Buying a home can be a difficult and time-consuming process, and adding children into the mix can make the process of finding your dream home even harder. Before you begin house hunting, it is always a good idea to make a list of items you want and need within your new home. Some of these items might be more important for the adults in your home while others could relate to your children. Either way, we have provided a few key items you should consider about buying a home when you have children.

Research Nearby School Zones

When moving into a new town or new area of town, most parents begin by considering local school systems. It is important to know what schools are in your area. Every school is different, and can provide different opportunities for your children. There are numerous online resources that are available and can help you in your research to determine which neighborhoods are zoned for the best school for your children and their needs.

Reputable school districts tend to have the added benefit of higher home values in certain areas. Because of the potential resale value, school districts have become one of the top considerations when purchasing a home. Should you decide that you need to upsize, downsize, or change locations later on in life, a home that is close to a school district provides more benefits than just proximity.

Research the neighborhood/location

Before you move in, it is a good idea to do some research on local amenities and the lifestyle of your potential new neighborhood.

• Recreational amenities – Living close to a public park, playground, or community pool could be an added luxury to buying a home in a particular neighborhood. These simple amenities provide family fun and give kids a place to play outside other than your backyard.
• Traffic – A busy street can be a nightmare for families as well as a potential safety hazard for young children. Try driving past the house you are considering at different times during the day to help you figure out how busy the street can be.
• Crime Rates – Crime can be a large factor for families moving into a new area. It is important to know as much as you can about the community you are considering moving into. You can check your local crime rates and reports for more information.

Safety of the Home

During the home buying process, it is important to consider the overall safety of your new home. Homes that were recently built tend to have more safety features when compared to older homes. No matter what type of home you are looking at, there are a few features that you may want to avoid that are common in houses today. A home with steep staircases or balconies could be a potential danger to little ones that may run around the house. Fireplaces and pizza ovens could also be hazardous. If you have kids, look into anything in your potential new home that could be a danger to your children before closing.

While many people regard a backyard as an added bonus for a home, backyards can offer the issue of privacy. A backyard without a fence around the property can allow easy access to intruders and strangers. Even with a fence, a backyard can be a host to a variety of other potential dangers. When researching homes, see if a backyard is a priority and weigh the costs and benefits of having one for your family.

Consider the size of your house

The size of your house can have a major impact on more than just the amount of space you have. It can also influence how close you are to your kids and if you have room to grow your family. Children tend to take up a lot of space in the house with toys, clothes, and other necessary items they use on a daily basis. Larger closets, a garage, or even a bonus room can be things to look for that can help maximize space in your future home. A family room or basement could even help double as a playroom for kids and easily be changed to fit the needs of a growing family.

Does the Layout of the House Benefit You?

Most homes feature different floor plans and layouts. A floor plan that is great for one family may not fit the needs of another. Paying attention to the location of various rooms in the home and how they function with one another is a factor that can influence how you feel about a particular home.

Some floor plans feature a master bedroom on the main level while others have it located on the second floor. This difference could influence your family’s decision to purchase for a variety of reasons. If you have an infant, you may be more inclined to be closer to your baby’s room. Parents of older or multiple children may feel more comfortable with the separation provided by a master bedroom being on a different floor.

An open floor plan is one of the most ideal options for a big family because it allows the parents to keep an eye on the kids while simultaneously doing other household tasks such as laundry or cooking dinner. By opting into this type of floor plan you are able to share in more of your family’s daily life.

How We Can Help

Here at Holland Homes, we want you to have a home that your whole family can enjoy. We take pride in finding the perfect house to fit your specific needs and are determined in making your dream home a reality. Contact us today to start the journey towards realizing your dream home.