House Hunting with Young Children
Now that your family is growing you need a little more room for everyone. This is an exciting time for all of you, but change is hard for some people and moving to a new home and school system can be especially hard for children. That is why I think it makes sense to bring the kids when I take families out to go house hunting. Including children in the process will ultimately help them with the transition when it is time to move.
It can be challenging, but preparation and planning make it easier to tour homes when children come along. I have put together some of my best tips and tricks to help everyone get the most out of the experience. It all starts with a conversation about what your youngest family members want in the next house. Share your wish list items, too! These items will come in handy throughout the day.
Before you leave the house, make sure they are ready for the day. Spending a day in and out of homes you want to consider for your family is a busy day. Everyone needs to have a good breakfast and dress appropriately for the busy day ahead. The kids should wear comfortable clothes and the right shoes. Flip-flops, boat shoes, or ballet flats are ideal because the kids can easily slip in and out of them when visiting homes that have a “no shoes” policy.
Pack snacks, drinks, and entertainment for them.
Once you are ready to leave the house well prepared for a successful and fun outing, here are some ideas that will help make the day run smoothly for your family.
Leave personal toys and belongings in the car when touring a home. Nothing is more upsetting than discovering that a lovie or favorite blanket has been left behind.
Make sure children know that it is okay to be excited but make it clear to them that we are guests in someone else’s home. No jumping on beds or playing with toys or running through the house. Reenforce the idea that this is a “look but don’t touch” place.
Now is a good time to refer to the Wish List to redirect that energy. Your child can help you find the important features that are on your house hunting list. Games such as “I Spy” or “Scavenger Hunt” encourage them to look for those features that are important to the family: a kitchen island, a mudroom, or a big yard with a tree swing for example.
Take lots of breaks! If you have planned a marathon day of touring, make sure your Realtor knows when to schedule bathroom breaks and mealtimes. Make it more fun by adding a stop to a playground in one of the neighborhoods you are viewing and let the kids burn off some energy.
Get their opinions! Children are honest and they will give you very good feedback. This is also a good opportunity to pay attention to overly negative comments that have more to do with fear of moving than a distaste for a particular house. Good conversations now will make their move into a new home easier.
It is important to work with a Realtor who understands that everyone in the family is affected by a new home purchase. Nest Realtors are trained to work with the dynamics of a busy household to ensure you have a productive experience that meets the challenge and excitement of finding a new home.