In a previous blog I discussed rightsizing and a process for evaluating your overall well-being to determine your preferable future. Once you have decided what you want your future to be, the question becomes do you age in place or find a new home to help you achieve those goals? Consider these five factors to help you decide.

If you are in the market for a new home, chances are you are busily gathering documents for your mortgage loan application. Your lender will calculate your down payment and monthly payments based on the financial information you provide, from credit history to current employment. You may wonder what is included in the mortgage payment. Mortgage payments include principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI).

If you are planning to move within the next year, you should start thinking about your mortgage loan or other financing options now. Based on the projected down payment you have available and the monthly mortgage payments your income can sustain, you will decide what amount of home you can afford and are comfortable buying. Before beginning to house-hunt, you should examine your credit history and gather the documents required by your lender.

Are you on the hunt for a new home? In the mix of things to consider when touring different properties is a home’s resale value. If you buy a home that is appealing to other homebuyers, it should be fairly easy to sell if and when that time comes.

When it comes to a residential move, it is always advisable to select a reputable moving company and get a detailed quote before the move. Although our clients may diligently do both, a move can sometimes exceed the cost detailed in the estimate.

When selling your home, there is a myriad of paperwork to fill out before the home even goes on the market. In addition to a listing agreement with your real estate agent, most states mandate that sellers complete various disclosure forms (required forms vary by state), which provide potential buyers information about the home, such as homeowner association fees, cost of monthly utilities, any property easements, and condition of the home.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 92% of homebuyers begin their home search online. Online photos provide potential buyers with an idea of the size, layout, and condition of a house without them having to set foot inside. Professional and attractive photos increase the likelihood that a potential buyer will decide to schedule an appointment to tour a home in person.

In addition to helping clients buy and sell homes across the Washington, DC metro area and hosting a weekly radio show on WMAL, Eric Stewart recently founded Widow Care, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. The mission of Widow Care is to provide desperately needed support services to widows and widowers dealing with the loss of a spouse so they can become empowered to carry on with their lives.

As we get older, downsizing to a smaller residence is typically inevitable. However, downsizing can be particularly intimidating for seniors who may find it overwhelming to think about letting go of cherished memories and items they’ve accumulated over a lifetime.

With the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta occurring on June 15, 2015, Eric Stewart, host of The Eric Stewart Show airing every Sunday from 7am – 8am on WMAL AM 630/105.9 FM, will be dedicating his upcoming radio show on Sunday, June 14 to the impact of the Magna Carta and its influence on democratic governments around the world, and most importantly to its impact on the development of the U.S. Constitution and the rights of U.S. citizens.