Most people become attached to their home because they enjoy the neighborhood they live in; or perhaps because they’ve built life-long lasting friendships with their neighbors. But what happens if you’ve outgrown the size of your house?

The answer really depends on your financial situation. One option is to build an addition to your house, but that of course depends on whether you have the money and the space.

However, if you must relocate because of your job or career, take a look at the numbers and decide whether it’s in your best interest to keep or sell your property. Analyze the situation placing all emotions aside. Consider your immediate and long-term goals. Find out if you’ll be taxed for capital gains upon selling. Figure out how much money you’d have to invest into repairs to make the house marketable.

Furthermore, it’s important you calculate your moving expenses including airfare/time on the road and truck rental among many. The total figure should factor into your decision of whether you should sell or not. After all, you don’t want to spend more money than you stand to gain.

Research your possibilities of qualifying for a mortgage should you decide to purchase a new home. Importantly, it’s best you stay positive yet realistic about the current economic environment. This way you’ll know whether it’s the right time to sell your house. If the outlook is less than desirable, renting out the house might be another solution.

In that case you have to decide on the time-frame of the rental. Will you offer it for a few months or for a year? Will you rent it out on your own or will you retain the services of a real estate professional? If time is of the essence and you lack the expertise, the latter might prove to be a better choice. The agency will not only take care of all the paperwork. They will screen the perspective tenants for you.

Consider all the possibilities before placing the "For Sale" sign out front. Selling might not be the right move for you. So don’t let the prospect of relocating push you into making the wrong decision.