There comes a time when it’s no longer a question of whether you still love your home, but of whether you’re still able to maintain it without exhausting yourself financially, physically, or mentally. This can happen at different times in your life, depending on your health, family situation, or financial circumstances.
You may want to keep a house out of attachment or habit. However, certain situations demand that you face the facts: continuing to hold on to a property can be riskier than selling it.
When Maintenance Becomes a Burden
Maintaining a property requires time, energy, and a level of physical ability we sometimes take for granted. Roof inspections, yard care, snow removal, unexpected repairs—what was once routine can become burdensome, even discouraging, over the years.
And this challenge isn’t limited to older homeowners: health issues, injuries, chronic fatigue, or busy schedules can quickly make upkeep hard, regardless of age.
When maintenance work is constantly postponed, the house deteriorates. Not only does this pose a financial risk, but it also increases the difficulty of selling the property in the future by reducing its perceived value and forcing the owner to make concessions during negotiations.
When Costs Exceed Financial Resources
A comfortable house at age 45 or 50 can become a financial drain at age 65, especially as the owner nears retirement or their earnings change.
Events that cause financial stress can also occur earlier in life: job loss, separation, interest rate hikes, child-related costs, or reduced income can turn an “affordable” home into a source of constant anxiety.
Under these circumstances, many homeowners are forced to make tough decisions: deferring essential repairs, dipping into their savings, or going into debt to maintain a lifestyle that’s unsustainable in the long term. This shift is often gradual, making it difficult to notice… until you reach the breaking point.
When the Home Becomes a Hazard
Beyond the numbers lies another often-underestimated factor: safety. Steep stairs, difficult-to-access doors, bathrooms ill-suited to the occupant’s mobility level, insufficient lighting—as mobility declines, a home can become quite dangerous.
Remaining in an inappropriate environment increases the risk of falls, injuries, or isolation. In these situations, selling doesn’t mean you’re giving up but acting to preserve your independence and quality of life.
The Problem With Waiting Too Long
Many homeowners delay the decision to sell hoping for the perfect set of circumstances: a more favourable market, less work to do, more energy. Yet the “right time” almost never arrives. While you wait, the house ages, the market shifts, and your options narrow.
Holding on to a property beyond the point when you can realistically care for it may ultimately force a rushed sale due to health problems, urgent repairs, or a sudden drop in income. When under pressure, bargaining power diminishes and options become more limited.
Conversely, adopting a proactive approach to selling lets you decide the timing, prepare the property, and make an informed decision based on your actual needs rather than being constrained by immediate circumstances.
Don’t hesitate to call a RE/MAX real estate broker once you’ve made your decision: they can guide you through the next steps.