The Effects of Covid Abruptly Disrupted Our Home Lives | 5 Reasons People are Relocating in 2020

in For Home Sellers, Real Estate

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Vicki Moore Pacifica Realtor

In 1604, when Sir Edward Coke said, your house is your “Castle and Fortress," he had no idea what was coming in 2020. He surely didn't know that our houses would need to be Swiss Army knives. How could he imagine that we'd have to have every need met by our homes: office, school, gym, yoga studio, Peloton palace, spa, movie theater, restaurant, playground, staycation central and dog park? 

1. Multigenerational Living

Having your parent live with you might not have been a part of your original plan - or theirs - and may have come as a complete shock. 

2. Your Home Office is Now THE Office

If you didn't already work from home on a regular basis, your current home might not have the space necessary to set up a quiet workspace where you can easily get to the printer, computer and supplies without stubbing a toe or knocking over the coffee maker. Or you might be using that space for other things. 

3. School

In addition to being mom or dad or both, you need a schoology degree. Virtual school has already started for some kids - and parents. It seems like nobody has been looking forward to that. 

The hope that school would reopen in some way for kids to get back to a little normalcy is gone for most. And if they are physically going back to school, you might be asking yourself if it's a good idea. More stress.

You need room for the computers, the books, and school supplies. Somewhere, hopefully, that doesn't have to be folded up like a tent every afternoon so you can use the space for something else later in the evening.

Having a classroom at home has become a priority you might not have considered when you bought your house. 

4. Outdoor Recreation

Besides the classroom, the kids need a place to have recess and PE - do kids even have PE anymore? Even though you've had some time to reconfigure the backyard, it might be a losing proposition if you simply don't have the physical space.

The ballparks and soccer fields are first-come, first served. Water parks, the zoo, the movies, the neighbor's house...oh my. What to do with the kids.

5. Home Gym

Exercise is a priority for a lot of people and getting out of the house to do it was one of its best features. It's just as important for physical health as it is for mental health, so the home gym - or at least a place to lay your yoga mat - is a must.

Outdoor group sports are out. Gyms and swimming pools are closed. If you're a runner or cyclist, you're probably good. You can still get out or use stationary equipment at home. But if you didn't get that equipment fast enough, you're hard-pressed to find nice used equipment and the new equipment is expensive.

Moving

Moving might not only be your best option; it might be your only option to fit with the new lifestyle that we're all dealing with.

If you're not sure if it's the right decision to relocate to a new neighborhood, talk to your family realtor. An agent can help you consider all of the possibilities, think of the things you might not, advise you on the cost of selling, tell you if it's the right time to sell in your particular real estate market, and work out a pros and cons list to help you come to the right decision. If you don't know of someone, you can always reach out to me. I'm happy to put you in touch with a professional realtor nearby you that will help.

Additional Resources

Pricing your home is something all sellers will have to navigate.  Take a look at what these three experts advise when it comes to pricing your home to sell.

Kevin Vitali, Merrimack Valley Real Estate agent, gives us 9 Reasons Why Sellers Overprice Their Home But Shouldn't.

Bill Gassett, Metrowest Massachusetts area expert, give us 10 Signs that Your Home is Priced Too High.

Lynn Pineda shares her perspective via video in Selling Your Home in Coral Springs - How to Price it Right

Vicki Moore Pacifica Realtor