Tips for Buying a Home for Families with Children

There are extra things to consider when buying a home if you have children.  Below are some tips to help with the process.

• The features you are looking for in a home are different for families with children than those without.  It is important to remember that while your children may be small now if you plan to stay in the home a while they will grow and their needs will change accordingly.  You will need to consider what is important for your family.  Some ideas of what to consider are:
  • Do you need/want a spacious eat-in kitchen or will a smaller kitchen and a decent dining room be enough?
  • Children’s stuff takes up a lot of space.  How much closet, cabinet, and storage space will you need?
  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need?  Consider whether your family is done expanding or will continue to when deciding this.
  • It is always important to take the time and research the schools in the area(s) you are looking to purchase.  Remember, that even if your kids are elementary age or younger you should research the middle and high schools as well so that if you are still there when the time comes you have some information already.
    • There are lots of resources available to find out what the test scores for each school are, the curriculum, and how the school measures up to others in the area.  Check-out our community’s page for information on specific schools.
    • It may be a good idea to set-up a tour of the school and some time to speak to the school administrators so they can answer any questions you may have.
    • Talk to parents of students or students themselves to get an insider opinion.
    • It is always extra nice when children have other children their age to play with, in their own neighborhood.
      • Talk to would-be neighbors to find out if there are other children living in the neighborhood and their age range.
      • Drive through the neighborhood on a nice afternoon to get an idea if there are children out playing.
      • Take into consideration whether or not the neighborhood has sidewalks.  Sidewalks make it easier and safer for children and families to congregate outside together.
      • Take into account if the neighborhood has a swim or recreation center.  These can be great places for children and families to interact and have fun.

Remember that if you are a family with children the home you choose will be one your children will live in for many years to come.  You will want to put some extra thought into what will be the best home for your entire family.