What Move-Up Buyers Need to Ask Themselves First

How to Move Up with Ease — Week 2

Ready to upgrade your address but not your stress? When you already own a home, moving up comes with more moving parts—financing, timing, maybe renting out your current place, and definitely more decisions. This week, let’s slow the scroll and get strategic before you set foot in an open house.

Start here: two questions that shape everything

1) How long do you want to live in the next home?

Answer this first. Your timeline sets your “must-haves,” your “nice-to-haves,” and your budget.

• Forever home? Waiting a year to save more (or to shop in the right season) might be worth it.
• Five-year stepping stone? Focus on layout, commute, schools, and resale—not perfection.

Once you decide the timeframe, every other decision gets easier.

2) What’s the #1 driver for your move?

Why now? Schools, commute, space, yard, walkability, being closer to family—pick the one reason that matters most. That priority tells you what you won’t compromise on, and what you can (size, finishes, even commute time).

Example: If “schools” is #1 and kindergarten starts next year, your timeline speeds up. If school is three years away, you can take it slow and be choosy.

Picture it: clarify your needs (now and later)

Grab your co-decision-makers and brainstorm. Keep it real and keep it specific.

What’s not working today (beyond your #1 driver)?
Busy street? No storage? Too many stairs? Tiny kitchen? No garage? Too open-concept? Not open enough?

What will you need during your chosen timeline?

• More bedrooms/baths? A true office? A playroom? Outdoor space?
• Or the opposite—single-level living and low maintenance?
• Hosting space vs. quiet corners? Storage for hobbies or gear?

Tip: Walk your current home and neighborhood with “fresh eyes.” Note deal-breakers you don’t want to repeat and features you absolutely want again.

Friendly PSA: no open houses yet 🙃

This is the thinking stage. Touring too soon can distract you and lead to “shiny-object” choices that don’t match your priorities. Once your timeline and #1 driver are set, shopping gets faster and smarter.

Why it pays to start early

Ideally, start this process 6–12 months before you want to move. You’ll:

• Refine priorities (and avoid buyer’s remorse)
• Align budget and financing options
• Time the market and your sale/purchase more smoothly

Coming up next in the series

Week 3: The Big Move-Up Question — How Do You Buy and Sell at the Same Time? (It’s doable—promise.)

Want a sounding board?

Email me anytime. Whether your move is “soon” or “someday,” I’m here to help you think it through, set a strategy, and land in a home that actually fits your life. No pressure—just good guidance.