What Do You Value?

For more than a decade, all of us at the Ratchford Group have been asking the question “What’s important to you about moving?” The answer we hope to find, for both of us, is the ‘why’ behind the move.

We believe every house offers a certain Lifestyle, and that lifestyle is driven by our value system; whether it’s family, comfort, privacy, time, money, enjoyment, or whatever. It is about how we live. The more clarity we have around the things we do and are important to us, the better the understanding is of what features in (or around) a house are required to deliver the best outcome.

We can assume if Family, and activities surrounding the family, is most valued, features such as large living areas become more important than if you are a single person. Properties with low-maintenance features such as a homeowner’s association for snow removal and lawn care, may be more important to an empty-nester because it frees up time to do other things like travel, rather than have a large backyard. When looking for your new house, think about how you live today, and also for the foreseeable future.

In the United States of America, the average adult moves 7 times, owning 5 homes along the way. Generally, moves are driven by cycles of life. The starter home can be about putting money into a house payment rather than rent, thus building equity for the next house. The second home is almost always driven by need; space for the family for example. The third by opportunity of choice…nicer, newer, bigger. Later in life, we may downsize, go low-maintenance, or decide to have less money or time invested. There is always a reason, and it is always driven by what we do, how we live, and the values that drive our desires. When our lifestyle changes, changing houses that fit our needs better, usually offers more comfort and enjoyment. The truth is, understanding what we value the most, can enhance every part of our lives and existence. The more we understand about who we are and what we want to be, the greater the fulfillment in our lives.

The Dream Home Process™ we created in 2005, allows everyone in the room to find better clarity, develop a comprehensive plan, and a greater expectation of outcome. There are five steps to the process; and ultimately, you will maximize your dollars, save valuable time, and most importantly give you peace of mind knowing you are doing the right thing, for the right reason, and at the right time!

Tony Ratchford Broker, CRS, SRES, ABR, co-owner Keller Williams Realty Sioux Falls