As your family grows, so do your needs for space and functionality in your home. That cozy little one-bedroom apartment or starter home might have been perfect when it was just the two of you, but now, with kids in the picture, you’re quickly outgrowing your current living situation.
Having a baby (or two or three!) requires room for nurseries, playrooms, bigger kitchens, and family rooms. As the little ones get older, you’ll need space for toy storage, study areas, and maybe even separate bedrooms as those sibling squabbles intensify! Not to mention, you may want a yard for the kids to run around and get their energy out.
So, if you’re starting to feel claustrophobic in your current home and looking for a comfortable space to accommodate your expanding family, here are a few important strategies for finding the perfect family home that ticks all the boxes.
Hire a Good Real Estate Agent
Working with a skilled real estate agent should be at the top of your to-do list when beginning your home search. A good agent will be an invaluable resource and partner throughout this exciting yet stressful journey.
The right realtor will take the time to understand your family’s unique wants and needs and then leverage their in-depth knowledge of the market and neighborhoods to curate a tailored list of options that could be a great fit.
They’ll give you priority on new listings, schedule viewings, provide pricing guidance, refer you to other professionals in the process, and act as an experienced advisor and negotiator when you find the right home.
However, don’t just go with the first agent you meet or someone your friend or family member referred to you. Interview a few different ones, check their reviews, achievements (like real estate awards, trophies, expertise in niche markets, and industry recognition), and references, and ensure you mesh well with their personality and communication style. You’ll be working very closely with this person, so having an open and trusting rapport is very important.
Have a Budget
With median home prices in many family-friendly neighborhoods hovering around $402,600 to $800,000, as reported by the National Association of Realtors, it’s crucial to understand the full financial picture before you start seriously house hunting.
Based on your household’s monthly income and personal savings, you’ll need to determine how much you can realistically afford to spend—not just on the home purchase itself but all the associated upfront and ongoing homeownership costs.
Once you have a realistic price range, clue your realtor in immediately so they can focus your search on homes in that sweet spot and avoid wasting time on properties way above or even below your budget.
Location Matters!
Factors like school district rankings, community amenities, convenience to family-friendly activities, commute times, and the general neighborhood vibe are just as important as the house itself.
During initial meetings with your realtor, be very upfront about your location priorities. Do you want to be in a certain school boundary, close to parks and recreation centers, have easy highway access for your work commute, or prioritize walkable communities near shops and dining? Your agent can then cross-reference your desired areas with home listings to make sure you’re only viewing places that check the right location boxes.
Specify Your Needs
Make a list of your family’s absolute must-haves versus nice-to-haves in the new home you’re hunting for to help focus and prioritize your search. For a growing family, essential needs may include things like:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms to comfortably fit your family
- Open kitchen connected to living spaces so you can watch your kids while cooking
- Low-maintenance exteriors and landscaping
- Sidewalks and family-friendly areas for playing outside
- Two-car garage or ample parking/storage
- Good school district
Nice-to-haves could include luxuries like:
- Finished basement for extra living space
- Separate playroom or home office nook
- Premium appliances and finishes
- Large backyard for swing sets
- Main floor laundry room
The more detailed your desired requirements are, the easier it is for your realtor to narrow down viable contenders and rule out homes that won’t fit your needs, saving you time and frustration.
Compare Homes
Once your realtor provides you with listings that appear to meet your criteria, the next step is to start touring these properties so you can compare them. While making your tours and assessing each home’s layout, condition, and features, make sure to also pay attention to things like:
- Neighborhood dynamics, amenities, and aesthetics
- Proximity to schools, parks, shopping, and your daily commutes
- Home orientation, natural light, and views
- Energy efficiency and utility costs
- Local property taxes and HOA fees, if applicable
- Potential renovation/repair costs, if needed
Take lots of notes and photos for reference, as those initial home tours can start blending together rather quickly. Having a detailed pros-and-cons list for each place will make your final decision easier.
Get a Mortgage
Acquiring a new home is costly, so it’s a good idea to secure financing by shopping around for the best loan terms and mortgage rates.
Loan fees, mortgage interest rates, and lender requirements vary quite a bit between banks and mortgage companies. So, getting quotes from multiple lenders can save you tens of thousands over the life of your loan. However, be sure to compare fees in addition to rates, as sometimes a slightly higher rate but lower upfront costs can make more financial sense.
You’ll need to provide updated documentation on your income, assets, employment details, and more. Having that paperwork ready to go when you start your mortgage loan applications will help expedite the process and hit your closing date.
Wrapping Up
While the home buying process is rarely quick or simple, approaching it strategically with our covered strategies can help make the transition smoother and less stressful.
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