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House hunting is already challenging enough when you’re on your own and you don’t have tons of responsibilities on your plate, but add one or more children to the mix and you’ll reach a whole new level of difficulty. It’s definitely not easy to find the home of your dreams for you and your family, as there are multiple variables to take into consideration. And the fact that you also have to deal with work tasks and handle household chores at the same time adds more burdens on your shoulders.
However, if you and your spouse have decided it’s time to turn the page and start a new chapter in your life by moving into a new home, you have to get ready for the journey that lies ahead of you. As busy parents, you’ll probably find this prospect equally exciting and daunting, and have mixed feelings while searching for your next crib, but it’s all part of the house-hunting process.
It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit confused and scared in the beginning. After all, this is a decision that comes not only with a hefty price tag but also with plenty of lifestyle changes, so you can’t afford to rush in and make mistakes.
Yet with all the struggles and challenges, making the effort will be worth it once you’re all settled into your new home. If you want to reach this point sooner rather than later, here’s a short house-hunting guide for busy parents that includes the most important aspects to keep in mind when looking for your future family home.
While you can change virtually every element in a house, whether it’s size, the design, or décor, there’s one aspect that you can’t change about it, and that’s the location. Once you’ve bought a house in a certain neighbourhood, you’ll have to adapt to your new environment, like it or not. So, you better make sure your new location suits your needs and expectations as a family, or else, you’re going to have a hard time adjusting.
Make a list with all the amenities you want to have close by, such as kindergarten, school, nurseries, playgrounds, hospital, marketplace, and so on. Also, you have to think about how long you’ll have to travel every day to reach your workplace, and what transportation options are available if you can’t go by car.
Safety is another very important aspect to keep in mind during the house-hunting process. And we’re not talking just about how safe the neighbourhood is, but also about the safety of the property itself. A new building is more likely to have fewer structural issues, but it’s also going to cost you a pretty penny. Older houses, on the other hand, might fit your budget, but you have to inspect them closely and check for structural damage, or signs of wear and tear that haven’t been properly addressed.
If you want you and your kids to live peacefully, safety has to be top of mind during your searches. Inquire about criminality rates in the areas you’re considering, and look for family-friendly and quiet neighbourhoods where you know your children will be safe.
Next, it’s time to decide on property standards. What kind of home are you looking for, size and layout-wise? How much space does your family need to feel comfortable? These are very important answers you have to answer before you continue your search.
If you plan to have more kids, make sure you choose a house with plenty of rooms for all of you. Similarly, if your family only has three members, it might not make sense to purchase a five-bedroom property. You’ll just end up spending more on utility bills and furniture. Also, think about what layout will suit you best, based on your family’s needs and lifestyle.
The process of finding the perfect home for your family can be long and tiring, so you have to arm yourself with plenty of patience. At the same time, you also have to keep your antennas up if you really want to find what you’re looking for. You never know when a great house is going to hit the market if you don’t do your research. Family and friends can be of great help, and provide helpful tips.
But if you’re researching a larger area such as Newcastle and you need a bit of extra help to narrow down your options, you can find very good agents in Newcastle that can provide professional assistance and smooth the process for you.
Assuming you already have a list of promising properties, the next step is to visit each of these houses in person and inspect them thoroughly. Go from room to room, checking every nook and corner, but don’t forget to look at the bigger picture either.
Speaking of pictures, it’s a good idea to take as many photos as possible. This will give you the possibility to take another look at the houses later, with fresh eyes, just in case you’ve missed something while you were roaming around. It will also help you compare properties and make a list of all their pros and cons.
Although this might sound a bit cheesy, you have to trust your instinct and follow your heart if you truly want to find the perfect house for you. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be open to advice, suggestions, and recommendations, but in the end, you’re the one who knows what’s best for you and your family.
Buying a house is as much about looking at things from a practical perspective as it is about being in tune with your emotions and listening to that little voice inside your head that is trying to guide you. Trust that you will make a wise decision and don’t be afraid of speaking your mind.