Buying a home is no easy feat…especially when your kids are involved! There are plenty of factors you need to consider before you move, and making the right choice might seem overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to do when you’re buying with children.
Outline Your Wants and Needs
Before you start touring potential properties, it’s crucial to outline what you really need in a home, as well as a few things that you want. Of course, when you throw kids into the mix, things can get a bit more complicated!
First, consider how much space you actually need. How many bedrooms are you looking for? Do you need a big yard or playroom? Can you live without a dedicated laundry space or mudroom? Once you’ve outlined your must-haves, you can start searching for homes in your desired area and adjust your budget accordingly.
Find the Right Neighborhood
So many buyers get caught up in choosing the perfect home and end up neglecting another important factor: location. You can change a lot of things about a home…except the neighborhood that it’s located in.
When you’re buying with children, you might have some pretty specific requirements for your new neighborhood. For example, many parents prioritize school districts (more on that later!), amenities, sidewalks, and proximity to parks. However, every household has different needs, so be sure to ask your agent about some communities that could be a good fit.
Research Local Schools
Even if you don’t have kids, buying a home in a great school district is a smart decision in the long run. However, if you’re relocating to the Columbus area or are unfamiliar with local schools, it can be difficult to find the right district for your student. This is when having an expert agent can come in handy!
If you have any questions about local school districts, be sure to do some research on websites like Niche.com and ask your agent for any recommendations. Once you’ve settled on a few schools that you love, consider reaching out to a guidance counselor or administrator to get more information.
Include Your Children in the Decision
Remember—moving is stressful for everyone in your household. Before you make any big decisions, you may want to ask your children how they feel and include them in your choices. This can help make your transition to a new home much easier!
You can also include your children in the process by bringing them on house tours and letting them pack their room. If they have any questions, try your best to answer them. Your agent might be able to help, too! There are also a wide variety of books that can help kids cope with the stress of moving—Moving Day! by Jess Stockham and A New House by Jill Wenzel and Jan Westberg are both great choices.
Buying with Kids? We’d Love to Help!
If you need help navigating your move to the Columbus area, the Yoder-Barnhart Team is here to assist you. We have plenty of buyer resources to guide you in the right direction, and we’re only a phone call away. Our handy search tool even allows you to search for homes by school district—don’t forget to check it out!