Are you looking for a home your children will enjoy? You’re not alone.
Most everyone makes home-buying decisions based on their needs and wants. But buyers with children have some unique needs. For example, they are most likely looking for homes near quality schools with child-friendly amenities and enough elbow room to grow. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly half of all home buyers who have children consider the quality of the school district in which a home is located as being a priority in the home search process.
Having children impacts the home-buying process in other ways. For example, besides considering the size of the home, parents are also likely to think about the layout of the home. Is the master bedroom downstairs while the kids’ rooms are upstairs? If the children are older, this could be a positive point. However, for parents with very young children, the separation can be a concern.
Having kids also impacts the amount parents can spend on a home. Let’s be honest: kids are expensive. This means parents have to consider things like childcare costs and even the cost of formula and diapers in the budget.
When you are ready to buy, be sure to enlist the help of a real estate agent. Some tech-savvy buyers like to use the Internet and mobile apps to search for homes. But there is no substitute for having someone by your side who can help you navigate the home-buying process. Buying a home could be the biggest purchase you ever make; it helps to have an expert to offer advice. So even though you will most likely do some searching on the internet as you look at what homes are available and what neighborhoods you want to consider, a real estate agent will help make your search much easier.
You’ll also want to talk to your mortgage lender first. Find out how much home you can afford and what mortgage options are available. Having these questions answered before you start your search can help you focus on the things in a home that are most important to you and your family.
Searching for a home can be stressful. But don’t rush into purchasing a home if it isn’t the right fit for you. Remember that your real estate agent and mortgage lender are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
One final piece of advice: Whatever you do, don’t skip the home inspection!