Tips on buying a home when you have children

Buying a home with children can be a challenging experience, but with the right approach and preparation, it can also be a rewarding and exciting process. Here are some tips to help you navigate the home-buying journey with your children:

1. Start with a budget: Before you start looking for a home, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how much you can afford to spend. Consider all the costs associated with owning a home, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses. Keep in mind that your budget may be impacted by your children’s needs, such as the need for a larger home or a backyard.

2. Think about your family’s needs: When choosing a home, consider your family’s unique needs. Do you need multiple bedrooms and bathrooms? A backyard or outdoor space? A home in a good school district? Access to parks and recreational activities? Make a list of your must-haves and use it as a guide when searching for a home.

3. Research the neighborhood: When buying a home with children, the neighborhood can be just as important as the home itself. Look for a neighborhood that is safe, has good schools, and offers amenities that your family will enjoy. Research crime rates, school ratings, and local community centers, parks, and playgrounds.

4. Involve your children: Depending on their ages, involving your children in the home-buying process can help them feel more invested in the move. Show them pictures of potential homes, take them on neighborhood tours, and encourage them to give their opinions on what they like and don’t like about different homes.

5. Consider home safety: When buying a home with children, safety should be a top priority. Look for a home with child-proof features such as electrical outlet covers, stair gates, and secure windows and doors. Make sure any potential hazards, such as pools or hot tubs, are properly secured or fenced off.

6. Hire a real estate agent: Working with a real estate agent who has experience working with families can be a huge asset when buying a home with children. They can help you find homes that meet your family’s needs, provide guidance on school districts and family-friendly neighborhoods, and offer advice on the home-buying process. We have helped many new families find their perfect home. We have even talked them out of a home we felt would not be safe for their children. In fact we still get great referrals from one young Mother who still feels we saved her unborn child life because we talked her out of a house with a long drop off of a deck. She realized after she bought her dream home how lucky she was we talked her out of the previous home she liked because of that deck.

7. Plan for the move: Moving can be stressful for children, so it’s important to plan ahead to make the transition as smooth as possible. Involve your children in the packing and moving process, and consider hiring professional movers to help reduce stress on moving day.

Buying a home with children can be a complex process, but with the right approach, and a great Real Estate Agent it can also be a wonderful experience for the whole family. By following these tips, you can find a home that meets your family’s unique needs and creates a happy and safe environment for your children to grow and thrive. 

Give us a call, we love to help new families buy a home in a great neighborhood and great school district.