House Hunting for Three (or Four or More)
Buying a new home is one of the most exhilarating, stressful, impactful, terrifying and amazing things you'll do in your life — kind of like having kids! Combine house-hunting with expanding your family, and you can multiply all those feelings by INFINITY. Finding the perfect home for a family has its own special challenges. Here are seven great tips for a smooth move.
Don't Bust the Budget
Mortgages are often approved for the absolute max buyers can afford, but don’t give in to the temptation of buying a house that's already at the top of your budget. When your family is growing, remember to consider future child-related expenses like braces, sports equipment, daycare or tuition.
Location Is Key
This is true of house-hunting at any stage of life, but priorities are different when you have kids. Top-notch school systems, neighborhoods that are safe and quiet with sidewalks for bike riding, nearby amenities like parks or community centers, and a great yard become primary concerns that you don't want to overlook.
Space Out
Sure, you'll get enough bedrooms for your kids (and future kids), but that doesn't mean you'll have enough space. Keep an eye out for common areas, a finished basement (great for areas you might need in the future like a teen hangout, parents' retreat or playroom), or a large lot that will enable you to add on later.
Get Floored
Do you want your master bedroom on the same level as the kids' rooms? Do you need a mudroom for boots and coats? Is there enough room for "helpers" in the kitchen? Will an open concept make it easier to supervise the kids, or just make it harder to childproof everything? Think ahead to how you'll live in the space, and find a floor plan that fits your needs.
Simplify Life With Storage
You might've already noticed, but kids have A LOT of stuff. Make sure your new home has the storage you need, where you need it. Look for things like a shed (for dirty outdoor games you won't want dragged through the house,) an area in the garage for bikes and plenty of closet space for all those toys.
No Guts, No Glory
It isn't as much fun to think about as redecorating or hosting your first dinner party, but the guts of a house are a crucial consideration. If you'll need to add outlets to accommodate your kids' electronics, fix pipes so the second bathroom is fully functional or move laundry hookups to a more accessible area, factor those costs into your budget.
Involve the Kids
As your family makes this big transition, be aware that moving can be tough for kids of any age. Let them say good-bye to the old house — and then get them excited about their new home by introducing them to kids in the new neighborhood or helping them pick paint for their new rooms.
