Buying a home can be exciting and stressful—but adding children into the mix adds a new level of complexity. Whether you have one child or more than just a few, you’ll want to take their needs into consideration as you search for a new place. However, buying a home with children in tow doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think!
4 Factors to Consider When You’re Buying a Home with Children
As you house hunt with your kids, you’ll want to include them in the process as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to take them with you to showings (so long as they practice social distancing) or have them scroll through listings with you. This is an easy way to transform your move into a fun experience!
Here are a few extra factors you should consider if you’re buying a home with children.
Schools
If you have children, an A+ school district could be at the top of your must-haves list. However, moving to an area that’s zoned for good schools can actually help boost property values over time, too, so be sure to choose wisely!
As you research local districts, consider your child’s individual academic needs. Many districts around Columbus offer accelerated or alternative schooling programs, as well as a variety of extracurriculars.
A few of the highest-rated districts in our area include the Dublin City School District, the Olentangy Local School District, the Bexley School District, the Hilliard City School District, and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. The Columbus area is also home to a variety of private schools, too.
The neighborhood
When you’re looking for a new place to live, you need to consider the home and the neighborhood around it. And when you have children, you’ll want to live somewhere that’s safe, close to local schools, and near top amenities.
Once you’ve toured a house, be sure to scope out the neighborhood before you think about putting in an offer. Do you see other children playing on the streets? Does it have a park, community pool, or other additional features? Is it located near schools and other spots that your kids love? Don’t be afraid to visit multiple times (and during different periods throughout the day) to get a good idea of what living there is really like!
Safety features
Have younger children? If so, you’ll want to make sure your new place is safe or can be child-proofed. Start by looking at areas like the staircase or kitchen and see if they can be gated off. Window blinds with looped cords, non-GFCI outlets, or wide stair railings can also pose a risk to curious toddlers.
Don’t forget to check the actual property around the home, too! If a yard has a water feature—such as a pool or pond—it could be a potential drowning risk. You may also want to invest in a home that has a fence, which can help keep your child from wandering off when they’re playing outside.
Square footage and layout
Unsurprisingly, buyers with more children tend to want larger homes. If you’re growing your family, you may also want to upgrade your space to have more room for your future kids. That means layout and square footage are both important factors to consider as you search for a new place.
First, consider your family’s lifestyle. Do you want the master bedroom to be on the same floor as your childrens’ rooms? Do you want your kids to share a bedroom or bathroom? Is it important to have a designated play space? Be sure to let your agent know about your wants and needs so they can help you find a home that’s the perfect match!
Ready to Find Your Dream Home?
If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Columbus area, we’d love to help you start your search! The Yoder-Barnhart Team has the experience you need to find your dream home, so just reach out to us for more information. We can also help you sell your current home, too!