Moving can be daunting. It can be easy to delay a necessary move or justify living in the same place. Good reasons to move include:

• selling because it is both affordable and because you want to move to somewhere you love
• selling because it is no longer a good fit to continue living in your current home, financially or physically

But here are five bad reasons to try to talk yourself out of making that big move.

1. Can’t Afford It.
Most of the time this excuse confuses affordability and value. If you already live in a place that meets your needs, both financial and physical, then there may be no need to move. But if you are using this excuse because you feel like you are scraping by, maybe it’s time to think about moving to somewhere more affordable. The value of changing to more inexpensive housing is greater than staying somewhere you feel financially pressured.

2. Too Comfortable to Move
The excuse that you’re used to the area may sound like a good reason not to move, but it can actually be a sign of boredom. But don’t rely on the assumption that your area will remain the same that it was when you first moved in. Most developed areas continue to grow, change, and renovate. The area where you live should reflect your interests, so look for places that keep mostly permanent facilities like museums, shops, and entertainment centers that you enjoy. And when you’re finally off the fence about moving, consider asking yourself the question “If I could live anywhere, where would I move?”

3. No Place Is Better Than This
Many people settle for a place that just meets their needs, rather than fulfilling their hopes and dreams. Only a rare few have seen everything  there is to see and been everywhere there is to go. Open your horizons when looking for a new home. Leaving your comfort zone can be immensely rewarding. You never know what you could be missing!

4. The Dream Area Is Unaffordable
Unless you’ve done some heavy hitting research that says otherwise, this is not a laudable excuse. Most people just assume that better means higher prices. PJ Wade states in My Realty Times, ” More and more properties have separate income suites that make moving up financially feasible. You could even live in the suite and rent out the house until you can afford to reverse this arrangement.” There are ways to afford your dream place, you just have to look hard enough. Local real estate agents can help you with this process too.

5. Guarding Your Future
Retirees average around the age 65 and tend to hold on for dear life to the home that they have settled in, mostly to avoid being moved to a nursing home. But society is changing, and it is no surprise that extended living is becoming quite common. This more active type of living adds decades to the normal lifespan. Don’t cling to an old home. Go out and discover new and exciting housing options. You’ve earned it.

Other bad reasons not to sell include:

1. This is where all my friends are.
2. This is where I shop/work…
3. This beautiful summer garden makes up for everything.
4. I renovated and I can’t do it again.
5. I can’t stand the thought of packing and moving/cleaning out the basement…

Article Citation:  Wade, PJ.  (October 14, 2013).  Top five bad reasons for not selling.  My Realty Times.  Retrieved ENTER DATE from: http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice1/item/26376-20131015-top-five-bad-reasons-for-not-selling.
Picture Citation:  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2003_house_not_for_sale_Lagos_Nigeria_12127529.jpg