In today’s market finding a new home can be tough. Here are a Few Tips for Finding a New Home for Your Growing Family

 

A Few Tips for Finding a New Home for Your Growing Family

When you start a family, a one-bedroom condo might be a perfect place to live. However, as your family begins to grow, you will realize that you need more space. It then becomes vital to look for a new home, but the process of choosing a perfect environment for your little ones can be challenging.

There are many factors to consider if you are planning to purchase a property. Keep on reading to learn a few tips for finding a new home for your growing family.

Location of the Home

Firstly, and of paramount importance, is choosing the best location or appropriate places around the city. When you narrow down your options, this will save you time so that you do not become overwhelmed by the plethora of choices.

You should consider potential locations according to your lifestyle and your family’s needs. For instance, if you belong to a specific religion, you might need to look for a place that is home to people with similar beliefs. It’s advisable that you make a list of the other priorities in your life that will influence your choice of a suitable neighborhood and which truly resonate with your needs. However, you still need to employ some degree of flexibility since holding too rigid an approach will severely limit your options. 

Once you become a family person, you should look for a safe neighborhood with the requisite amenities. You need to remember that realtors are prohibited from disclosing certain information such as neighborhood demographics, or crime rate. Therefore, you should do your homework first to ensure that you’re getting the best place for your family.

You also need to check into the options available for recreational activities in the area. For instance, check for facilities like pools, parks, gyms, and museums. A family-friendly community will be an ideal space for the young ones to grow up in.

Set Realistic Budget

Before buying a home, you must set a realistic budget based on your income and your family’s everyday spending. You should know just how much you can afford since this will help you set a realistic plan for the years ahead. You also need to evaluate your and your family’s possible future needs when setting a price range. Experienced realtors at eXp Realty explain that you should sign up for the latest updates and listings of properties if you are looking for a home to buy. Look for a reliable real-estate website to check the latest information about property listings in whichever area is suitable for your family’s needs.

Different factors determine the prices of properties, so you should enlist the services of an experienced real estate agent to make an informed decision. For example, factors like size, location, or type of home play a role in determining the total amount you will pay. It is recommended that you consider the “28/36 rule” often used by lenders to approve mortgages for clients. By this rule, the total expenses for your new home should be less than 28% of your total gross monthly income. Additionally, all debt payments should be less than 36 % of your income.

When buying a home for the first time, make sure you look for financing from a reliable lender with favorable interest rates. You should also raise enough money for a down payment and ensure you properly calculate all your mortgage payments, to ensure you get something you can afford. Buying a new home comes with other responsibilities like maintenance, insurance costs, and miscellaneous expenses. Therefore, you need to take note of these financial realities that might affect your ability to acquire your dream home.

Availability of Schools

When looking for a home for your growing family, you must check the availability and quality of school districts in different places. If you want your kids to attend public schools, make sure you visit the schools’ district website to check the ratings of the local institutions. You may also consider the school’s years of existence.

You can also consider the option of private schooling. In certain cities, homeschooling is allowed and regulated at the state level. If you are interested in this kind of schooling for your kids, try to check if homeschool groups are available in the place where you wish to buy your home. Try to connect with different groups and learn about the services they offer such as arts opportunities, sports, classes, and other extracurricular activities.

You may also need to investigate the number of kids living in a specific neighborhood. Some residential areas are specifically meant for the elderly, while others are for single, young working people. If the environment is not child-friendly, try to find another one that is, so your kids can enjoy a great experience.

Size of the Home

If you are looking for a family home to buy, you must consider its size. As children grow, they will need space to play and express themselves. However, this does not necessarily mean you should look for the biggest home. A house with a spacious family area like a garden or living room may be enough for your kids. You also need to consider the number of bedrooms since babies will require a separate room, so they do not disturb others. Should you decide to buy a big house, understand that it comes with more bills and higher maintenance costs.

To avoid unnecessary expenses, you should create a list of needs and wants for your family, and this will help you choose a perfect home. If you are expecting a first child, one-bedroom will be enough. As your family grows, you might consider a house with two or three bedrooms, depending on your budget. A house with a guest bedroom can also be ideal for your family, especially if you’ll be hosting many visitors. You might also need a home office where you can do your work without any disturbance from the kids. While working at home can be convenient, it has its fair share of challenges when you have kids.

A house with a basement or appropriate parking is ideal for a family. You can use your basement for the storage of different items. A garage is another essential component you can consider when looking for a family home. Expansive yard space is convenient for the kids. They can play inside the yard which is good for their safety. Ensure the yard is fenced and has a lockable gate to prevent children and pets from going outside. You can also use the garden as a spot for relaxing with your family and guests. 

Child-Friendly Features

Another important thing you should consider when buying a home is child-friendliness. It is a good idea to list the features you want that will ensure the safety of your children. Storage is also quite important since kids often have lots of stuff, especially when they are still toddlers. Proper storage can help you maintain a clutter-free space. You must check if the house has closets for clothing and toys. When the kids age, you can use your garage to store items like sports equipment and bicycles. Make sure you keep your garage organized and get rid of unused and unwanted items.

When you buy a home, you must check for all potential hazards like stairs, and bathtubs so you can baby-proof them. While open stairs are beautiful, they are not safe for toddlers. If possible, try to look for a house with an open floor plan which allows you to prepare while the kids play in the family room. A kitchen that overlooks the living room is ideal since it promotes bonding among family members. Kids love bathtubs, so you should look for a big one.

Additionally, there’s quite a bit of laundry to be done when you have kids in your home. Make sure the washer is located in the right place, so it does not disturb sleeping children. Safety is another important aspect you should prioritize. If your new home has a swimming pool, make sure it is secured by a fence. Outdated electrical systems can also be dangerous, so you should try to have them fixed to prevent hazards. Ensure your new home is inspected by a professional before moving in.

Know the Neighborhood

You will discover most aspects of any neighborhood if you move around it and visit more than one location. When you find a potential home to buy, you should first check if the community has family-friendly amenities like recreation centers. Realtors are not allowed to share information such as crime demographics, so you must do your research for the good of your family.

You also need to check other things like the transportation network and the availability and proximity of excellent shopping malls. It will be a good idea to look for a place that is within walking distance of shopping malls and public transportation hubs like train stations. This will save you the hassle of driving to and from work. Many people enjoy walking distances when going out shopping or doing other recreational activities.

When you become a family person, you should anticipate upgrading your home at some point. Make sure you do proper planning to ensure the house you get for your family is ideal. These tips can go a long way in helping you make an informed decision when looking for a new home.