Why Relocating to a More Affordable Area is a Smart Decision

 

Why Moving to a More Affordable Area Makes Sense

Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially. While some markets are certainly more affordable than others, know that working with a trusted real estate agent to find what fits your budget and your desired location – no matter where you want to be – is always the best plan. And with the rising cost of living, many people are rethinking where they live and looking for ways to cut expenses. If that sounds like you, here’s a great place to start (see visual below):

These states are well known for lower housing costs, reduced insurance premiums, and more budget-friendly daily living expenses – but they’re not the only places to find a hidden gem. If you're open to relocating, you might discover the savings you’re looking for.

Why Move to a Lower-Cost Area?

Life is getting more expensive by the day. From rising home prices to higher grocery bills, it feels like everything costs more than it used to. Housing, the largest expense for most people, has become especially costly.

In fact, according to data from Case-Shiller, home prices increased 3.9% from September 2023 to September 2024. And data from GOBankingRates shows insurance costs are up too, with home insurance premiums averaging $2,151 annually – a significant jump compared to recent years.

These rising costs can feel like a lot to handle. That’s why more people are considering lower-cost areas. An article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

"With the past decade of rising home prices, buyers are looking for more affordable areas . . . As housing affordability continues to shape migration patterns, these areas may provide an opportunity . . . for those looking for more cost-effective alternatives to the nation’s larger, pricier metropolitan areas."

Lower-cost areas typically offer more affordable housing, less expensive home insurance, and reduced costs for daily living like groceries and gas. Transportation expenses and car insurance premiums also tend to be lower. For anyone feeling stretched thin, moving to a less expensive area can provide meaningful financial relief.

Planning Your Big Move

Whether it’s finding a home that fits your budget or cutting down on other expenses, making the right move in any market can bring significant financial relief. Of course, moving isn’t a decision to take lightly.

Whether you’re moving just a few towns over or to a completely different state, there’s a lot to consider. From job opportunities, to schools, to local amenities – it all has an impact on finding the right home for you.

This is where a knowledgeable local real estate agent can be your best resource. Not only can they help you navigate the housing market in your new or desired area, but they’ll also guide you to neighborhoods that balance affordability with your needs.

And don’t worry if none of the states on the affordability list seem like the right fit for you. An agent can still help you identify budget-friendly options wherever you need to be.

Bottom Line

If the rising cost of living has you feeling stuck, know that you have options. Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially and improve your quality of life.

But don’t try to tackle the process alone. With the help of a real estate agent who knows the area, you’ll be well-prepared to make a move. When you’re ready to take the first step, let’s connect.

Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market

 

Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market

Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out.

There are several key reasons why there aren’t enough homes to go around and understanding them will help you see why the market is working in your favor if you’re ready to make a move.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

1. Underproduction of Homes: For years, the industry hasn’t built enough homes to keep up with demand. As Zillow explains:

“In 2022, 1.4 million homes were built — at the time, the best year for home construction since the early stages of the Great Recession. However, the number of U.S. families increased by 1.8 million that year, meaning the country did not even build enough to make a place for the new families, let alone begin chipping away at the deficit that has hampered housing affordability for more than a decade.”

2. Rising Costs: Building materials, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have all made it harder and more expensive to build homes. This can either limit or stop new home construction in some areas.

3. Regional Imbalances: Some markets are more affected by the shortage of homes than others. Popular and more desirable areas have more people moving in faster than new homes can be built. The number of new building permits issued doesn’t always keep pace with job growth in these regions, and that leads to even tighter markets and higher prices.

How Big Is the Problem?

According to estimates from Real Estate News, the U.S. is facing a housing shortfall of roughly 3.3 million homes, based on an average of several expert insights (see graph below):

This shows there’s a significant number of homes that need to be built just to meet current demand from buyers. But what about future demand?

According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC), over the next 10 years, the U.S. will need about 18 million new homes to meet projected demand, including homes for new households, second homes, and replacements for aging or unusable homes.

So, even though more homes are on the market compared to last year, there still aren’t enough of them to go around. This is where you can really win if you’re ready to sell your house.

What You Need To Remember

If you’re thinking about selling, the shortage of homes for sale means your house is likely to get some serious attention from buyers. It’ll take years to climb out of this inventory deficit, and the market is still very tight. So, when buyers are competing for relatively few homes like they are right now, that creates more interest in the houses that are on the market, putting upward pressure on prices and ultimately working in your favor.

And since every market is different, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who understands local trends. They can help you price your house right and create a strategy to attract the right buyers.

Bottom Line

While there are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, there’s still a shortage overall. And this puts you in the driver’s seat as a seller. Let’s connect so you have someone who can help you take advantage of today’s market.