Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move
Remote work changed the way people think about where they live. With flexibility at an all-time high, many workers took the opportunity to move further from city centers, opting for suburban or rural living.
But now, as more companies require employees to return to the office, some workers are re-evaluating their housing situation. For many, this means deciding between a long commute or moving closer to their workplace.
During the height of remote work, employees had the freedom to relocate—often to areas with a lower cost of living, more space, or a better quality of life. But now, as return-to-office policies take hold, people are facing a new challenge: the daily commute.
According to Bright MLS, over half of remote workers would either need to move or endure a long commute if called back to the office full-time:
If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how sustainable your current situation is. Maybe you thought commuting a few times a week would be manageable, but now, five days in the office is a different story. The time, cost, and energy spent traveling might be more than you expected.
As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:
“During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out . . . But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”
If your current commute is becoming a deal-breaker, it may be time to explore your options. That could mean:
Whatever your situation, working with a real estate agent can help you navigate this transition smoothly.
If heading back into the office has you rethinking your living situation, let’s connect. Having a real estate expert by your side makes all the difference in figuring out your next steps.
Where do you see yourself living if your work routine changes?
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
How Attending Open Houses—and Working with Waymaker Realty Advisors—Gives California Buyers a Clear Advantage
How a Well-Executed Open House Can Spark Bidding Wars, Showcase Lifestyle, and Sell Faster in San Marcos
Understanding the Real Cost of Waiting to Move
Homebuying Tips
What’s the Difference Between a Buyer’s Market and a Seller’s Market?
Homebuying Tips
History reveals that a slowdown in the economy doesn't always spell trouble for housing — and may even bring opportunity.
Unlocking the Hidden Wealth in Your Home
Homebuying Tips
How Time in the Market Builds Wealth Faster Than Timing It
Real Estate Investing
Home Prices and Mortgage Rates Don’t Always Follow the Headlines
How To Sell Real Estate
Avoid Price Cuts and Attract Serious Buyers from Day One
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.