As you search for your next house, there are obviously a lot of factors to consider, myriad amenities to look for, and probably a few compromises to be made.
The house hunting process can be complex, and it’s especially so for parents. That’s because parents have to find a place that’s right for them but also great for their kids, and that will afford them the space they need as those kids get bigger (or as more are added to the clan).
As such, there are some unique suggestions we’d offer to parents as they head out house hunting. Let’s take a look at some of those suggestions now.
House Hunting Tips for Parents
First, a quick note: In addition to house buying tips, we also have plenty of house selling tips! Learn more about selling your house when you claim your free SOLD.com report.
And now, our tips for parents.
The surrounding area
You know what they say about real estate: Location, location, location! Well, for parents, location is certainly a big factor, and you’ll want to spend some time surveying not just the property itself, but also the community that surrounds it. Some specific points to consider:
- Are you looking to be in a specific school district? If so, that’s obviously one of the first things to consider in your search.
- Have you dreamed of being able to walk to the park with your little ones, or to head to the store for a loaf of bread without having to load everyone in the minivan? Consider the proximity of these amenities.
- Of course, the safety of the neighborhood is another important factor. Your real estate agent can fill you in about local crime and safety stats.
Bedroom placement
Yes, you need to make sure you find a house with a sufficient number of bedrooms. But in addition to that, parents should also seek a home that has the correct bedroom placement.
- Do you have young kids whose rooms you’d like to be close to your own? Or at least on the same floor as your own?
- Do you have teenagers who need a little more privacy, and who might be better off if their room was on the other side of the house from their parents?
Neighbors
This isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s important to stress how critical it is for parents to know if there are any registered sex offenders living in the neighborhood. This information is very easy to obtain with just a quick Google search, and it’s worth taking the time to do so.
Heating Units
Does the home you’re looking at have a fireplace? How about a radiator? Both of these amenities can make the place feel warm and cozy, but they can also be safety hazards, especially when your children are quite little.
That doesn’t make them deal-breakers but do be sure you think about ways you can make these heating units clearly off-limits to your kids.
Visibility
Here’s one final consideration for parents as they house hunt. You’ll probably have days where you just want to send your little ones out to the yard to play… but of course, you’ll also want to make sure you can keep an eye on them.
How’s the visibility from inside your home? Can you easily see the full backyard area from your kitchen window, or from your family room? If the visibility is impaired somehow, that could be a real, practical problem down the road. It’s certainly something to be aware of.
How to Buy, and How to Get Your Home Sold
These are all important factors to keep in mind as you think about buying your next home.
And if you have a place that you need to get sold, we’d invite you again to request your FREE seller’s report from SOLD.com. It’s available at your convenience, and it will provide you with a customized recommendation for selling your home and meeting all your real estate goals.
If you’re ready to receive some individualized home selling tips from the SOLD.com team, we invite you to reach out to us now and claim your report.
