5 MUST HAVES FOR YOUNG FAMILIES WITH KIDS WHEN BUYING A HOUSE

As the home buyer evolves, so does the home. Our demand and choice of a house changes with our age and needs. When we were young a busy area with lots of shops, restaurants, entertainment and culture would match our taste and need. But when we are a young family with a child or two there are some definite must –haves when buying a home.

Here are 5 major must-haves when you are a young family looking to buy a home:

·         GOOD SCHOOLS: When looking for a house, you should be thinking about a school  as much as a house. It may be hard to imagine if you aren't there yet, but someday your life may revolve around telling your kids not to stress over state-standardized tests. You'll find yourself talking, texting, phoning and emailing teachers, school administrators, bus drivers and counselors. If the school is the worst, you may rue the day you bought your house. Check for rankings or with other parents who might have children enrolled and see what their opinions are. Putting in a little extra research makes sense for something as critical as education.

·         SAFETY: When buying a house always consider the safety aspect. Check the local crime statistics. It is very important to feel safe about an area when you would be raising kids in that area. If you feel unsafe in any way then it would be wise to look for a house in a different area.

·         GREENERY: An important part of a child’s growth takes place during the time they spend playing outdoors, discovering the natural world that surrounds them. Providing your family with a yard is one of the safest ways of facilitating this sort of growth, in particular when your kid is young. By taking kids out for long walks in parks early you can teach them the importance of exercise and the benefits of fresh air.

·         WALKABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD/AMENITIES: While schools are important, kids also need stuff to do on their weekends and holidays, so parents need to look into local recreation opportunities – does the neighborhood offer sports programs? A community pool? A good library? Other not-so-fun, but nevertheless necessary, must-haves include conveniently-located doctors’ offices and hospitals. Having local amenities within walking distance can save you an enormous amount of time over the long-term while also letting you stay in good shape.

·         PROXIMITY TO WORK: When you have a family, you want to spend your time with them. If your commute to work takes an hour and a half each way, you are spending three extra hours per day away from your kids for a total of 15 hours per week. That’s a lot of time.

If you are looking for a great place to raise your family which will adhere to all your needs and security, call me today at 416-371-3737

Editor: Neha Charan