• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Accessibility Statement

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on YouTubeRSS Feed

Kimberly Howell Properties

San Antonio Real Estate

office@kimberlyhowell.com
(210) 493-6888
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Agents
  • Buyers
    • Neighborhoods
    • Relocation Information
  • Sellers
  • Listings
    • Available Rentals
    • Homes for Sale
    • McNair Custom Homes
    • Open Houses
  • Contact
  • Rental SearchHomes for Rent
  • REALTORS®Find an Agent
  • McNair Custom HomesNew Construction
  • Property SearchHomes for Sale
You are here: Home / Archives for empty nest

empty nest

Empty Nest? Consider Downsizing

June 8, 2012 by khproperties Leave a Comment

Empty Nest Downsizing

My husband and I recently reached a huge milestone in our life together. Our youngest child graduated from high school, so soon we’ll have an empty nest. Once he goes off to college, it’ll be just the two of us, alone in a home that’s more than three times the size of the first house we bought together some twenty three years ago. We moved numerous times over the years, always needing a bigger place to fit our growing family. But now for the first time in our lives we’re considering moving again, but not to grow, but to downsize.

The benefits of downsizing for empty nesters are obvious. A smaller home usually means a smaller or shorter mortgage, less taxes, and cheaper utilities. Smaller homes are also cheaper and easier to clean and maintain. Then with the money you save you can start working on that “bucket list.” If this is you, if you’re in the same wonderful boat we’re in, the time to act is now. Waiting too long to downsize is a common financial mistake empty nesters maker. Many of them could have downsized years earlier but waited because of sentimental reasons, nostalgia, or just not wanting to change.

From a financial standpoint, owning a big, expensive home is generally not the best investment. The average home grows in value by only 3-4% per year and you can typically earn a better rate of return through balanced investments in stocks, bonds, and securities, so it just makes sense to get out of that big home sooner rather than later.

Still, before you decide to downsize you should plan carefully and weigh costs and benefits. Decisions you make on where to move to save money could end up costing you more than you thought. For instance, you may save money in gas by moving closer to your work, but that area might have higher car insurance rates. You might also think moving to a small condo will be cheap, but be prepared to pay large dues and fees that come with condo living. These trade-offs can be complicated so it’s important to do your homework and talk to your REALTOR® about your concerns.

image courtesy of cursedthing

Filed Under: Buying a Home Tagged With: downsize, empty nest

Primary Sidebar

Recessions

What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market

It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who closely follows the economy or not, chances are you’ve heard whispers of an upcoming recession. Economic conditions are determined by a broad range of factors, so rather … [Read More...] about What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market

McNair Custom Homes Video

Recently, we had the pleasure of working with McNair Custom Homes and The IMG Studio to put together a video about McNair Custom Homes and their building philosophy. We love the way it turned out. We hope you … [Read More...] about McNair Custom Homes Video

Confused About The Housing Market?

Confused About The Housing Market? Lean On Your Realtor

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you probably want to know what’s really happening with home prices, mortgage rates, housing supply, and more. That’s not an easy task considering how … [Read More...] about Confused About The Housing Market? Lean On Your Realtor

Homeownership Is An Investment In Your Future

Homeownership: An Investment In Your Future

There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. As Bob Broeksmit, … [Read More...] about Homeownership: An Investment In Your Future

Ready for Homeownership?

What You Need To Know If You’re Ready For Homeownership

If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are … [Read More...] about What You Need To Know If You’re Ready For Homeownership

Search Our Site

Real Estate Topics

  • Buying a Home
  • Homeowner Tips
  • KHP News
  • Local Events
  • Local Laws
  • Miscellaneous
  • Mortgages and Financing
  • Open Houses
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Market
  • Renters and Landlords
  • San Antonio Places
  • Sell Your Home
  • Technology
Our real estate agents can help you with properties anywhere in Texas. If you need assistance finding agents in other parts of the country, please contact us.

Search Homes

Explore Cities

  • Alamo Heights 35 Listings
  • Bandera 384 Listings
  • Blanco 192 Listings
  • Boerne 695 Listings
  • Bulverde 407 Listings
  • Canyon Lake 471 Listings
  • Castle Hills 21 Listings
  • Castroville 93 Listings
  • Cibolo 366 Listings
  • Comfort 57 Listings
  • Converse 670 Listings
  • Fair Oaks Ranch 51 Listings
  • Floresville 237 Listings
  • Garden Ridge 10 Listings
  • Helotes 144 Listings
  • Hill Country Village 3 Listings
  • La Vernia 170 Listings
  • Lakehills 140 Listings
  • Leon Valley 20 Listings
  • Live Oak 84 Listings
  • Mico 119 Listings
  • New Braunfels 1548 Listings
  • Olmos Park 9 Listings
  • San Antonio 10699 Listings
  • Schertz 295 Listings
  • Seguin 635 Listings
  • Selma 73 Listings
  • Shavano Park 14 Listings
  • Spring Branch 425 Listings
  • Terrell Hills 16 Listings
  • Universal City 96 Listings
  • Windcrest 30 Listings
  • Hollywood Pk 2 Listings

Stay up to date with the latest from Kimberly Howell Properties.

San Antonio real estate and property information provided by Kimberly Howell Properties. Kimberly Howell Properties does not assume any liability or responsibility for the operation or content of any of the linked resources, nor for any of the interpretations, comments, graphics, or opinions contained therein. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

KJH Properties, Inc. is a licensed real estate brokerage in the State of Texas, Equal Opportunity Employer, and supporter of the Fair Housing Act.

TREC Information About Brokerage Services | TREC Consumer Protection Notice | Privacy Policy

All content © 2009-2023 Kimberly Howell Properties, unless otherwise noted.