Why Are People Moving Today?

Buying a home is a major life decision. That’s true whether you’re purchasing for the first time or selling your house to fuel a move. And if you’re planning to buy a home, you might be hearing about today’s shifting market and wondering what it means for you.

You shouldn't put your plans on hold based purely on market conditions, even though mortgage rates are higher now than they were at the beginning of the year and home prices are increasing. Instead, you should think about your motivations for moving and how significant they are to you. Here are the top two personal factors that influence home purchases nowadays.

A Need for More Space

Moving.com looked at migration patterns to determine why people moved to specific areas. One trend that emerged was the need for additional space, both indoors and outdoors.

Outgrowing a house is nothing new. Having the physical space you require for your preferred lifestyle may be enough of a cause to move if you yearn for a big yard, greater entertaining space, or simply need more storage or bedrooms overall.

A Desire To Be Closer to Loved Ones

Moving and storage company United Van Lines surveys customers each year to get a better sense of why people move. The latest survey finds nearly 32% of people moved to be closer to loved ones.

Another moving and storage company, Pods, also highlights this as a top motivator for why people move. They note that an increase in flexible work options has helped many homeowners make a move closer to the people they care about most:

“. . . a shifting of priorities has also affected why people are moving. Many companies have moved to permanent remote working policies, giving employees the option to move freely around the country, and people are taking advantage of the perk.”

If you can move to another location because of remote work, retirement, or for any other reason, you could leverage that flexibility to be closer to the most important people in your life. Being nearby for caregiving and being able to attend get-togethers and life milestones could be exactly what you’re looking for.

What Does That Mean for You?

If you’re thinking about moving, one of these reasons might be a top motivator for you. And while what’s happening with mortgage rates and home prices in the housing market today will likely play a role in your decision, it’s equally important to make sure your home meets your needs. Like Charlie Bilello, Founder and CEO of Compound Capital Advisors, says:

“Your home is your castle and should confer benefits beyond just the numbers.”

Bottom Line

People make moving decisions for a variety of reasons. Whatever the cause, if your needs have altered, let's talk about your possibilities in the current home market.