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From guest blogger Bonnie:

 

Moving Closer to Family Without Losing Yourself: Finding Connection, Space, and Growth

Relocating to be near family is one of those life moves that mixes excitement with a touch of apprehension. You picture Sunday dinners, spontaneous coffee runs, maybe even a little free childcare—but also the need for privacy, autonomy, and self-direction. Striking the right balance between closeness and independence isn’t about distance—it’s about design.

TL;DR

Moving near family is rewarding but works best when you:

• Pick the right neighborhood (comfortable proximity matters more than exact mileage).
• Set healthy boundaries early and clearly.
• Use the move for growth—career, education, and lifestyle.
• Invest in your independence while celebrating connection.

Finding Your Perfect Place

Choosing the right neighborhood is about more than price and commute. It’s about your emotional and physical ecosystem. Look for:

• A walkable area—use Walk Score to compare communities.
• A mix of parks, cafes, and coworking spaces—these help you maintain your own social rhythm.
• Good local schools or learning hubs—handy whether you have kids or want to study yourself.
• Safe, quiet streets balanced with nearby bustle (check NeighborhoodScout for local data).

FAQ: Common Questions About Moving Near Family

Q1: How close is “too close”?
There’s no universal rule—but being within 15–30 minutes allows spontaneity without intrusion.

Q2: What if I feel obligated to say yes to everything?
It’s okay to decline invitations. Consistency builds mutual respect faster than overcommitment.

Q3: How do I adjust socially after moving back?
Start with a community group, volunteer role, or hobby class. Check out Meetup or local library boards for low-pressure introductions.

Q4: Should I rent or buy first?
Renting offers flexibility to test the waters—use Realtor.com to explore short leases while deciding.

Setting Boundaries That Strengthen Relationships

Boundaries sound restrictive, but they actually protect relationships from friction. Here’s how to establish yours gracefully:

1. Define Your Privacy Zones.
Decide which spaces are yours—your home, your time, your calendar.

2. Communicate Early.
Set expectations for visits, childcare, or unplanned drop-ins.

3. Use “I” Statements.
Say, “I love spending time with you—let’s plan weekends instead of weekdays,” to prevent defensiveness.

4. Leave Room for Flexibility.
Life happens. Leave room to bend, not break.

Balancing Connection vs. Independence

Goal	Connection Action	Independence Action
Daily Routine	Share a morning walk with a family member	Schedule solo coffee shop work hours
Holidays	Rotate hosting duties	Spend one celebration just with your household
Support System	Offer help during family events	Keep one weekend per month for rest
Communication	Create a shared family group chat	Silence notifications after 9 p.m.

How-To Checklist — Making the Most of the Transition

1. Do a “values audit.” List what matters most—proximity, affordability, career options, autonomy.
2. Map your network. Who can help (family, friends, community groups)?
3. Set up dual goals: one personal (like fitness) and one professional (like skill-building).
4. Establish a mini-routine before you unpack fully—stability speeds adaptation.
5. Explore your surroundings using apps like Yelp for quick discoveries.
6. Plan visits, not surprises. Scheduling helps everyone stay grounded.
7. Find your “third space.” A local gym, park, or café can become your independence anchor.

Rebuilding Roots Through Learning and Career Growth

Returning home doesn’t mean standing still. Going back to school locally or online is a powerful way to expand your network and reinforce your independence. Education can also bridge personal and professional goals—helping you meet like-minded people, learn practical skills, and create new career pathways.

Pursuing a bachelors of business administration can equip you with tools in accounting, management, and communications while you’re building your new life. Online programs make it easier to juggle work, family, and studies, so you can progress at your own pace while staying connected at home.

Featured Product Spotlight — Creating Calm in Your Space

Adjusting to life near family can mean more guests, more noise, and more to organize. Consider using a smart home system like Google Nest Hub, which lets you set quiet hours, manage lighting, and create peaceful routines. It’s a subtle way to preserve calm and independence while staying accessible.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Join a local coworking hub such as WeWork.
• Volunteer at community gardens or local nonprofits.
• Use Calendly for family scheduling—it saves awkward “you never told me” moments.
• Order groceries online through Instacart to save time.
• Subscribe to local newsletters or Nextdoor for community updates.
• Explore small-business programs via SBA.gov.
• Try a weekend getaway every quarter to reset your independence rhythm.

Moving closer to family is less about geography and more about boundaries, communication, and self-awareness. You can be both present and independent—sharing life’s everyday moments while cultivating your own space to grow. The real success lies in creating a life that feels connected, balanced, and wholly your own.

In this  week’s blog, I take a I take a look at what is going on in real estate and specifically what is happening in Citrus County in our area …the Ridge area.

The National Association of Realtors reports that home prices are continuing to rise in the north, but are declining in the south. Interest rates have fallen, but again went back up a bit this week.  Some say that is not helping people who are selling or buying. And of course, many say it is because people are uncertain with the economy. 

At the end of article : I  include the whole article and I also include an article on home equity. How much is your home really worth? How much do you have invested in it?

I also include what’s currently on the market in Black Diamond, Citrus Hills gated and Pine Ridge: what has sold or pending in the last 180 days.

 

 

(15) BD closed pended:  https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013842F10255

(13) BD for sale:  https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013843z46638

 

(11) Citrus Hills Gated  for sale:   https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013844C20484

(8)  Citrus Hills Gated  sold pended:  https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013848×09739

  

(36) Pine Ridge sold in last 180 for $500,000 or more:

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013850E08785

(108)have pended or sold in last 180

(11)  Pine Ridge  for sale:   https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013851z61692

 

Full article on real estate: Home Prices Keep Rising- 10 Markets Seeing the Sharpest Increases-1

Full article on Equity:  Home Equity- What Homeowners Often Get Wrong | Florida Realtors-1

This week I include a few articles on pricing and staging your home for sale, and  doing a pre-listing home inspection…

Pre-listing home inspections: Real estate professionals are reporting a rise in home buyers getting cold feet before closing. A common culprit? A negative home inspection report. The number of canceled contracts has been ticking up in recent months. It’s currently at 6% nationwide, according to the latest REALTORS® Confidence Index.

link to full article:Agents Turn to Pre-Listing Inspections to Prevent Canceled Contracts

Pre-Sale Upgrades May Speed Up Home Sales

Strategic pre-sale improvements like fresh paint, updated landscaping or modernized bathrooms can significantly enhance a home’s appeal, speed up the sale and increase profit, yet are frequently overlooked. Most of the time it is because sellers can’t or don’t want to pay the upfront cost or their inexperienced agents are rushing the home onto the market, even though move-in ready homes often sell faster.

link to full article:Pre-Sale Upgrades May Speed Up Home Sales | Florida Realtors

National Association of Realtors article on pricing:

As a home seller, one of the most important questions to ask your agent is how to determine your home’s listing, or asking, price. Here is what sellers should know about home pricing:

What characteristics of my home will my agent evaluate? Agents will consider many factors when determining their recommended listing price, including, but not limited to, your home’s size, location, amenities, and property condition.

How does the market affect home pricing? In addition to the specific characteristics of your home, current market conditions can have a significant impact on your ultimate asking price. For example, in a market where high interest rates are discouraging prospective home buyers, your agent may recommend lowering the asking price to attract more buyers. Neighborhood developments and trending buyer preferences will also help your agent fine-tune their pricing strategy.

What are “comps”? Comparable sales, or comps, are similar properties that have recently sold in the same area and are used to create a comparative market analysis (CMA). A CMA is an estimate of a property’s value based on comps in the market area that have recently sold, are under contract, or are currently active. This research will help your agent determine your home’s suggested listing price.

What if I want to sell my home as quickly as possible? Your agent will factor your goals and timeline into their listing price recommendation. If you want to sell quickly you may price your home more competitively, while sellers who have more time may set a higher asking price.

Are there any actions I can take to increase my home value? In addition to evaluating the condition of your property, your agent will consider any upgrades or renovations that may increase its value, as well as any issues or repairs that may need to be addressed before listing. You can work with your agent as you prepare to sell your home to decide how best to maximize your home’s value through these potential actions. You may also consider offering certain concessions to help attract buyers, such as covering the cost of home repairs.

Can I ask multiple agents how they would price my home before deciding who to work with? Yes. While you may receive similar recommendations from different agents, an agent’s familiarity with your property’s market may affect their suggested listing price. You can meet with multiple agents before choosing your preferred agent and signing a listing agreement, which includes the established listing price for your home.

Do I have the final say on my asking price? Yes. Your agent will work with you to recommend a listing price that best meets your goals, but you have the final say. However, a key benefit of working with agents who are REALTORS® is leveraging their expertise and knowledge of useful tools, such as the REALTORS® Property Resource, to help inform these decisions.

Is it ever a good idea to accept an offer below my listing price? Your agent will help you evaluate offers. Sometimes the highest offer is not the best offer—cash offers, for example, can speed up the sale process. Contingencies, or the absence of, can also have an impact on the strength of an offer.

Why might my agent recommend lowering my listing price? While the decision to lower the asking price will depend on your specific goals, your agent may recommend considering a lower ask for a variety of reasons, including factors that are dependent on the current market conditions.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of Realtors

 

 

 Hope things are going well in your life… I read an article last week in one of the Florida Association of Realtors magazines,  and it got to me thinking about a blog about taking over and/or selling an inherited property.    We’ve been here for more than 25 years, of course have aged, but several years ago we did go ahead and “get our house in order so to speak.” So  if something happened to us, the person inheriting the house, (our son) would not have to go through probate. So this article gives you some ideas. You should always contact a lawyer. There’s several local ones in the area. I did speak with a local title company to ask for any other insights into what people should have in order so that when they go to sell their (inherited) house, there won’t be any delays due to having to go through probate.

 

Title Company, Her remarks:

A couple of things come to mind….if the Property is in a Trust, the Trustees die and then the Successor Trustee has control of the property and can sell without having a Probate. A Lady Bird Deed is a good one, as it allows the owner to have full control up to the date of passing and then the property goes to the Grantee listed on the Deed. Keep in mind, a Will does NOT convey property, it assists in a Probate but does not automatically convey. Also, its important to have a POA (Power of Attorney) in place in case the owner of record cannot make decisions on their own while they are alive….remember, the POA dies with the person. IF the POA dies, you cannot use the POA since it expires. Also, you cannot use a POA when the property is in a Trust. These are just a couple of things that come to mind throughout my years😊 And remember….I am not an attorney, this is just friendly advice 😊 Thanks!!

Selling an inherited house may face challenges from the probate

process, uncertainty about how much to list the home for or who

to sell to – having a plan helps.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Selling an inherited house may be

harder than you thought it was going to be because of the

probate process. Your family might be unsure about who to sell

to or how much you should sell for. Knowing about these issues

early can make the process easier.

According to New York Life, only 42% of Americans expecting to

receive an inheritance feel that they’re very financially

comfortable handling the wealth. It shows us that more than halfof the people who get properties from their loved ones are facing

a harsh reality.

Selling a house you inherited might be a good option for you, but

you’ll face real estate challenges. Let’s cover why these issues

come up and give you tips on what to do.

What is the best way to inherit a house from

you parents?

Even before you decide to sell a house you’ll inherit, you may be

thinking about how you should go about the process. Having a

clear plan is often the best way to avoid issues later. It’ll be

helpful if whoever you’re inheriting from has such a plan. Their

preparedness may help you find it easier to sell the house when

you’re ready. Legal obstacles become easier to overcome when

you have enough documentation.

Why selling an inherited house takes longer

If you’ve ever sold your own home, you probably didn’t wait long

to close, especially if you were in a hot real estate market. The

obstacles multiply when you try to sell an inherited house for

many reasons.

Probate court: Probate is the procedure of changing

ownership, and it’s supervised by the court. The home you

inherit will most likely go through the probate process, and you

have to wait until it’s over. You don’t fully own the property, so

you can’t sell it legally.You can expect the probate process to last for a few months or

sometimes over a year. It’s one of the major causes of real estate

delays affecting people trying to sell houses they inherited.

Multiple heirs: An inherited property, especially one from

parents or grandparents, is rarely passed to just one person. You

might be sharing ownership with some of your siblings or other

relatives.

It means that you can’t make any major decisions without asking

for their opinion and approval first. If one of the people you

share the inheritance with is hesitant or slow in giving their

feedback, the property sale will stall.

Property condition: Buyers looking for homes in our current

inherited property market mostly prefer places they can move

right into without spending their money or time fixing them.

You may need more time to sell a house if it requires some

updates or repairs. Companies like We Buy Ugly Houses and We

Buy Houses are an option if you don’t want to worry about fixing

up an inherited home or paying a commission to an agent.

They’ll buy for cash at a fair price and help you avoid getting

stuck in endless delays.

How much tax do you pay if you sell an

inherited house?

Taxes may end up being the most confusing thing you deal with

when selling an inherited house. You won’t pay income tax on

the inheritance itself, but you may owe capital gains tax.If your parents paid $100,000 for the house when they bought it,

but it was worth $250,000 when you inherited it, your taxable

gain will be the profit you make above $250,000.

It’s always good to talk to a tax expert before you list the house.

They’ll give you helpful home-selling tips so you can avoid

making mistakes that will cause you to get in trouble with the

IRS.

FAQs: How do I avoid capital gains on an

inherited property?

It’s possible to avoid or lower the capital gains you pay if you’re

strategic. Using the house as a primary residence for at least two

years is a wise move because it helps you qualify for a home sale

exclusion. Other options are:

If you wait too long to sell a house you inherited, its value may

increase. Being quick to act is a good way to lower the capital

gains tax you may pay later if you sell at a much higher price.

Is it better to keep or sell an inherited house?

Sometimes it’s better to sell a house you inherited, and in some

cases, you’ll be better off keeping it. You can keep the home if it

doesn’t have a mortgage.

It’s also a good option if you don’t want to lose it entirely, since

you can rent it out to make money. A house that needs a lot of

costly repairs may drain you, and you might find that selling is

less stressful.Always think about your long-term goals before deciding what to

do.

Can grieving affect selling an inherited house?

Yes. Selling the home where your parents or grandparents lived

can be tough because it’s not always easy to let go.

Your family members may be hesitant about making the decision

when mourning the loss of their loved one.

Make an inherited home sale easier

Selling an inherited house may not be easy because you have to

go through the probate process. Your family’s input also matters,

especially if they’re also heirs.

If you don’t want to waste time and spend more money paying

agents, it’s better to work with a cash buyer. They’ll help you

make more profits on your deal.

While you’ll face different challenges trying to sell an inherited

house, there’s a way to overcome each one. Visit our news page

for more insights on navigating the real estate market.

Copyright © 2025 WFLA, Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. This story

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