RIGHTSIZING? EMPTY NEST? READY TO DOWNSIZE?
Do you have rooms that aren’t being used? Stuff that you don’t remember using for the last ten years? Yard seems to grow bigger every year? These are questions that I ask myself as I approach the 60 year old mark. Am I really using all this space? Do I need all this space? Do my hobbies and passions require the home I am in or can I free up time and equity by finding a more suitable home?
Time, space, passions, budget and maintenance all play a role in staying or moving. The community and neighborhood, mainly neighbors can play a role as well. Some of us stay where we are just because our neighbors are so awesome! I know we have such thoughtful neighbors it would be hard to say good bye to them.
There comes a point in time when hard decisions just have to be made. Your home starts to become a ball and chain around your neck. Property taxes, water bills, heating, electricity and yard care are just too much. You really don’t want to rely on friends and family for constant help. Independence is still a top priority!
As I write this article my Father and Mother still live in the house where I went to grade school. In his 80’s it takes him all week to do what he did in a day. In a good way he keeps occupied and active. The yard looks like a photo out of a gardening magazine! So for now this works for them. I ask myself do I want to move when I am 85? Probably not! I know my Grandad stayed in his home after Grandma passed for at least 15 years. Alone and on his own. Family made frequent visits but still he was alone most of the time till passing in his 90”s.
In reflecting on when best to make a move it would be before my mid 70’s or when my health declines. Once you pass a certain age I think your move would be to assisted living. Not my idea of what I would want. Everyone is different.
Find out What Your Home is Worth
Will 2026 Finally Jumpstart Home Sales?
High mortgage rates in 2025 slowed home sales, but improvement is expected starting in 2026. Experts predict existing home sales may ↑ 10–15% as conditions improve in 2026.
Homebuyers, Don’t Wait for a Miracle Rate
Mortgage rates increased after five weeks of declines, driven by stronger-than-expected economic indicators. Experts forecast minimal rate relief through late 2025 despite Federal Reserve predictions of future cuts. Waiting for rate drops may backfire as housing...
Slight Dip Ahead for U.S. Home Prices
U.S. home prices are projected to decline by 0.9% by Early-Q2 2026. The forecast reverses earlier predictions of price increases, signaling a cooling housing market.
Mortgage Rate Predictionsfor Q3 2025
Long Forecast predicts slight drops: July 6.84%, August 6.79%, September 6.74%. MBA expects 6.7% average in Q3; NAR, Realtor.com see 6.2%–6.4% by year-end. 15-year fixed rates forecasted to drop from 6.01% in July to 5.88% in September. Experts expect gradual rate...
Are mortgage rates falling? What homebuyers need to know
Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans have dropped to around 6.63%, the lowest since April, due to a weaker-than-expected jobs report causing Treasury yields to fall. Experts suggest this dip may be temporary but advise buyers to act now rather than wait for perfect...
The Salt Lake metro area is shifting to a renter’s market after an apartment construction boom.
Apartment vacancy rates rose to 7.1% in July, signaling an overbuilt market with slowed rent growth. Despite high rents, the market favors renters, with rent days on market decreasing. Utah's average rent dropped to $1,399 in 2025, causing many to delay home...
Forget Tariffs! There’s a New Crisis Impacting Rate Cuts
The Fed held rates at 4.25–4.5%, ignoring Trump’s calls for aggressive cuts. Trump imposed steep tariffs, triggering fears of price hikes on goods and vehicles.
How to Know if a Home Fits Your Lifestyle?
Research local schools even if you don’t have kids — they influence home values. Consider internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or streaming needs.
Are Buyers Really Optimistic About Housing?
Over half of U.S. buyers feel the market is better than last year, showing cautious optimism. Seventy-five percent of buyers are waiting for lower prices and interest rates before purchasing homes.
Why You Should Move to Utah
Suburbs of Salt Lake City are booming with new homes. Low unemployment and tech sector growth fuel migration. Affordable pricing compared to West Coast states. Access to skiing, hiking, and national parks. Ideal for families seeking active, balanced lifestyles.