Buying a home is a rewarding experience, but when you have children, the house hunting process can be a bit more challenging. A property must not only meet your wants and needs but also be a good place to raise your family. As such, certain features become especially important to factor into the buying decision. Here’s what you should add to the list of criteria you’re seeking in a home.

What to Look For When House Hunting for Your Family 

1. Open Floor Plan 

In recent years, open floor plans have become increasingly popular for entertainment, but they’re also great for families with small children. Without walls separating every room, you can be in one area of the house and still see the kids while they play in a different area. 

2. Playroom 

Giving children a designated room to play in will help keep the rest of the house clean and free of clutter. All of their toys will be easily accessible, and any mess they make can be confined to one area. It will also help encourage more creative and independent play. 

3. View of the Backyard

An unobstructed view of the backyard will keep the kids in sight when they’re outside and allow you to supervise their activities from inside the house. Having a clear view of the yard will give you peace of mind while you cook or work from home. 

4. Good Schools 

School rankings typically play a significant role in determining where parents choose to house hunt. If your children will be attending public school, you’ll want to carefully consider the district you buy a home in. Being near highly rated schools is essential to your children’s education and will boost the market value of your property.

5. Nearby Amenities 

When you have kids, you want to make sure you don’t live too far from amenities, such as grocery stores, doctors’ offices, the hospital, and recreational opportunities. Having these places nearby will make life more convenient and ensure the children have something to do when they aren’t in school. 

By paying attention to details that will affect your family’s safety, comfort, and happiness, you can ensure a successful house hunting journey. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’ve gone through this process before, you can benefit from working with Ryan Hutchinson, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Gundaker. She has a vast knowledge of the market in Lake St. Louis, MO, and can help you find a home your children will thrive in for years to come. With her industry expertise behind you, you can have peace of mind that you’re making a sound investment for your family’s future. Call (314) 566-6903 to schedule an appointment, or visit her website to browse current property listings.