Buying the Right Home for Your Family

Home-buying decision becomes momentous when selecting the house where you will raise your family. Here are some tips for buying the perfect family home.

Buying a home is a life-altering decision—even more so when it's the place you plan to raise your children. Many parents find their priorities change tremendously when kids come along; couples who once refused to live without a whirlpool tub or other luxury will find that a playroom and substantial back yard are suddenly much more essential. For those of you in search of a home, the first step in this exciting process is to determine your family's long-term needs.

Though some buyers enter the process with their eyes shut, others swear by "the lists": one for needs, and one for wants. The needs list should include features you feel are necessary for comfortable living: the number of bedrooms and baths, the size of the garage, total square footage, and more. The wish list, though not as important, will probably be longer, full of features you would like to have. This list, which can include anything from a gas or wood fireplace to a swimming pool, can be used down the road to help you evaluate and prioritize the final houses in your search.

Ron Yaudes, the relocation director for Century 21 Ripley Realty in Austin, Texas, hears many requests for several features in particular: "People are looking for upgraded kitchens and walk-in closets with plenty of space," he said.

Scarlett Gordon, a realtor with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta, has seen a recent growing interest in floor plans. "Many relocating families are looking for a kitchen open to the family room because moms like to know what's going on," she said.

Affordability

Of course, before perusing a booklet of real estate listings, you must determine what you can afford—if for no other reason than to avoid the disappointment of finding a home that is perfect, but simply too expensive. When going through the numbers, remember to think about your down payment, mortgage payments, utility bills, and taxes. You might also want to factor in closing costs, which many sellers now expect the buyers to pay.

Old vs. New

Once the search begins, many people find themselves torn between whether they want a new house or an older one. Newer houses usually have less maintenance costs and are located in newer neighborhoods with younger families—a bonus when you start arranging play dates. An older house, on the other hand, is usually located in a more established neighborhood with older families, and is generally less expensive than a comparable newer home. On this issue, opinions vary widely. Patricia Wheeler, a broker with Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate in Florence, Oregon, finds many potential homebuyers ask to see the newer homes first. "They want a neighborhood where there are other families with children," she said.

Neighborhood

Indeed, the type of neighborhood becomes a major determining factor when deciding on a home—and buyers should do their research. After all, when you purchase a home, you purchase part of the neighborhood as well. Some people look for neighborhoods with sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. However, to others, these features are of secondary importance. "Walkable neighborhoods are certainly preferred," said Susan Harding, a broker with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta, "but neighborhoods that offer (swimming and tennis) and plenty of cul de sac lots are the most popular." She adds that the location of a neighborhood is also important: many families enjoy having access to nearby stores and services that meet their routine needs, such as a grocery store, coffee shop, or hair salon. Finally, a home with "curb appeal" (a well-maintained and attractive appearance) automatically increases its inherent value—not only because you may need to resell, but also because these homes have established landscaping, which means less work for you.

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