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decide between renovating and relocating

Is your home still ‘the one’? How to decide between renovating and relocating

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Is your home still ‘the one’? How to decide between renovating and relocating

At first, your home may have felt like true love, the perfect match. It had you full of excitement and possibilities. As time goes on, the honeymoon phase can fade.

Maybe you’re craving more space, a shorter commute to work or school, or modern features that other homes seem to have. If you’re feeling restless, you might be wondering, “Is it time for a fresh start? Or maybe this relationship can be saved with a little TLC?”

Deciding whether to move to a new home or renovate the one you’ve got is no small decision. It’s a mix of emotions, finances, and practicality all rolled into one. Think of it and weigh the pros and cons of both options to figure out what truly fits your family and lifestyle.

The following suggestions will help you determine if your home is still “the one” or if it’s time to move on.

Top reasons to renovate your home

It might be better to renovate if you love your neighbourhood, have sentimental attachments to your home, or see potential in upgrading your space.

Here’s when improving makes sense:

  1. Your home has good bones
    If your home is structurally sound and doesn’t require major foundational work, a renovation could be a cost-effective way to address your needs. Open up your floor plan, update outdated features, or add square footage. These changes could create a home that feels brand new.
  2. You love your location
    If your home is in a desirable neighbourhood, close to work, or within a top school district, improving your home allows you to enjoy these benefits while adapting your space to meet your needs.
  3. Renovations increase value
    Consider renovations that will add significant value to your property. Projects like modernizing the kitchen, updating bathrooms, or adding energy-efficient upgrades often provide a good return on investment.
  4. Moving costs are prohibitive
    Between realtor fees, closing costs, and moving expenses, relocating can be expensive. If your renovation budget is less than the cost of moving, it might make more financial sense to stay put.

Top reasons to move to a new home

Sometimes, no amount of renovation can fix a home that no longer suits your lifestyle. Here’s when moving to a new property may be the better option:

  1. Space is limited
    Your family may have outgrown your current home. There’s no room to expand, or zoning restrictions make it impossible to do so. Moving to a larger property may be the best solution.
  2. Your needs have changed
    Life changes may make your current home impractical. A growing family, a new job, or aging parents moving in could prompt a change. In these cases, finding a home that meets your new needs can be more effective than extensive renovations.
  3. Renovations are too costly
    If renovations required to make your home suitable are extensive and expensive, the ROI might not justify the investment. In this case, moving may be more cost-effective.
  4. You’re ready for a change
    Sometimes, the desire for a fresh start or a completely different style of home outweighs the convenience of staying. If you’re feeling uninspired or constrained in your current home, it might be time to explore new options.

Key questions to help you decide whether to renovate or relocate

Still stuck between renovating and relocating? Here are a few crucial questions to ask yourself to find an answer.

  1. What’s my budget? Compare the costs of renovating versus moving. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs like permits, temporary housing, or realtor fees.
  2. How disruptive will renovations be? Living through major renovations can be stressful and time-consuming. Consider whether you have the time and patience for the process.
  3. Will I get the features I want? If your renovation can’t deliver your dream home, moving may be the better choice.
  4. How long do I plan to stay? If you plan to stay in your current home for many years, renovations could be a worthwhile investment. If not, moving might make more sense.

How we can support your decision

The choice between moving and improving is deeply personal and depends on your unique situation. By evaluating your needs, budget, and long-term goals, you can make a decision that works best for you and your family.

Whether you decide to renovate or relocate, having the right team on your side makes all the difference. Royal LePage professionals specialize in helping homeowners navigate these pivotal decisions. From finding trusted contractors to discovering your dream home, they’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Get in touch with me to learn more!

canadian real estate in wake of US election results

Canadian real estate in wake of US election

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Surrounding the US election on November 5 there has been a spike in interest in Canadian real estate for sale.

Royal LePage found visits to its website from our neighbours to the South have risen significantly since the presidential campaign began.

US Searches More Than Doubled

According to Royal LePage, U.S.-originated sessions to royallepage.ca more than doubled. They surged 104 percent week over week, 67 percent year over year, in the week of June 16 just before the first presidential debate.


The following week, after the debate between President Joe Biden and then-presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, traffic peaked with an additional four per cent increase in visitors over the week prior. Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage, said trends were similar in 2016, prior to Donald Trump being elected. “It’s not surprising in this incredibly divisive American presidential election that they are attracted, at least emotionally, to the concept of getting away from it all,” he said. “I think that’s probably the biggest message in this surge in American interest in Canadian properties. Call it internet therapy.”


Most of the Visitors to the Site Came from Democratic States

Soper said most of the visitors to the site came from Democratic states. Interest from a Republican-leaning state, South Carolina, was also prominent. “Canada is the nation on earth that most closely resembles the United States,” he said. “Dreaming of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver is an American election sport.” Ryan Neely, a partner with McCrea Immigration law, said he’s fielding calls daily during this year’s election campaign – mainly from those in Blue states. “We’ve had an increase in what we call cold calls,” he said. “People who have just found us on the internet and are saying, ‘Well, listen, we’re interested in Canadian immigration.’” Despite the aspirations to immigrate to Canada, Neely said in actuality, the conversion rate to becoming a permanent resident is low.


“But there is a core group of people who are dedicated to doing it.” That group, he said, often includes young families or those who have been struggling with the decision to move for a long time. More restrictive immigration policies favoured by Trump could also lead to an influx of skilled workers and families seeking to relocate north of the border. This could drive up housing demand in major urban centers, particularly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Colombia, and put upward pressure on prices.

Factors to Consider Before Moving to Canada

Other considerations for people from south of the border would obviously be that there is currently a ban on foreign buyers in Canada. There are some areas outside larger centres where they are not restricted.

Another factor that could be affected by the change in government in the US is more interest rate cuts in Canada. The Trump administration policies are expected to stoke economic stimulus. One way to do this is to set aggressive rate cuts. Typically Canada follows that lead which would mean lower mortgage payments, and more people getting into the real estate market.

Contact Me For Real Estate in Comox Valley!

As always, if you’re looking for local advice on the real estate market and what’s happening in Comox Valley then get in touch with me today! I would love to help you with timely advice, buying or selling or your property here on Vancouver Island.