Free at last!
It's a bittersweet time in every parent's life: The last child is gainfully employed in the work force or away at college, and you're free to do whatever you like. For many, that translates into a time to sell the house in the suburbs, give up the required maintenance of the home and yard and move to something easier to maintain.
"I generally hear that people who downsize are delighted," says Frances Dugan, A.B.R., a Realtor in the Long & Foster Harbor East office. "The adults who make the move are so much more unencumbered than those who stay in the traditional home."
Questions to ask before making the leap
To make sure you make the right move, ask yourself these questions:
• What you can afford? This is perhaps the most important question for those on a fixed income.
• How safe will I be? As one becomes older, one does become more vulnerable. Therefore it is important to know the safety of the neighborhood and building to which you wish to relocate, as well as what security practices are in order.
• What amenities are important? Those who might move from the suburbs to Baltimore City, for example, and who are very much into theater will probably be happier in a neighborhood such as Mount Vernon. On the other hand, boaters will prefer to be someplace near to the marina where their boat is docked.
• What is in walking distance of your new home? With no need for a second car to haul kids to soccer practice or go to work, one car may very well be sufficient. Can you walk to the dry cleaner, grocery store, restaurants and entertainment? Walking is inexpensive and great exercise.
• Ask others who have downsized what advice they have to offer and what mistakes you should try to avoid?
Do your homework to insure a good fit
While the suburbs do have their good points, especially for those with children, a city environment makes a lot of sense for empty nesters. Dugan recommends that these individuals really need to explore a number of the city's neighborhoods to check out types of amenities and community feel they hope to find.
"You're not just moving to 'The City,' but to a neighborhood. We have so many neighborhoods, and they all have very a different ambiance," notes Dugan. o
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