Well Lets All Load Up!
House Buying with kids in mind (and in tow) can introduce a
whole new dynamic to the house search quest. Home buyers are not only searching
for a comfortable place that meets their
own needs but often seek the perfect sized home, in a popular school area, with
lots of amenities. In addition, as a Mom
(as well as a realtor) I can attest to the spirited tactics of going on house
tours with children tagging along. However,
keeping a few simple tips in mind can not only help you find a home that
meets your family's needs as well as keep your sanity while on the hunt.
Tips to Consider For a Child Friendly Home Search
Finding a Home That
Grows. When searching for a home that will meet your family's space needs
you will want to consider your family's current size AND future growth. Also, look at other needs like a home office,
a playroom or a larger garage for toys and bikes. How important is yard space
for a swing set and outdoor play?
Safety. When
looking at homes with children, especially small children in mind, safety is a major
consideration. Walk through a home first and get an idea of the floor plan.
Look at details like ability to childproof, proximity of rooms to the master
bedroom, kitchen and baths. Homes with pools should be scrutinized carefully
for safety must-haves such as proper safety gates and fencing.
Another consideration is the home's proximity to busy streets;
many families want a home on a cul de sac. These can be hard to come by, so if
it is a must-have then you may want to add a little more time into your home
search.
Location is
Everything. While most families with children are quick to review local schools in their search
equation there are other parameters you may wish to consider. If you have a
child heavily involved in sports and you are a bench parent spending most of
your time at the soccer field, proximity to the sport's park can be a
necessity. You may also wish to look at physical needs such as shopping
centers, grocery stores and churches. What about family activities? Many local
families that are into the outdoors' activities are now seeking homes close to
areas like the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Atlanta Beltline or the Silver
Comet Trail System. Keep in mind homes in highly sought after areas may add
more time to your home search. Also, make sure you have your preapproval for your home loan
ahead of time, this can make the difference if you have to move quickly to bid
on that "perfect" home.
Searching with the Kids
Home searches can be stressful as is but add in children it
becomes an adventure and not always of the fun kind. When touring potential new homes it is best to
leave small children with a babysitter whenever possible. This allows for you
to focus on the houses you are reviewing rather than trying to keep up with a
child wishing to explore an unknown territory.
If touring a home with your children always keep in mind that it is
someone's personal residence.
Whenever possible plan home tours around nap schedules and
allow for extra time to tour potential new homes. Make your child part of your
online search by showing them the homes you will be touring ahead of time. In
addition, always make sure to communicate your plans with your realtor.
Ready to Go?
While searching for a home that meets your family's needs as
well as desires for future growth can be a challenge, it can also be a
joy-filled experience. If you are in the market for a new family home and need
a realtor who knows the great locations and is comfortable working with
families, contact me, Pam Santoro. Please
visit my site at http://www.pamsantoro.
com/ or call 678-656-6627.
Remember, no one sells a home like a
Mom!
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