I don’t typically share personal details online, but I’ll make an exception here because I value the perspectives of those who regularly participate in this forum. I say "perspectives" rather than "advice" to emphasize that I’m fully accountable for my own choices. If I act on someone’s opinion and things don’t work out, I’d never point fingers. Does that make sense?
With that in mind, here’s my situation.
I’ve reached a stage where I want to downsize dramatically, to the point of owning almost nothing material. I’m unmarried, have no dependents, and no one relies on me for support. My home and possessions feel like a burden, anchoring me and keeping me from pursuing what I truly want. The house is paid off, but I’ve deliberately let it slide a bit since material things don’t mean much to me. I’ve had no interest in chasing the latest design trends—you won’t find granite countertops or cutting-edge appliances here. That said, I did upgrade the HVAC to a more efficient model with better heating and cooling ratings because that just made practical sense.
Until recently, I figured that if I were to remodel, I’d do it right before selling. My reasoning was that updating everything now, only to sell a decade later, would leave it outdated again by then. It seemed smarter to refresh the place—new floors, paint, appliances—just before putting it on the market.
So, I see two paths forward:
1. Remodel to boost the market value, being careful not to over-improve beyond what’s typical for the neighborhood.
2. Sell it "as is" at a discount.
I’m leaning toward option two for a few reasons. First, it lets the buyer customize it to their taste—floors, paint, appliances—which might differ completely from what I’d pick. If they’re financing, a lower purchase price means smaller mortgage payments, potentially saving them a lot over the loan term. A buyer eager to buy low and fix it up themselves as they go could build equity faster than if they bought a pricier, already-renovated home with those costs baked into the price.
Second, home improvements rarely pay off fully in terms of market value. On average, things like kitchen or bathroom remodels, or adding a deck, only return about 50% of the investment. Some upgrades, like pools, can even lower the value and spike insurance costs. Improvements are more about making a home sell faster than driving up the price—great for a sluggish market, but that’s not the case where I live.
Another possibility is fixing it up and renting it out. But my goal is to leave the U.S. and live abroad, renting myself so I’m never tied down. I’ll need funds from this property—whether from selling or renting—to avoid ending up destitute. Managing a rental from afar, possibly while I’m off living in a bamboo hut in some jungle, doesn’t appeal to me. I handle basic maintenance like unclogging drains or minor repairs myself. Paying someone else to do that could eat up any rental profit. And then there’s the nightmare of dealing with a squatter—someone who stops paying rent, causes damage, and forces me to navigate eviction from halfway across the globe. That’s a headache I’d rather avoid.
I suppose it’s clear which way I’m leaning, but I’m curious if there’s anything I might be overlooking. Thoughts?
Relocating to Mars, or some remote jungle in SE Asia
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