Choosing where to live and the type of home you desire is a major life decision. It’s even more pressing when you’re starting a family. You want to take care of your loved ones, and providing them a dwelling that meets your unique needs can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the process of finding the perfect family home more manageable. We promise, it’s not as overwhelming as you might think it is.
New Parents: Tips on how to choose the perfect family home
This can be an exciting time and a life transition you’ll treasure. Follow these tips on how to find the perfect family home. They’ll help you feel more in control of your house search and put you on the path to obtaining your family’s dream home.
Do Some Research
Finding the right family home starts with doing your research. You want to figure out what your must-haves and your deal breakers are. Knowing what you want in a house and what you don’t will help keep you on track during your search. It’s easy to get distracted or find yourself outside your comfort zone if you’re not clear on what matters most. Start by making a list of your most important features such as:
- the number of bedrooms
- locations
- school system
- type of home
- other pertinent criteria.
Then move your wish list research online where you can take a look at real estate listings in your area to get an idea of cost and other factors that will play into your search. Information is power. This preliminary research can help you get a realistic picture of what may be out there for you and whether you may need to revise your initial list.
Determine Your Budget
While money isn’t everything, it’s one of the most important factors to consider when buying a house. You want to choose a figure that will allow you to get most of the features you require while maintaining a monthly payment you can afford. Sacrificing a comfortable lifestyle in order to live beyond your means could be a decision you’d regret.
Instead, get honest with yourself and take time to realistically assess your financial situation. Having an estimate of what you can reasonably afford will provide a framework for your home search that maximizes your time and protects your interests.
Choose a Location
Buying a home truly is all about location, location, location. Where you live matters. It will impact your commute to work, your kids’ education, and your overall quality of life. This may be one of the most important decisions you make.
While you don’t need to narrow down the exact neighborhood you desire, it’s smart to get a clear picture of where you’d like your home to be. If you’re looking for new homes Myrtle Beach, for example, or the surrounding area, you have a great deal of choice. Narrow things down by researching the school systems in your favorite locations.
Contemplate what the commute will be like. Is there public transportation conveniently available if this is something you’ll require? Do you want to have things like shopping and dining nearby? What about public spaces like parks, beaches or trails? Do some research and take notes. It can be helpful to come up with a list of preferred locations before meeting with a realtor.
Consider Size and Layout
Your family home is deeply personal. You probably have an idea of the kind of interior space that appeals to you. Many parents appreciate an open floor plan so they are able to see their children easily. Some may prefer one-story homes in order to avoid the safety hazard of stairs. Perhaps a basement is an essential part of your dream home because it allows members of the family to spread out. Room for growth is worth keeping in mind, especially if you hope to grow your family size.
Make sure there are enough rooms for your current needs, but keep in mind what the future may hold. Look for homes that are able to accommodate your plans.
These are some of the primary considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect family home. This list is by no means complete. There will be unique items on your family’s list. However, this should provide you with a good starting point on your search.
About the Writer: Regina Thomas is a Southern California native who spends her time as a freelance writer and loves cooking at home when she can find the time. Regina loves reading, music, hanging with her friends and family along with her Golden Retriever, Sadie. She loves adventure and living every day to the fullest.
