Buying a home is always a big decision, but when you have young children, the stakes feel even higher. You want a home that suits your family’s current needs, but you also want to make sure that it will grow with you as your kids get older. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving to accommodate a growing family, there are specific things to consider when purchasing a home with young kids. In this blog, we’ll cover what to look for in a home now and for the future, and how the process may be different with little ones in tow.
Prioritizing Safety
When you have young kids, the safety of your home should be your number one priority. Some things you should look for are:
- Kid-friendly neighborhood: Look for areas with good schools, low crime rates, and parks or playgrounds nearby. This is important for your kids’ safety and for making sure they have space to play and socialize. It is important to also find a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and budget.
- Staircases and safety hazards: Check if there are stairs that may need gates, or whether the house has any hidden safety hazards like sharp corners, exposed electrical outlets, or unstable balconies.
- Fenced yard: If you want an outdoor space for your kids to play in, make sure the yard is enclosed and secure. This will give you peace of mind that they won’t run into the street as well as privacy from your neighbors. Fenced-in yards are also a huge plus if you have furry friends that also need a secure backyard to run and play without worry.
School Districts & Accessibility
When your kids grow, their education becomes a central part of your life. Buying in the right town and school district is key:
- School proximity: Consider how close the house is to good schools, especially elementary schools. You may not need to think about high school just yet, but ease of access to your kids’ future schools can save time and reduce stress later.
- Public transport or walkability: If your kids will eventually be able to walk or bike to school, is the house within a reasonable distance? If you live in an area where walking to school isn’t an option, make sure that there are bus stops near your neighborhood where the school bus could bring the kids to and from school.
- Variety of extracurricular activities: Think about whether there are sports that your kids are interested in being offered at the school or through parks and recreation, dance studios, libraries, or other community resources nearby. Easy access to these will support your kids’ growing interests and activities.
Room to Grow
Even if you have young kids now, your family will change over time. When buying a home, think beyond your current needs:
- Extra bedrooms: Look for homes with more than just the number of bedrooms you currently need. Kids grow fast and need their own space, so a guest room or a bonus room that can be converted into a kid’s bedroom or playroom can be a great long-term investment.
- Multi-functional spaces: Open floor plans, basements, or loft spaces can be a great way to create flexible areas that can evolve as your kids grow. You can use them as playrooms now and turn them into offices or anything they want to be later.
- Storage: With kids come a lot of toys, clothes, and gear. Having adequate storage space in the house, like walk-in closets, garage storage, or an attic, can be a lifesaver.
Consider Long-Term Maintenance & Expenses
The financial aspect of homeownership can be different when you have young children. You’ll want to be mindful of:
- Potential renovations: Homes with older infrastructure might need updates to accommodate your growing family. A new roof, HVAC system, or kitchen renovation could be expensive, so factor these into your decision-making. It is also very important during the inspection process to get the walls tested for lead paint and to see what you can do if the results do come back positive.
- Long-term utility costs: Some homes have higher utility costs due to inefficient heating or cooling, or they may be too large for your current family size. Consider energy-efficient options when looking at homes.
- Resale value: While you’re thinking about your family’s current needs, don’t forget that you may eventually want to sell the house, possibly when you are empty nesters and want to downsize. Be sure to fix any imperfections such as paint chips on the walls, cracks in the foundation, water stains on ceilings, newer windows, etc. Fixing up even the smallest “issues” boosts your home’s resale value.
Lifestyle Considerations: Commute, Work, & Social Life
Your children’s experience at their new home is influenced by more than just the house itself—it’s also shaped by the surrounding neighborhood, as well as your own work and social routines.
- Commute: Consider how far you’ll be commuting to work. A long commute can affect your quality of life and time spent with your kids.
- Local community: It’s often nice to have a sense of community with other families with kids the same age.
- Proximity to friends and family: Being close to extended family or friends can provide additional support as your kids grow up, especially for things like babysitting or playdates.
The Home Buying Process
Shopping for a home with young children can feel like a bit of a circus, but with strategy and planning, you can make it work. Here are some ways to make the process smoother:
- Hire a real estate agent who understands your needs: A knowledgeable agent who understands the challenges of buying a home with kids will help guide you through the process efficiently. As a REALTOR®, I am trained and equipped to assist you with any situation!
- Be prepared for more showings: With young children, it may not always be possible to attend every showing. Try to schedule viewings during school time or when you can get extra help to watch the kids. Virtual tours can be a helpful way to narrow down your choices.
- Make the process fun: Try to include your kids in the process in small ways—ask them what kind of room they’d want, or what kind of backyard they’d like. While it’s not always practical to have them involved in every step, it can help them feel more connected to the new home before you make any purchasing decisions.
Moving with young children means balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. While it may feel overwhelming at times, keeping a clear vision of what will work for your family now and in the future will help guide you to the perfect home. Whether it’s finding the right location, thinking about safety, or making sure there’s room to grow, the goal is to find a home that supports your family’s happiness and growth for many years to come.