Life Is Short, So Don’t Wait For Retirement to Enjoy the Lake

By Cindy O’Gorman
Guest Contributor

Cindy O’Gorman of Ebby Halliday shares reasons why downsizing to resort-living places like White Bluff Resort at Lake Whitney could be a perfect fit. 

It’s time to trade unused square footage for quality of life. The real estate market is primed for prudent investors who realize sometimes less truly is more. Americans are house rich, but not many have liquidated their investment yet, even though it’s the ideal time to sell high in favorite popular neighborhoods and buy low in exciting new up-and-coming geographic areas.

Currently, we’re seeing a major shift in demographics, where more empty nesters are seeking relief from the financial and emotional burden of maintaining their large family homes. Upkeep and maintenance for sizeable city properties can quickly become costly while siphoning time away from enjoying a rewarding quality of life. If you find yourself in a home with more unoccupied rooms than residents, it’s time to consider selling your largest asset. Consider downsizing your family home to a less costly and more gratifying property.

The housing market in Dallas-Fort Worth is characterized by dropping supply and increasing demand for housing, with inventories of home sales approaching an all-time low. But even with ideal market conditions, few homeowners are listing their homes for sale. Factors including rate lock and trade war negotiations decrease consumer confidence, which makes homeowners less likely to make any major lifestyle changes. But instead of staying stagnate, it’s time to make a smart move.

Embrace a winning strategy. Sell your largest asset at current record-high values to maximize return on investment and free up cash flow by moving to another close by geographic area where the cost of living, property taxes and home prices are more affordable. According to Zillow’s Dallas Home Prices & Values report, “Dallas home values have gone up 8.1 percent over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 4.5 percent within the next year.” The market is primed for prudent investors to sell high and buy low in up-and-coming regions.

A higher quality of life doesn’t need to come with a higher home price tag if you know where to buy. A favorite hidden gem of ours at The O’Gorman Group is White Bluff Resort, a beautiful community on Lake Whitney that’s only 90 minutes away from Dallas-Fort Worth. Remote and flexible work hours make it possible for professionals to live farther away from the office without sacrificing leisure.

With two top-tier golf courses, fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, biking, guest lodging, and restaurants, White Bluff Resort at Lake Whitney offers a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle, perfectly suited for vacation homes or everyday living. Exchange fast-paced city verve for laid-back living in a beautiful, natural setting. Life is short, so don’t wait for retirement to enjoy the lake.

Affordable prices in an area that’s still being developed make owning your dream property possible now. Luxury does not necessarily translate directly to having more space. Right-size your investment in your home and use the equity to invest in living a healthier and happier life.