There comes a time in the lives of many families when upgrading to larger homes is necessary. Whether you plan to grow your family, or your older kids require more space, you’ll need to determine the necessary size requirements. Below, review some of the most common reasons for such upgrades and factors. Contact a real estate agent that has the expertise to help you find the perfect home to meet your growing family needs.  An experienced agent knows the neighborhoods, schools, work commutes and lenders that can answer your questions in your search.  

How to Tell If You Need to Move 

When it’s time to relocate to a larger space, it’s not unusual to feel claustrophobic in your current house. Maybe you feel like you’re always tripping over baby toys, or cribs and similar structures seem to hog the space in too many rooms. Perhaps your home lacks the storage necessary for raising children and maintaining an organized space, such as featuring too few closets, cabinets, and “free” areas such as a basement or attic.

If your family has grown by one or two children in the last few years or will in the coming months, moving to a larger house is generally a smart idea. Although babies are tiny for a long while, their furniture and supplies take up little space. That’s in addition to the fact that babies will eventually require their own rooms, especially if their siblings are considerably older and would prefer not to share.

What Size to Consider 

Start your real estate search by considering how many children you have or will have. If you’re expecting your first child, for example, it’s a smart idea to purchase a two-bedroom home. A one-bedroom home will work for a while, especially if you don’t plan to have more children, but you’ll eventually need a two-bedroom space. If you have two children and are expecting a third, a home with a minimum of three bedrooms is necessary, assuming that two kids can share. Should your family include teens, a bedroom for each child is generally best for privacy reasons.

Size considerations might also include in-laws. A home with enough square footage for your family, as well as for you or your partner’s parents, avoids crowding problems. Consider a house with a separate entrance or space you can turn into an in-law suite. Houses with existing in-law suites that include separate bathrooms and kitchenettes are also worth looking into.

Keep your budget in mind while browsing real estate. To have an exact idea of what you can afford, use the 28/36 rule. The rule states that your total house expenses should not be more than 28% of your income, while your total debts should not exceed 36% of your income. 

Simplify your real estate search with services from HomeWise Realty of the Carolinas, LLC. Offering residential and commercial real estate services to clients throughout Fort Mill, SC, and the surrounding areas, these realtors also help area residents sell their homes via online and offline listings, among other assistance. Call (704) 900-4979 today to get started or learn more about real estate services online.