Searching for a home on its own can be stressful enough. Throwing kids into the mix can leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. To make the experience more enjoyable for all, consider this advice when house-hunting with a young family.
Location, Location, Location
It always comes back to location, and when you have kids, location is more important than ever. Depending on your children’s ages and interests, where you choose to raise your family can significantly impact how everyone settles in. Consider the type of community you want – rural, urban or suburban? A quiet life in the country sounds lovely, but if it’s a long way from schools, community centres or shopping, you could spend a considerable amount of time driving back and forth. Likewise, a city atmosphere may not be ideal if children have no place to play or the streets are busy.
Proximity to Schools
Considering the home’s proximity to schools may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people talk themselves into the “perfect” home only to discover it’s too far from a school or the walking route isn’t safe (think busy intersections or no sidewalks). Your employment situation and hours can also impact the ideal school location – will you be walking the kids or dropping them off on the way to work? The reputation of the school is also important and what it offers in addition to education. Does it have sports teams or an arts program? A home close to a good quality school will also keep reselling prices high, making selling easier if you choose to move again down the road.
Size and Layout of the Home
When considering the size of the home you need, take into account the sports or activities your children play. A hockey player may need a mudroom to store smelly equipment, whereas a musician may need instruments in a finished basement to keep noise levels down. Also, consider how long you plan to stay in the home. If this is a long-term move, will the space be large enough for teenagers or young adults? Students who go away to university or college usually move back home for a while as they search for employment and save for rent or a down payment. You may want to consider a basement with an apartment or a walk-out with a separate entrance.
It Takes a Village
It takes a village to raise a child – even in 2021. Finding a community where you can meet like-minded families is key to creating a happy home environment. Research the demographics for the area and determine if there are other families with children of similar ages. Check crime rates to determine if the neighbourhood will be safe for you and your family, then take a walk through the streets and get a good feel for the area. Can you see yourself there? Does it feel right? Your gut instincts can say a lot about a place, so take the time and check it out thoroughly.
Let Your Kids be Part of the Process
Depending on the age of your children, keeping them involved in house hunting as much as possible will make the prospect of moving more exciting. Ultimately, you will decide where to live, but involving them may go a long way to creating an easier transition. Consider leaving them at home for the initial visit and include them only when you have narrowed down your search. There’s a fine line between confusing them with too many options and keeping them involved, so try not to schedule more than two house visits in one outing. Kids who get bored will also become more disruptive and could cause tension during the visit.
