There are few things more beautiful than finding an ideal partner to share your life with. When it happens, everything starts to feel magical, and even the most mundane moments take on new meaning. Once you’re sure that this person is the right partner for you, chances are there has been a discussion of moving in together.

It’s a celebrated step in the relationship, but it does add some practical considerations. Moving tends to be a complicated process, and joining two independent adults with different lifestyles creates a whole new set of challenges. It may be even more complicated if you already own a home of your own.

When you navigate the transition successfully, it can add an even deeper level to your love. In this post, we’ll talk about some of the most common scenarios when combining households, especially when you own real estate and provide tips for a seamless transition to your new chapter.

Communication Is Everything

Part of a loving relationship is discussing the worst-case scenarios that could arise. As inconceivable as it may seem that you will face conflict later on, it is important to be prepared for anything – especially when it comes to assets.

We always recommend getting legal advice. On paper, it may not sound romantic, but what could be better than ensuring that you and your partner are set up for success and by protecting yourselves, to the extent possible against all future mishaps or potential areas of misunderstanding?

The time to discuss any “potential issues” or “what if” scenarios is before you move in, so you are both on the same page with your expectations. You can get back to the magic once all of the practicalities are taken care of. Understanding your differences and clear communication will be essential as you move forward with your plans.  

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Looking for more tips to sell your Ottawa home effectively? The resources below will help:

• Is It Smarter to Buy First or Sell First?
• Why Are Family Homes in Ottawa in High Demand?
• How to Sell Your Ottawa Home When You Have Kids or Pets

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Setting Clear Expectations

There are a certain amount of logistics that go into any move, particularly when combining the households of two independent adults. You will each want to know what you can and are willing to bring to the table, both during the transition and after the dust has settled.

Each of you will have expectations. However, it is critical that these are clear and also flexible. What works in the first year might need to change as your relationship grows and evolves.

Understanding Your Options

Moving in together seems like a simple concept at first glance, but it can entail several different avenues.

• You might decide to sell your existing home and move into your partner’s house.
• Alternatively, they could sell their home and move in with you.
• You could both sell your existing homes and search for a new place together.

Each of these situations will have advantages and disadvantages, and once again, crystal clear communication is the key to making your transition successful. When one partner moves into an existing home, it’s important to know how this will affect both of your routines. Making a home together can be a joyful experience, but there will be challenges along the way.

Some people have reported that they never quite felt fully “at home” after moving in with a partner. In this case, selling both of your existing homes and making a fresh start might be the best path forward.

Navigating The Real Estate Market 

There’s no question that real estate can be complex, especially in today’s fast-moving market. When combining homes, you are typically engaging  in more than one transaction, which means juggling several moving pieces all at once.

One of the first decisions that is absolutely critical to a successful transition is to find an experienced real estate agent who can help you navigate through it all. However, this does bring up another question: Should you use the same real estate agent or find a separate professional to represent each of you?

You and your partner are a team, of course. But you are also individuals with separate needs and preferences. There is no one right answer for every scenario.

Often, working with the same real estate agent simplifies the transition and management of listings and purchase. On the other hand, it can be reassuring to know that you have someone in your corner who has your own needs at heart. Once you have chosen an agent, take the time to discuss with them, the best strategy for your particular situation.

Preparing Your House For Sale

Whether you have one home to sell or you are both planning to sell, one thing remains common: The more prepared you are for the market, the more you stand to earn from your sale.

This means a thorough cleaning and decluttering and making minor repairs is in order. Decluttering before moving in with your partner takes the challenge to a whole new level. You’ll need to know what your partner plans to bring to the new home before deciding what to keep and what to discard. Transparent and clear communication is the key at this stage!

You won’t need two toasters, two sets of living room furniture, or two primary bedroom sets. Some things will have to go, and deciding who keeps what and what goes where will likely involve a few heated discussions.

In the end, focus will need to be on getting the right buyer for your existing home and ensuring the sale transaction meets all of your needs as well as theirs. By removing all unnecessary items and personal memorabilia, you help your buyer envision a life of their own inside your house and help negotiate a closing that works for all of you.

Decluttering and potentially staging your home may result in a faster sale with fewer headaches and potentially help you fetch a higher price. Your real estate agent will be there to help you decide how far your home preparation should go, as well as connect you with any experts or tradespeople you need to get the job done.

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When you’re ready to buy your new home, you’ll find plenty of great tips in the posts below:

• Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Ottawa Real Estate?
• Should You Buy a Semi-Detached Home in Ottawa?
• 6 Advantages of Buying a Home with an Ottawa Real Estate Agent

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Creating Your Vision Together

With the sale of your existing properties behind you or well underway, you can move on to the best part of your transition. It’s time to execute on your new vision for a a life together in your new dream home!

This starts by sitting down and deciding everything that the house must have, a few features that you would like to have, and what you would prefer to avoid if at all possible. In the beginning stages, write everything down.

As you begin to create your budget and tour the available homes on the market, you may find that you need to be a little more flexible. That said, remember that nearly everything about your home can be changed given enough time and as you build equity and your real estate agent should be a trusted advisor through each step of the process.

Making Your New House A Home

Once your closing date arrives, you can look forward to decorating and designing the house to your mutual expectations. Find fun and enjoyment in deciding on your combined style , what new furniture to get, and what colour to paint each room or not! Getting the keys to your brand-new home is just the beginning of a new life chapter, full of promise and knowing the decisions made were just right for you!

Do you want more guidance when buying or selling your home? Our friendly and knowledgeable Ottawa real estate agents are happy to help, whether you’re in the beginning stages or can’t wait till moving day. Reach out to mail@chellteam.com or call 613.829.7484 to talk about the next steps.