House hunting with kids is an entirely different process than buying a home for yourself. There are steps families can take to foster a smooth transition, get the children excited about their new home, and ensure that they buy a house they’ll be happy with for years to come. Start with the guide below, so you know what to do and what to avoid.

Do:

Research school districts.

If your children will be attending public schools, research the rankings and reviews for the local school district. You may decide you want to target your search to buy a house in a specific district. Search for where the district begins and ends to ensure the house you want falls within intended zoning.

Find kid-friendly amenities.

Once you’ve found a home you’re interested in, look at the nearby kid-friendly amenities to see if they meet your expectations. For example, you want your neighborhood park to have an age-appropriate playground that feels safe at all hours of the day. Some other amenities to look for may be local play places, family-friendly restaurants, and age-appropriate stores for your shopping.

Plan for the future.

Think about your family’s future and look for a home that will provide what you need. For example, if you plan to have more children, you may want some extra bedrooms. You may want plenty of storage space for your kids’ belongings. As your parents get older, you may want an in-law suite, so they can move in with you if needed.

Don’t:

Bring them to showings.

Do not bring your young ones to every showing. They may fall in love with a home that you don’t like, which would make the move more difficult for them. You can bring them to the house once you find the one you’re interested in to give them a chance to picture living there.

Dismiss their opinions or feelings.

While you don’t want to bring them to every showing, don’t completely cut the kids out of the process, either. Take time to talk with them about what they’re looking for in a house, and consider their requests as you search. While their wants may not top your list, including a dedicated play area or individual rooms for each child will let your kids know you hear their opinions.

Forget to get them excited.

Once you have decided to buy a house, get the kids excited about the move. You may have a lot going on, but investing some time into showing them around the neighborhood and making plans with them for the new house will ease the transition.

 

The team at Wright Real Estate will help you find a home that you and your kids love in the Ronan, MT, area. This real estate agency provides highly personalized service for every client. After nearly 40 years in the local market, they can guide your family through the house hunting process with ease. When you’re ready to buy a house, call (406) 676-8610 to contact a real estate agent, and visit their website to learn more about their team.