I recently met with a lovely couple who was contemplating if it was time to sell their home. With just the two of them now living in a spacious five-bedroom house (the kids have long since graduated college and started families of their own), they found themselves at a crossroads.
Part of them wanted to stay, drawn by the memories tied to their home. But if they did, they were committed to giving it a refresh—an updated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, replacing the travertine tile with beautiful engineered hardwood, and finally adding the pool they always dreamed about. They knew these changes would be pricey; for a home their size and the upgrades they envisioned, they were looking at well over $150,000.
On the other hand, they couldn’t help but wonder if staying made sense. The cost of renovations felt hard to justify for a space they’d outgrown. They had always dreamed of owning a cozy beachside condo where they could take evening strolls along the sand. What if, instead of pouring money into updates, they used that $1504K+ as a down payment for the lifestyle they’d always envisioned?
Their big question for me was: Should we renovate or move?
It’s a question I hear so often—it’s even the premise of countless HGTV shows! While they hoped for a clear-cut answer, the truth is, a decision like this is deeply personal. It’s not about what I would do but what aligns with their dreams, goals, and circumstances.
I’ve worked with clients who chose to make minor updates to their home to prepare it for sale, only to fall in love with their space all over again and decide to stay. For others, letting go of their current home allowed them to embrace a new chapter that better suited their evolving lifestyle. When faced with this question, I often encourage my clients to take a step back and reflect: What feels most like home to you? Sometimes the answer isn’t in the walls or the floors—it’s in the life you’re building next.
Whatever crossroads you’re at in your home journey, know that it’s okay to take your time and explore what feels right. Every chapter begins with a choice, and sometimes, the hardest ones lead to the most rewarding destinations.
