By 
2020 brought awareness to homeowners: sometimes, people need more space. Sure, downsizing is all fine and dandy when the kids are at school, you’re at work, and your in-laws are in their own place. However, when everyone had to quarantine, and all the family members were at home, and all the family members were trying to live their own lives in a confined space, people realized they needed more space.
Of course, television is going to show all family members with smiles on their faces, as they nicely play a board game together, or watch a movie together. However, for some, this was far from reality.
Also, a lot of my friends did not stop online shopping. They love online shopping, and purchasing items that they need for the household. People also were doing home renovation projects, and needed to store items in their homes… some had to use precious garage space for flooring, appliances, etc. Storage became scarce, and some needed to purchase a storage unit.
Reasons to Live in a Large Home
Have Multiple Generations Under One Roof
Some people needed to have everyone all together. More quality time with all. Grandparents could spend more time with grandchildren. This eliminates commuting from one home to the next.
Home Office
Home offices separate from other parts of the house, where it was quieter, became more desirable.
More Space = Customization of Space
You can have a designated area for things that are important to you: classroom, bible study, playroom, craft room, home gym, bar, home theater, luxury closet, library, recording studio, etc.
Potentially Eliminate Storage Unit
Of course, this depends on how many items you have in the storage unit. A larger home could have the potential for more storage. Instead of having your possessions in a storage unit away from your home, you can have them in your home!
Entertaining
When you have more space, you have the ability to stretch out more. You can host events, without having to have people use your personal space (bathrooms attached to bedrooms). Multiple living areas allow you to control where the party setting is, as opposed to everyone hanging out in the kitchen and breakfast nook. Depending on the house, your guests could stay in a guest room as opposed to a blow-up mattress on the living room floor.
However...
It is imperative that you talk to a local lender and discuss the budget and monthly payments. Do you need to sell your home in order to buy? Have you discussed your plans with other decision-makers in your household? You may have to adjust your non-negotiables in order to find a larger home to fit your needs. Non-negotiables that you may consider adjusting are commute to work, location, finishes, and upgrades in the home.
So, a larger home may just be the answer!
If you can find a home that is already built, in your budget, with a floorplan that has the square footage where you need it, then it might fit your needs. Find areas in your home that you know you need more space. Could be the living room, closets, laundry room, kitchen, etc. Whether it’s upsizing, downsizing, or changing location altogether, I would be honored to be a part of the journey!
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
