhibited by the physical location of their jobs. For example, a recent flash survey asked if employees would consider moving to a new home if they were allowed to permanently work remote work—and more than 36% said yes.

That number increases to 55% when asked if they would move if they currently lived in an expensive market and could go all remote. The affordability of a particular real estate market made a big difference in responses.

4. The neighborhood has become less desirable (10%)

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Onward and upward! Outgrowing a home can mean the physical house itself, as well as the neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for better amenities, walkable shops and restaurants, better schools, or a tighter community feel, a new neighborhood can be life-changing. And with the real estate market rebounding from COVID-19, this could be the perfect time to sell and upgrade to a home that finally fits your desired lifestyle.

5. Change in family situation (10%)

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This reason covered anything from marriage and divorce to the birth of a child. When life throws changes your way, we all must adapt. Sellers aged 22-39 years old were the most likely to cite these reasons for selling (36%).

Are you ready to sell your home?

It’s important to review the market, as well as your personal situation when re-evaluating your home and real estate goals. Financially, in our Southern California real estate market, it makes sense for most homeowners with equity to sell so they can purchase their dream home for less with today’s record-low mortgage rates.

If you need help reviewing your options and understanding today’s real estate market, chat with a First Team Real Estate agent near you for a free consultation. When was the last time you reassessed your assets and considered if it’s the right time to sell your house?

You have worked hard your entire life, saved up a bit of a nest egg, and now you are ready to enjoy it. That means retirement is coming, and along with that comes the important decision about where you would like to live out your golden years. There are so many options whether you’re relocating a few cities away or across the country.

What’s important is to start getting an idea of what your ideal retirement community should include. Here’s a quick list of popular retirement spots within Southern California and across the country to give you a start. Even if you’re looking to sell your current home and purchase across the country, First Team can help thanks to our robust Relocation Department.

Southern California

Southern California real estate is expensive, but you can find great communities hidden within for a much smaller price tag. According to Trendgraphix, the average sold price for real estate in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties is $615,000.

First of all, these retirement communities clock in way below the average sale price for SoCal. Second of all, these communities specifically offer great senior living facilities, city amenities, and laid-back lifestyles ideal for retirement. Average sold listing prices for the following cities were found using First Team Market Trends data for February 2017.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs real estate is ideal for seniors because of the warm temperature and wide array of amenities. In fact, there are tons of desert communities within Riverside County that are ideal for second homes and retirees. The average sold price is for Palm Springs real estate is $393,264.

Palm Springs has a bustling downtown nestled against the impressive Mt. San Jacinto, and is surrounded by well-established neighborhoods with a mix of eclectic architectural styles. The area is also home to a host of golf course communities, Indian Casinos and more.

Laguna Woods

Laguna Woods real estate features a wide variety of 55+ senior living communities ideal of retirement with an average sold listing price for the city falling at $285,644. In fact, 90% of the City’s 4 square miles is contained within the senior citizen gated community of Leisure World. The rest of the city contains three additional senior residential communities and several thriving commercial centers.

Oceanside

If you’d like to retire by the water, Oceanside is a prime pick. Oceanside real estate is pricier because it’s a beach community, but very affordable when compared to other Southern California coastal communities. The average sold price for Oceanside real estate is $430,443. Oceanside has several 55+ active adult and assisted living communities, and boasts a new, state-of-the-art Senior Center.

Seal Beach

Seal Beach is a popular retirement local because it’s home to the nationally recognized active senior community Leisure World. Plus every sunny day in Seal Beach is cooled by ocean breezes.  Spread over 542 park-like acres, the community offers co-ops and condos for resort-style living for those 55 and over. The average sold price for Seal Beach real estate is $394,429.

Outside of California

If you’re looking to relocate, there are tons of great options across the U.S. Moving your life can be a daunting task, but it’s worth it to find the perfect fit for you and your chosen lifestyle. Plus our Relocation team makes the whole process effortless.

Apache Junction, Arizona

With its great weather all year round, easy access to the greater Phoenix area, and array of recreational actives, Apache Junction has turned into a great location for retirees. Add to this the low cost of living, where the median home price is only $129,000, and a low violent crime rate, and it is easy to see why this is easily one of the communities you will want to scope out as you consider where you would like to live after you retire. Golfing, hiking, and tennis are just a few of the many activities that you can participate year-round here.

Bluffton, South Carolina

This community is particularly appealing if you have endured the cold winters of the Midwest or northeast for far too long. Bluffton is a coastal town with only 14,000 residents. It is just west of Hilton Head and within easy driving distance to Savannah. You get the best of both worlds here, as modernity coexists peacefully with the historical nature of the Deep South. The tax climate in South Carolina is particularly appealing to retirees, and the warm climate is good for the bones.

Cape Coral, Florida

While there are numerous communities in the state of Florida worthy of retiring to, Cape Coral stands out from the rest. It is medium-sized city of just over 160,000 residents and is nestled along the Gulf of Mexico. Its proximity to Fort Myers brings with it a robust economy where residents can enjoy a cost of living that is four percent below the national average. This is a place where you can really stretch those retirement dollars. Mirabella in particular is a great example of how nice Florida can be for retirees.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

This is a community that has all four seasons in equal measure. It is known as an outdoor playground where a variety of activities can be enjoyed year-round. The brisk weather makes for excellent air quality, and that is good for the retired population.

Need help selling your home for retirement? A First Team agent can help. Reach out and we’ll match you with an agent in your area to help you review your options and start building a real estate strategy.

 

This guest post is written by Rachelle Wilber, a freelance writer living in the San Diego area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her BA in Journalism and Media Studies. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter @RachelleWilber.

Pets are a part of the family and so it’s important to take our furry friends into consideration when it’s time to move. Here is a list of the top 10 tips for moving with pets to help keep you organized and make sure nothing is forgotten in the process. Follow along for a seamless home transition for you AND your pet. And if you need to sell your home before you move, don’t forget to read these 4 tips for pet-proofing your home sale.

1. Prepare your pet for the big move.

Your pet is going to be overwhelmed by your home sale and a big move – leaving behind their territory for a place that new and unfamiliar. Not to mention their surroundings are going to be in flux and changing as you start packing up and boxing all of your belongings. Take it slow and introduce the change slowly to your pets by doing your packing in increments. Also, keep your pets in the room you plan to pack last. That way they feel safe and aren’t in your way while you’re running busy getting everything together and moved out.

2. Take a visit to the vet.

There are a lot of logistical things to get in order when it comes to moving your pet and you’ve got to make a trip to the vet to get a lot of it done. Because you’re moving, you’ll need to find a new vet and the best way to find one is to ask your current doctor for a referral. For the office change, you will need to get a copy of your pet’s vaccination records and more.

You’ll also want to stock up on all prescriptions so you’re set for the move. It might be a while until you’re settled into your new place so thinking ahead for your pet’s health is important. Also, you might want to pick up some pet sedatives while you’re there.  Whether you’re driving or flying, your pet will appreciate a small dose of something to calm their nerves for the trip.

3. Update ID tags.

Make sure to update your pet’s ID tags and a microchip for your new address. Even if you have an indoor pet, you never know what could happen during the move.

4. Is your new place pet-friendly?

Does your new apartment or condo allow pets? Does your new house have a yard with some space to roam? Other things to consider include the community and neighborhood you’re moving into. See what parks are close by and research what pet resources are available near your new home.  For example, the city of Huntington Beach has several dog parks and a dog beach offering tons of different play areas, water stations, and events throughout the year. Do some research and see what amenities there are nearby, like these 7 doggie bakeries in Orange County.

5. Save them from the chaos.

Board your pet or seclude them from the madness on moving day. You’re going to have tons of new people coming in and out of the house with boxes, trucks running outside ready to leave and 101 things to coordinate and remember; you don’t want to be worrying about your pet as well. Board them for the day so they’re saved from the chaos. If that’s too expensive, simply keep them secluded from the hubbub in one room with everything they need.

6. Set aside what you’ll need for moving day.

With so many things happening on moving day, you don’t want to realize you’ve packed away your pet’s necessities too soon. Here is a quick list of things you should have set aside for your pet on moving day. Be sure to personalize and add to this list when you make your own.

• Treats
• Favorite Toys
• Water
• New ID Tags
• Measured Food for the day and a bowl
• Crate
• Carrier
• Paper towels/wipes for messes
• Medications for the day and sedatives if your pet has troubles with travel

7. Get Flight ready.

If you’re going to moving out of state, remember to make flight accommodations for you AND your pet. Call the airline ahead of time to find out what their policy is on pets. Each airline has its own restrictions on weight, crate requirements, etc. so make sure you have plenty of time to figure it all out.

With small dogs and cats you should be able to fit them in a small carry-on that will go on the plane with you but you don’t want to make any assumptions and be surprised when you arrive at the airport. Take the time and have your pet flight-ready, all accommodations in order, at least a week before your move date.

8. Permit?

If you have an unusual or exotic pet, you might need a permit before they can enter a new state. Ask your veterinarian for information on the application process. Also be aware of any restrictions on pets in the state where you’re moving. For example, it is illegal to have a ferret as a pet in the state of California.

9. Prepare your home for your pet.

Set out all they need to give them a familiar environment. The house is new to them as well, and they didn’t even get to have a walk-through with you! Wherever their room or space will be, prepare it for your pet before they even get there. Set out their bed, favorite toys, and anything that they love and associate with your old home. A bit of the old will help make the new more welcoming and comforting.

10. Prepare your pet for your new home.

Clean your pet to prepare them for the new house. Wash them, groom them, cut their nails, and get your furry friend ready for the big day! Your new home is going to be absolutely spotless when you move in so make sure your pet is too. You don’t want your pet dirtying up your new house the second they enter it.