Money can’t buy you love… but setting aside financial stress can bring you happiness. The economic downturn has added stress to many Bay Area pocketbooks. But, for many it has also granted new perspective. There seems to be a paradigm shift in the East Bay market away from “keeping up with the Joneses” and toward “seeking a simpler life.” Michael Jansen of Small Living Journal writes the following:
The East Bay holds some wonderful “simple life” advantages. Known for the Berkeley Bungalow, the area has an eclectic supply of “rightsized” homes. Our climate and local offerings also contribute to this quality of life equation. The idea of shopping for the evening’s meal can be a great adventure in an area with ample access to farmer’s markets, fresh bread and specialty cheese and meat markets. Buyer’s location preferences have shifted toward such urban amenities. A big Bay view has always been valued, but now often takes a second place to a high Walk Score. Our Bay Area lifestyle gives rightsizers reason to rejoice!
If rightsizing appeals to you, your new home search starts with one basic question: What is important to you? Often a determination of what is important is achieved by the process of elimination. Start with the dream and then whittle it down to the necessities:
Your Realtor can also help you calculate the costs of moving. A purely lateral move (neither upsizing nor downsizing) may cost as much as 10% of your home’s value through costs associated with the transaction. To realize a financial benefit , your new home will have to cost 90% less than your current home’s worth. Your Realtor can give you an indication of your current home’s value to use as a starting point. Looking at the available inventory in a lower price point will give you further education. Let us help you to live the life you have always wanted. Your dream house should be about YOUR dreams.
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