Leaving a larger house behind will lead to a simpler life both physically and financially. Whether it's because of retirement, an empty nest, an income reduction or other major life change, buying a home that better fits your lifestyle and your budget is a smart move.

• Housing prices and interest rates are at their lowest levels in years, making buying a home more affordable than ever.
• New home prices have dropped. Although you may sell your house for less than anticipated, this is a good time to get the best value in a new home that better fits your needs.
• If you can't maintain it properly, staying in your current home will cause it to lose value quickly.
• It's unrealistic to expect to get a complete return on your investment of money spent repairing your home. Repairs may not significantly increase the value of your house—they may only prevent it from losing value.
• If you're having difficulty keeping up with yard maintenance, moving to a home where exterior maintenance is provided simply makes sense.
• If your mortgage payment no longer fits your budget, it is a smart move to downsize before the situation worsens.

A home can be a source of great comfort and enjoyment, but if it doesn't fit your needs, it can turn into a burden. While making a transition is never easy, you may find that leading a simpler life will pay dividends in reduced stress over the long term.