Frann Bilus, Bob Ernst and I recently presented to a group of people looking to make the switch from suburban living to city living. The group primarily consisted of adventurous empty nesters looking to eagerly jump into the next phase of their life. Our goal was to help jump-start the process by giving them an overview of their options and advise them on what to look for when previewing city homes.
Frann Bilus from Otis and Ahearn spoke about the mindset needed when looking for living space in the city. Frann has extensive experience in the Boston real estate market and has worked with many people relocating to Boston. Her first words of advice? Approach the move as you would any major business decision. Research, planning and careful analysis will make your move a success.
Frann also suggests that you think outside the suburban box. Apartments and condominiums are not sprawling suburban homes so you can’t expect to have the same amenities. While walk in closets, en-suite baths and storage space are a given to many suburban dwellers those things can be rare in the city. Are you willing to make the trade offs that city living require?
When looking for a new home you first must do a needs assessment. What do you really need? What are you willing to give up? For example, you may be willing to live without the en-suite bath, but a building without an assigned parking space could be a deal breaker. What are your entertaining needs? How about the children – are they going to be heading back home for extended stays? Are the grand kids coming too? Is easy access to public transportation a must? The list goes on…
Frann’s final advice for those looking to move to the city is to look at your living space in a whole new way. Don’t look at the space in terms of distinct spheres, instead look at distinct uses. That’s where I came in and I’ll be posting more about that tomorrow.
Here are a few photos from one of Frann’s current listings - could you see yourself living there? I’m ready to decorate!
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