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Upsizing 101: 5 Tips for Moving From a Condo to a House

Monday April 1, 2019

Moving

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Buying a house is a huge milestone—one that’s definitely worth getting excited about. There are many moments of joy on the road to moving into your first single-family home, and there are few things we enjoy more than helping new buyers discover them. At the same time, we’ve seen enough people move from condos to houses to know that the process usually involves a few challenges.

Fortunately, upsizing doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re planning to purchase your very first house, try these five tips to help ensure that the transition is smooth…

1) Budget thoroughly

Most people are thrilled when they realize they can afford to purchase a house, and for good reason. But during the excitement of looking for a new home, it’s all too easy to forget about the full financial impact that owning more square footage can have. The best way to avoid looking at houses outside of your price range is to ensure that you factor all considerations into your budget.

First off, when you buy a bigger home, larger utility bills almost always come with the territory. Remember that you’ll also be responsible for all ongoing repairs and maintenance (though on the flip side, you won’t be paying condo fees anymore).

2) Know what you’re looking for

If you grew up in a family where everyone was fighting to use the bathroom in the morning, you’ll understand this next point. We’ve found that home buyers tend to think carefully about how they’ll use their space when they can’t afford much of it. That said, you should be just as thoughtful when it comes to how you’ll utilize a larger home.

Be aware that some layouts will work better than others for your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. In your condo, where do you spend the most time? Are there any areas that are rarely used? Answering these questions is bound to make the home hunt easier.

3) Check for repairs

When you buy a house, you inherit all of the issues associated with it. From foundation problems to a roof or HVAC system that needs replacing, these problems can be costly. In other words: it pays to protect yourself.

A thorough home inspector can help ensure that the house you’re considering is well maintained. It’s also important to ask the right questions. Most homeowners will be happy to talk about past repairs, upgrades, and the general condition of their house and its systems. A great real estate agent will help walk you through all of these points during the process.

4) Learn how your new house works

When you find the right house, it’s a good idea to get familiar with its major systems. Where are the electrical panels located? What about the thermostat for that guest bedroom? Trust us, trying to figure these things out once you’ve been living in a home for a while can be incredibly annoying.

Our advice? Remember that the home seller you’re buying from is your greatest resource. Before they hand the keys over, be sure that you’ve gone through the house carefully and gotten the full lay of the land.

5) Know your responsibilities

Once you buy a house, you’ll have more ownership responsibilities than you ever did with a condo. Some of the biggest have to do with maintaining the exterior of your property. From icy sidewalks to unwieldy tree branches, it’s important to know about any potential liability issues you’ll be responsible for.

Moving from a condo to a house isn’t always as simple as home buyers believe. That said, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning and some advice from a great local agent, you can ensure that you start your next chapter off right!

Ready to upsize from a condo to a house? If you’re looking in Hamilton, Burlington, or the surrounding area, we’d love to help. Get in touch to start a discussion about what you’re looking for!