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At some point, many homeowners begin thinking about whether their current home will continue to meet their needs in the years ahead.
For some, the answer is to make updates and stay put. For others, it may make more sense to complete a few improvements before putting the home on the market and finding a property that is a better fit. There is no universal answer, but understanding the options can help homeowners make a more confident decision.
One option is remodeling your current home so it better supports your lifestyle. This can be especially appealing if you love your location, have strong ties to your neighborhood, or simply prefer to stay where you are. For many homeowners, it also makes financial sense to improve their current home rather than take on a move.
That is one reason the remodeling market continues to grow. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the typical age of a home has risen from 31 years old in 2006 to 41 years old in 2023. At the same time, rising home equity has made it easier for many owners to fund projects that improve how their home functions.
Common updates may include remodeling a bathroom, improving a kitchen, creating more flexible living areas, enhancing lighting, widening openings, or making changes that improve comfort, convenience, and everyday usability. In many cases, these updates allow homeowners to remain in a home they love while adapting it to better fit their current and future preferences.
A second option is to make strategic improvements before a move. Sometimes a home has features that are harder to change, such as a multi-level layout, a large yard, or a floorplan that no longer aligns with the way the owner wants to live. In these cases, rather than investing in a major long-term remodel, it may make more sense to focus on updates that help the home show well and appeal to buyers.
That could include fresh paint, updated fixtures, flooring improvements, bathroom or kitchen refreshes, exterior touch-ups, or repairs that make the home feel well maintained and move-in ready. The goal is not necessarily to fully reinvent the home, but to position it well in the market while preparing for a transition to a new one.
If you are weighing whether to remodel or move, it helps to ask a few key questions.
- Does your current home still fit the way you want to live?
- Can it be updated in a practical and cost-effective way?
- Would a different home offer a layout, location, or level of upkeep that better matches your priorities?
- And if you are going to invest money into the home, is that investment best spent on staying or preparing to sell?
These questions are becoming more common as remodeling activity continues to grow. NAHB forecasts that residential remodeling activity will increase 3% throughout 2026 and another 2% in 2027, driven by aging housing stock, continued homeowner equity, and ongoing interest in improving existing homes.
Before making a major decision, it can be helpful to talk with a real estate professional. An experienced agent can help you evaluate your home’s current market value, identify which updates may make sense, and consider whether remodeling or moving is the stronger long-term choice.
At Wallace, we believe the best move starts with understanding your options. Whether that means improving your current home or preparing for a sale, having the right guidance can help you make the decision that best supports your next chapter.
