Transitioning to a Forever Home

For many homeowners, moving into a ‘forever home’ represents the culmination of years of planning and dreaming. Whether you’re upgrading from a starter home, transitioning out of a family home, or simply ready to settle into the perfect space, one thing is certain: maximizing the equity from your current home is key.

Being able to afford a larger down payment can significantly increase your chances of securing your dream home. At 72SOLD, we specialize in helping homeowners sell quickly and for top dollar, giving you the resources and confidence to take the next step.

What Does “Forever” Look Like for You?

A forever home is more than just a house—it’s a long-term fit for your lifestyle and future goals. Your approach to this house hunt should be different from your past home searches. It’s important to take the time to think carefully about what you will want or need in the future, while also seeking a home that can accommodate unexpected life changes.

What a homebuyer will want in a forever home can vary dramatically for different types of people:

• Young Families: Look for homes with room to grow, good school districts and kid-friendly features like play spaces or large yards.
• Empty Nesters: Focus on downsized layouts that balance comfort with low maintenance, like single-level living or homes with walkability to local amenities.
• Retirees: Seek properties with accessibility features or proximity to healthcare, family and recreational opportunities.

Some questions to ask yourself when you’re considering different properties include:

• Is it a good place to raise children or entertain guests?
• Will it have space to accommodate adult children and grandchildren during visits? Or is that even something you want to encourage? You could look for homes near hotels or resorts where visitors could comfortably stay without imposing on your space.
• Are there rooms that can be converted into a home office, gym or playroom?
• Does the property have features to support hobbies, work-from-home needs or aging in place?
• Is there adequate storage for your current and future needs, like a walk-in pantry, large closets or a garage?
• Is walkability important to you now or might it be 10, 20 or 30 years? If so, is the property located near restaurants or shops?
• Are you looking for a home in a bustling urban area, a quiet suburb or a rural location, and do you think you will be happy there long term?
• Is the property near good hospitals, doctors or other amenities that matter to you, like gyms or public transportation?
• Do you aspire to be a part of a particular type of community or neighborhood culture, like one that’s family-oriented, active and social, or quiet and private?
• Do you dream of a scenic view, like mountains, water or cityscapes?

Choose Features That Fit Your Long-Term Vision

Future-Proof Your Purchase

• Flexibility: Look for spaces that can adapt over time, like homes with a guest room that could double as an office or a basement that can evolve into a gym, playroom or hobby space.
• Accessibility: If aging in place is a consideration, prioritize homes with single-level living, wide doorways or the potential for modifications.

Lifestyle-Specific Features

• For Entertainers: Open-concept layouts, gourmet kitchens and outdoor spaces for hosting.
• For Families: Ample storage, multiple bathrooms and proximity to parks and schools.
• For Peace of Mind: Energy-efficient upgrades, smart home technology and secure neighborhoods.

Location, Location, Location

• Evaluate proximity to work, family and amenities like healthcare, shopping and recreation.
• Consider long-term market value—areas with steady growth and demand are safer investments.
• Do research on crime statistics and be sure to visit the area at night.
• Drive through the area during morning and afternoon rush hour to gauge traffic patterns.
• During visits at different times of day, listen for noise pollution from nearby highways, trains, schools or businesses.

Maximize Equity for Your Down Payment

The more you can put down on your forever home, the lower your monthly payments and overall interest costs will be. Maximizing equity ensures you’re financially prepared for a significant upgrade.

Leverage 72SOLD’s Proven System

Our innovative approach is designed to sell homes faster and for more money, giving you a competitive edge when you’re bidding against other potential buyers for your forever home.

Stage for Success

Declutter, rearrange furniture and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Read up on staging strategies or ask your real estate agent about professional staging and whether it’s right for you.

Price It Right

Overpricing can discourage buyers and delay your sale, while underpricing might raise concerns about the property’s condition. A strategic starting price attracts competitive offers and maximizes your proceeds.

Pricing your current home is particularly important if you’re trying to buy your forever home. Once you find the right property, you’ll want to have the necessary funds or financing to put in a competitive bid right away without demanding contingencies that might put off home sellers.

Selling your home quickly and for a great price is often essential to the process.

Get Creative with Financing and Timing

Bridge the Gap

If you find your dream home before your current home sells, you may be able to leverage alternative financing options like bridge loans or HELOCs to secure your down payment.

Conversely, if you sell your home prior to closing on your dream home, you can ask for rent-back agreements to stay in your current home temporarily.

Coordinate Closings

Work with an experienced real estate team to align your sale and purchase dates, avoiding unnecessary delays or housing gaps.

Get the Money You Need to Put a Down Payment on Your Forever Home

Finding your forever home is an exciting journey, but success starts with careful planning and maximizing the value of your current property. By working with a trusted real estate partner like 72SOLD, you can sell your home quickly, for top dollar and with less stress—giving you the resources you need to secure the perfect home for your next chapter.

Ready to take the next step? Fill out the form on our website to get our price for your home.