Last month, I sold our home of 20 years in Lexington and we have bought and moved into a condo, right in Downtown Boston. (Note: My KW office remains in Lexington/Concord)

I often get asked, as a Realtor, and by my friends, “How does it feels to leave the comfort of a spacious home in a leafy suburb - where the kids grew up  - and live in more limited space in the hustle, bustle, noise and chaos of the city?”

From my personal experience, it does take a mental shift and a change of routine. Constant comparisons don’t work well - as each place is so very different.  It may not be for everyone, but overall city life can be very enjoyable and surprisingly comfortable – for empty nesters.

Changing longstanding habits can come as a bit of a shock to the system. For example, not jumping into the car for every errand or grocery item is good for me, but not hearing the birds chirp while drinking my morning cup of Joe and not seeing the foliage change from the kitchen window, etc., seems a little harder.

Embracing the changes has been invigorating.  I am convinced that finding ‘my new normal’ is a journey in itself!  

Moving into the city has helped with -
 
•    A sense of liberation - the move helped us get rid of many years of accumulation (… and by that I don’t mean our lovely children ).
•    Being able to walk to groceries, theater, concerts, shopping, coffee shops galore, and restaurants is great.
•    Additional regular exercise (all that walking)  - without having to make the time for it.
•    City vistas – if you are lucky enough to get them from your condo – with a lot of charm. Sunrise over the city and sparkling nights,
•    Regular visits from the kids … as they have so much more to do in Boston!
•    Something interesting always on  - movies, plays, shows, games and endless people watching opportunities, is all here.
•    No more snow plowing, landscaping and endless chores around the house.
•    A new more diverse community. Plus neighbors of all generations – younger and older – partaking of city life.

If you or someone you know is thinking about a move to the city or just downsizing – give me a call. I would love to help with the process and finding the perfect next home!

As the crispness of fall begins, and we settle into our routines in Greater Boston – it is a good time to review current opportunities in real estate.

1.    If you are thinking of buying, or have been putting offers down and feeling priced out of the market, the fall market may be a calmer time to start - or restart - after the madness. There are many gems to explore, now that the rush to find before school reopens is done.

2.    If you are selling, I don’t need to tell you that this is a great time to list. Buyers are still aplenty and the cost of borrowing is so low – that many are seizing the opportunity to upsize, enhance or buy their first homes.

3.    For similar reasons, investing in the right condo or house in one of our hot rental neighborhoods - while the cost of borrowing is low - can pay good rental income and increase your base investment.

Meet Lotika: http://www.lotikarealty.com/meet-lotika/

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