Buying a bigger home is a big decision—one that should be made strategically and with confidence. Whether you’re expanding your family, need more space for entertaining, or just want room to breathe, upsizing can be an exciting and rewarding move.

At Gillies Team Real Estate, we help homeowners navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring you find the right home that meets your needs now and in the future. Here’s what to consider before making your move.

Is It Time to Upsize?

Maybe the holidays reminded you that you need more space for guests, or maybe your family is growing, and your current home is starting to feel cramped. Whatever the reason, upsizing should be a thoughtful move that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term financial goals.

Since the 1970s, the average square footage per person in a home has nearly doubled, showing that more people are prioritizing space. If you’re considering a bigger home, here’s how to determine what you really need.

What to Keep vs. What to Change

Before searching for a new home, take a step back and evaluate your current space.

✔️ What do you love about your home?
✔️ What do you wish was different?
✔️ Is the location perfect, or are you open to a move?
✔️ Do you need more bedrooms, a home office, or a bigger backyard?

Making a clear list of your non-negotiables and wish-list items will help you and your agent focus on finding a home that truly fits your lifestyle.

Is It a Good Time to Upsize?

Real estate markets fluctuate, and timing matters when making a move. A few key factors to consider:

📌 Market Conditions – Are home values rising? Selling in a strong market means you’ll likely get top dollar for your current home, but it may also mean paying more for your next one.

📌 Mortgage Rates – Interest rates impact affordability. A low rate can make a bigger home more financially feasible.

📌 Location Trends – If you’re moving to a less competitive area, your money might go further, allowing you to upsize without significantly increasing costs.

The best way to understand market conditions? Talk to a trusted real estate expert. Our team analyzes local trends daily, and we’ll help you determine if now is the right time to make your move.

How Much Home Can You Afford?

Bigger homes come with bigger expenses—not just in purchase price but also in utilities, maintenance, and property taxes. To determine your budget, consider:

💰 Your Current Home’s Value – If you’re selling, understanding how much equity you have can offset your next purchase.
💰 Monthly Expenses – Property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees may increase.
💰 Utility & Maintenance Costs – More square footage means higher heating, cooling, and upkeep expenses.

Pro tip: Before making an offer, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only clarifies your budget but strengthens your position as a buyer in a competitive market.

New Construction vs. Existing Home vs. Remodeling

If you’re committed to upsizing, you have several options:

🏡 Build a Custom Home – Ideal for those with a specific vision, but comes with longer timelines and more decision-making.
🏡 Buy an Existing Home – Offers more location flexibility and often a faster move-in timeline, but may require compromises on features.
🏡 Remodel Your Current Home – If you love your neighborhood, an addition or remodel could be a smart move—as long as it’s financially feasible.

Our team can help you explore all of your options, whether that means finding land to build on, searching for the perfect existing home, or evaluating remodeling potential.

Is It Time to Make the Move? Let’s Talk!

Upsizing is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll make—so why go at it alone?

At Gillies Team Real Estate, we help buyers navigate every step, from selling your current home for top dollar to finding the perfect new space. Whether you’re ready to start touring homes today or just want expert guidance on where to start, we’re here to help.

📩 Message us today, and let’s find your dream home together!

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