It’s a scenario as old as humankind itself. As two people come together to create a family, they set their sights on a space of their own. They want room for their young ones to run around, and a surrounding community in which the whole family – parents included – can thrive.
If you’re just starting your journey as a family, you’ve probably thought about it. You’ve probably also thought about the intimidating complexities, uncertainties and decisions associated with homebuying. It can be challenging to find the right home for your family, especially if you feel ill-equipped to make confident real estate decisions.
That’s where this article comes in handy. In the spirit of consumer empowerment, this article explores a few actionable tips for the homebuying family.
Search for the Family You Plan on Having
Too often, urban families will snatch themselves up a one- or two-bedroom condo that fits their current needs. Then, as their family grows, they’re forced once again to uproot and start searching elsewhere.
Instead of hopping from one place to the next as your needs change, consider planning ahead. Have that conversation with your partner about the family you plan on having. Are you content with your one little angel, or are you keen to add a sibling into the mix? Answering these (admittedly large) questions will help dictate the size of home you’re after.
Naturally, buying a larger home will cost you more at the outset. So, to ensure you can find real estate within your budget, punch your earnings and nest egg into an affordability calculator like this one.
Find a Skilled Realtor Who Understands Your Family
The single most significant factor in your home-searching success will be the aid of a quality realtor. A skilled realtor doesn’t just bombard you with options and muscle you toward a quick decision; they take time, get to know your family, internalize your wants and needs, and then tenaciously advocate for you in a market filled with competition.
That’s all to say: in your search for a realtor, don’t settle. Don’t just hire the first realtor your parents recommend, or call the first bus shelter ad you see. Weigh your options. Consider experience, credentials, reviews and awards. Look for top real estate agencies like Harvey Kalles that have a proven track record of winning dream homes for their clients. And meet with them to discuss your dreams and ambitions.
Consider Proximity to Schools, Daycares, Rec Centers and Amenities
With the help of your trusty realtor, consider the relative merits of various neighborhoods. Remember, you’ll be sending the kids off to daycare and school eventually (as heartbreaking as it may be to consider!), so you want to ensure that your new home has quality educational facilities nearby. Likewise, you want to know that there are fun activities and basic necessities nearby to accommodate a busy lifestyle and experience-hungry little ones.
List Your Criteria in Order of Importance
With a general sense of the neighborhood(s) you like, you can start getting serious about your criteria. Through this process, it pays to be “firm but flexible,” a seemingly oxymoronic state of being determined about what you want – but open just enough to consider options that aren’t 100% perfect.
To help guide the process, consider making an ordered list of criteria. Start with the “must-haves,” whether that’s backyard space for the kids to run around, multiple levels, or (in the case of urban condo dwellers) an ensuite washer/dryer for all those toddler accidents. Then you can move onto less essential but nevertheless desirable features: walk-in closets, a mud room, good water pressure, etc. By organizing your criteria based on priority, you’ll have an easier time viewing each property holistically.
Hopefully, this short resource gives your family the confidence it needs to find a dream home. By finding the right realtor and defining your goals and criteria, you’re one step closer to saying “I’m home.”
