When it comes to buying a single-family home, there are some specific features you'll want to look for if you have small children. Your real estate agent can help you to narrow down your search so you find homes that fit your needs, but it is helpful to do a bit of research first to you can determine which features are deal-breakers for your young family. Use this guide to help find the right home ti fit your needs.
Fenced-In Yard
If you want to let your children play with minimal supervision in the backyard, look for homes that already have fences around the property. This helps to prevent your little ones from wandering away, and it can also help to keep neighborhood animals away from the children as they play. If you find a home that you love, but it has a damaged fence, work with your real estate agent to have fence repairs worked into the sale agreement.
Lead Paint
Homes built before 1978 are likely to have at least some lead paint present, unless they have undergone significant renovations. The present of lead paint can be a danger to your children, so you'll want to know if a home has it before you decide to make a purchase. Homeowners may be required to disclose the presence of the paint to you, but it's always a good idea to ask just in case.
Staircases & Balconies
Some homes for sale have unusual staircases or second-floor balconies that overlook the main living areas. While these make for beautiful design features, they can also present significant challenges for parents trying to baby-proof a home. Tour each home through the eyes of a toddler or infant to see what types of dangers the stairs, balconies or other features of the home present. You may find that there are few ways to make some homes safe for your little ones, and you might decide to opt for a single-story or ranch home instead.
Bedroom Layout
It may be important to you to have all of the bedrooms close together so you can check on your children at night, and you may feel more comfortable with all of the bedrooms on the first floor. Having bedrooms on the first floor can make leaving the home in the event of a fire easier, but they can also make it easier for your children to climb out of the windows. Look at the bedroom layout for each home and weigh the pros and cons of the sleeping arrangements before you decide on your dream house.
Work with a real estate agent who has experience working with young families, and make a list of the features that are most important to you. With a bit of patience and a clear idea of what you want, you can find the perfect home to fit your needs.
