When a Dream Home Turns Into a Danger Zone: What to Consider When Looking for Your Next Property
As we all know, a home is more than just a place to live – it’s where we build memories, create stability, and often where we envision our future. But what happens when your dream home, the one you thought would be your forever place, becomes impractical or even dangerous to live in? This is a tough scenario many people face, and it’s a valuable reminder for us all to keep certain factors in mind when looking for a home.
Let’s take a look at a real-life example involving actor and radio personality Danny Bonaduce. Bonaduce shared that his Seattle home – which he purchased in 2015 for $1.04 million – has become “too dangerous” for him to live in due to a neurological condition. His home, which spans over 2,100 square feet and boasts three bedrooms and three bathrooms, had sat on the market for $1.5 million. Despite initially listing it for $1.6 million, Bonaduce had to make the difficult decision to sell the property due to the challenges his condition, hydrocephalus (a build-up of fluid in the brain), presented.
While he had once thought of the home as his forever place, the illness made it difficult for him to navigate his own space, especially with its many stairs and rooms. As a result, he and his wife moved into a more accessible condo downtown.
So, what does this teach us about choosing the right home?
1. Accessibility Matters
The story of Danny Bonaduce highlights the importance of thinking about accessibility, especially as our circumstances change over time. It’s easy to overlook things like stairs, narrow hallways, and multi-level layouts when you’re focused on aesthetics or price. But for individuals with mobility challenges – whether due to aging, health conditions, or other factors – these features can make a home difficult, or even dangerous, to live in. When searching for a home, consider:
- How easy it is to move around in each room.
- If there are stairs or other barriers that could become an issue later on.
- Whether the layout can easily accommodate your needs, now and in the future.
2. Think Long-Term About Your Needs
The home you purchase today might not be the best fit for you down the road, especially if you plan to stay in it for many years. For example, a home with multiple levels or lots of stairs might be perfect when you’re younger but could become a major challenge as you get older. Think about whether your current home will still meet your needs in 5, 10, or 20 years. Features like:
- Single-level living
- Wider doorways
- Accessible bathrooms and kitchens
- Outdoor spaces with safe, low-maintenance landscaping
- All these elements are worth considering when searching for your new home.
3. Budgeting for the Future
Danny Bonaduce’s story also brings up the issue of unexpected financial decisions. Selling a home due to unforeseen circumstances can be financially and emotionally taxing. If a health issue or life event forces you to sell your home earlier than expected, it can create additional stress. To avoid being blindsided by such a situation, always budget for the unexpected. Factor in:
- Potential home renovations or adaptations for future needs.
- A financial cushion to accommodate unforeseen costs related to selling or buying a new property.
- The flexibility to move if your circumstances change.
4. The Importance of Professional Guidance
One of the key lessons here is the value of having professional support in real estate. When you’re going through a major life change or health scare, the last thing you want is to handle a home sale on your own. A trusted agent can help you navigate the challenges of finding the right home for your current and future needs, ensuring you’re set up for success long-term.
This is why we like to think of this as “Exit Strategy” – much like investing. If there’s a lifestyle change, how quickly can you exit, and what is your “Plan B”? The ability to pivot quickly is key, whether it’s due to health, career shifts, or any other reason. When purchasing a home, consider:
- How easy will it be to sell if your circumstances change?
- Is there a resale market that supports a quick exit?
- Can the home be easily adapted for different living situations?
- Planning ahead for the unexpected can provide peace of mind when life takes an unexpected turn.
As a real estate professional with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to consider not only what a home offers today but what it will provide for you in the future. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, I encourage you to reach out. We’ll work together to find a space that meets your needs, no matter where life takes you. Connect with me today
Shannon Murree
Real Estate With Impact
Helping you find the perfect home for today and tomorrow.
George and Melanie Beasley of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty held the listing. Bonaduce became famous as a child actor of the 1970s on the TV sitcom “The Partridge Family.” In addition to his well-known role as Danny Partridge, Bonaduce has appeared in a number of TV shows, including “Monk,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”He had hosted a morning talk/music show at Seattle radio station KZOK-FM since late 2011. Bonaduce was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a neurological disorder in which fluid collects around the brain, and underwent brain surgery
