Moving? Five questions to help find the right home for you

Successful ways to think about your life stage needs and wants, plus your goals to assist with housing decisions.

Are you considering a change in housing soon? Feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions and details? Whether you are moving to a new community or staying within your current community, you have many choices. Take control by first thinking about your life stage, needs and wants, plus your goals to assist with making smarter housing decisions.

A helpful worksheet to better understand your housing needs and goals can be found on the MiMoney Health website in the new Starting over After Foreclosure Toolkit. This worksheet can be used by anyone going through life transitions, including but not limited to those recovering after foreclosure.

Think about the following questions:

  • Do you want to own or rent? Consider the affordability, pros and cons of each option. .
  • What life stage are you in? Whether you are younger or older, with or without children, working or retired, can influence your decision. You may want to be close to work, schools, shopping, medical care, transportation, recreation, family and friends.
  • What is your housing preference? There is a list of options from apartments, condominiums, duplexes and mobile, manufactured and single family homes. Some families with multiple generations choose to live together.
  • What features are needs or wants? Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, accessibility, health or other needs should be considered.
  • Was your last home meeting your housing goals? Was it too big or small for your current family? Was the housing location satisfactory? Do you have any other specific needs to include?

By answering these questions and identifying your situation, you can easily figure out your housing goals for your next home.

Michigan State University Extension has released a new toolkit for homeowners who are experiencing or have previously experienced foreclosure. This toolkit will equip these individuals and families with tools to help them recover their financial stability, in the case that a recovery of their home is not possible. The toolkit is available to download free at MIMoneyHealth.org.

Michigan State University Extension is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency has many MSHDA certified housing counselors at multiple county offices to assist you by phone or through technology. Find the one staff person nearest you on the MI Money Health website. MSHDA certified Housing counselors may be located online as well.

To contact an expert in your area, visit the find an expert page, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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