Buying a home to raise a family is a lot more stressful than when you are young, free and single. There’s a lot to think about – especially if you are planning on sticking around for a while and laying down some roots. In today’s guide, we’re going to take you through all the things you need to consider – read on to find out how to find the perfect family home.
Do your research
First of all, make sure that you take a long, hard look at the area you wish to move to. Sure, the local school might be a good reason to go there, but you should also consider the facilities on offer, as well as the price. Look at things like crime figures, too – safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when picking a new family home. Take a look at this guide for more info – http://www.parents.com.
Consider your budget
Of course, budget concerns should always be up there regarding importance when it comes to buying any home. However, when you are planning for a family, there is, even more, to think about. You might find a home that is within your budget, but you’ll need to consider the costs of raising a child, too. Extra-curricular hobbies, schooling, and the activities children enjoy will all cost money. If you are paying a high proportion of your income towards a home loan, will you be able to afford them?
Find a local Realtor
It’s always a good idea to get in touch with an independent, local realtor. They tend to have an edge over the national firms in a few ways. Take a quick look here, http://www.dawsonfordgarbee.com, as an example. As you can see, they recommend independent realtors because they know and understand the local community. Independents will be well-placed to point you in the right direction.
Knock on doors
Of course, one of the best ways to find out about a community is to go and speak to the people! Take a look around and see if there are children playing, and don’t be afraid to knock on some doors. Ask questions about the area, and find out what it’s like to live in the community. See if there are any housing owner associations that you can join, or community clubs and groups.
Choosing the home
The community and location are only part of your concerns, of course. The home itself? Well, you should be looking for space and lots of storage. A garden is also important in bringing up kids – it will give them somewhere to burn off energy. Sensible and practical layouts are also a necessity. Fancy designs just won’t work as well when you have young tykes running around the place! Finally, give yourself space to grow your home and protect your investment. You might want to look for the potential of building an extension, a loft conversion, or garage installation.
OK, so that’s all we have time for right now. We hope you have enjoyed this brief guide to finding the perfect family home!
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