Purchasing property for you and your family is a bit different than when you are on your own. Although a single person may be willing to sacrifice certain amenities, there are aspects that must be considered if you are moving in with your kids. Let’s take a look at the six things home buyers should consider when trying to purchase a family friendly home.
Size
Size is important for two reasons. 1) If you have kids, you will need areas for them. From baby to toddler, toddler to adolescent, kids take up a lot of room, and if you don’t want your living space turned into a play pen, you’ll need somewhere for them to call their own. 2) Your sanity. Children can be loud and are always full of energy. Make sure your home has somewhere you can sneak away to if there’s ever a moment where you need a break.
Space
Similarly, space is a key factor when finding a family friendly home. Storage space is critical for all your own items as well as those that will be required when raising kids.
Another thing you should think about is the kind of outdoor space your home has. Is there a yard? Is it in the front or the back? Do your kids have somewhere to play safely?
Finally, if your kids are still in strollers, you may want to consider the width of your hallways, doors, and stretches of stairs. There’s nothing worse than scuffing up the walls and making more work for yourself.
Safety
As a parent, a little peace of mind can go a long way, and your home has a lot to do with that. The safer it is, both inside and out, the less you have to worry about your kids. Safety measure can includes things like your house’s floor plan, fixtures and furniture. While the safety of your yard can be its distance to the street, whether or not its enclosed, and the busyness of your neighborhood.
Practicality
As you and your family grow up together, you’ll need to consider your needs in the future. Is the living room large enough to hold your entire family, plus any friends or other individuals who may be over at that time? Do you have enough storage space to accommodate a growing amount of stuff? Are there enough outlets to support all the electronics and appliances of your entire family?
Location
Location! Location! Location! It’s another (very important) aspect worth considering when scoping out a family friendly home. Depending on the age of your children, you’ll want them enrolled in the best school available, but only if it’s close enough for you to get to. In a similar vein, you’ll want to make sure that there is a grocery store and other nearby commercial areas so you don’t need to spend too much time in transit.
Neighbours
Last but not least, you’re going to want to see who else is living in your neighborhood. Are there other kids who are close to the same age as your own? Are there adults who you may be interested in getting to know? A family friendly home is one thing, but an entire neighbourhood is another. Knowing what kind of community you’re entering into is crucially important when it comes to the development and well-being of your family.
When it really comes down to it, purchasing property that’s family friendly isn’t any more difficult than it would otherwise be. All it requires is another frame of thought. Keep these six considerations in mind and you’ll end up with the perfect home to raise your kids.
No matter what your needs may be, Pemberton Holmes is here to help. Whether you’re raising a family of four or are simply looking to purchase a place for yourself, contact us today.
