Moving to a Home You Can’t Afford

Selling your current home is only half the journey—the other crucial part is ensuring your next home is truly affordable long-term, not just manageable right now. Unless you’re selling due to financial hardship, you’re probably planning another home purchase, so ask yourself: Is that next home realistically affordable including taxes, insurance, maintenance, and your new commute? We’ve seen sellers find beautiful homes, fall in love, and rush into purchases only to discover monthly payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, or commuting costs exceed expectations. That dream home becomes a financial burden. Think through both sides of your transaction before listing: Can you comfortably afford the next home including all carrying costs? Have you factored in moving costs, deposits, and relocation expenses? Are you moving for the right reasons or chasing an emotional high? Don’t just sell your home—plan your next chapter carefully. Consider the full financial picture including your new lifestyle costs, and make sure you’re moving toward financial stability, not stress. The more you think ahead about realistic affordability, the better your outcome and the happier you’ll be in your next home rather than becoming house-poor in a property that strains your budget.