One of the most common reasons to buy a home is to accommodate your
growing family. Perhaps you want to live in a neighborhood with better
schools and
more services, or maybe you need a bigger house as the two of you turns
into three and then four.
In fact, in a recent study by
the National Association of Home Builders, some 64 percent of
respondents agreed with the statement: "I wish my home were larger."
The other two top concerns are price and finding the right
neighborhood.
If you have a young family and
are ready to make the jump from your entry level home, or if you've
been renting and are embarking on the purchase of your first house,
you'll want to consider the following during your house-hunting
ventures:
Neighborhood.
As you examine a specific neighborhood, ask yourself if this is a
neighborhood in which you'd feel comfortable. Although your kids are
toddlers now, in just a few short years they'll be outside riding their
bikes and playing with the neighborhood children. Buying in a good
neighborhood also helps ensure your property values.
Schools. Again, if you have a baby or toddler now,
kindergarten will be here before you know it. Visit the neighborhood
schools, talk to the principal, teachers, and other parents in the
neighborhood. Ask to see standardized test scores. Your real estate
agent can usually provide you with additional information about schools
in the area.
Crime. While a neighborhood may look safe, it could be
riddled with incidents of burglary or vandalism. Check with the local
law enforcement agency to see if the neighborhood you are eyeing has
any specific chronic crime problems.
Bedroom space. If you're planning on more children,
you'll want to consider how many bedrooms you'll need. Will the
children share rooms or have their own?
Play area. If you have young children, you'll want to
factor in where the kids will play. Sometimes storing the bulk of the
toys in the child's room works, but in some instances, like if the
child's room is upstairs, it's difficult to supervise. In that case,
you'll want to consider whether the house is configured to provide the
space they need to play and move about.
Homework and study areas. As your children reach
school age and need more time and space for homework, you'll need to
consider whether there's space in their bedroom, in the kitchen area,
or in another nook or niche, prevalent in many newer homes.
Computer use. Perhaps you already have a home office,
complete with a computer set-up. The time may - or more likely, will -
come when your child
needs a computer for homework and research. This may require a second
computer, and the required space for a second system. This will
especially be true if one of the parents works at home and frequently
uses the computer.
Family room. Your youngest is only 7, but by the time
your three sons reach their adolescent and teen years, will the family
room be as comfortable as it is now? Don't forget that friends will be
stopping by frequently. A house with a finished basement or gameroom is
ideal for older kids.
Bathrooms. Your kids may not spend much time in the
bathroom now, but that will change in the years ahead. Make sure you
consider how the number of bathrooms, and the extent of vanity areas
will work for your family. A bathroom with two sinks and a long
countertop are ideal for two siblings to get ready for school in the
morning.
Pool. Does the house you're eyeing have a pool? It
will be great for your family. But be sure you put a fence around the
perimeter.
While some of these factors may be out of your control because of
budget constraints and housing availability, you'll want to come up
with a priority list and determine which factors and characteristics
are most important to your growing family.
Written by Michele Dawson