When you have children and pets, choosing a family-friendly home can be of the utmost importance. However, not every prospective purchaser understands what to look for and the features that make a home truly family-friendly. If you’re about to embark on the sales journey and purchase a home for you and your children, pay close attention to the following features:
Fencing
Talk to family lawyers like Galbraith Family Law, and they’ll likely tell you that fencing for a yard facing a busy road can be crucial for children’s safety. Law firms often work with parents on child custody agreements, and each parent’s home environment can be pivotal in determining child custody and parenting orders.
While a lack of fencing might not be the deciding factor in whether a child is safe in their home environment, it might be a consideration. Therefore, if you’re purchasing a home for yourself and your children, don’t underestimate the importance of a secured yard where they can safely play.
Sidewalks
While not necessarily a house feature, sidewalks can be important when purchasing a family-friendly home. Pushing children in strollers, walking them to school, and even exercising your dog can all be much more challenging if you don’t have adequate sidewalks in your neighborhood to help you reach your destinations. If the sidewalks don’t look appropriate, think about how you would otherwise navigate your neighborhood safely when you choose not to use your car.
Schooling
Schooling can significantly impact where you choose to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes in good school districts often sell more quickly than those in lower-quality districts. They also tend to hold their value and command higher selling prices.
If your children are of schooling age or will be during your years of homeownership, keep the school district in the back of your mind. Think about the school you’d like your children to attend and consider searching for properties in that specific zone.
Open Floor Plans
Pay close attention to the floor plans of the homes you visit to see if they suit your supervisory needs. Children can work quickly when they’re doing something they shouldn’t be, and an open floor plan gives you the upper hand for supervising them from the main areas of your home. In contrast, closed floor plans with separate kitchens, living areas, and dining rooms can often make it much more challenging to provide the necessary supervision.
Storage
The average family home can be chaotic, with children’s school items, toys, sports equipment, and games taking up a great deal of space. While you might clear the clutter often and have a reasonably-sized home, it still helps to ensure the next home you purchase has adequate storage.
Check bedrooms for closets and shelving, and note whether it has storage space in the attic or garage. The more storage space you have, the more organized your home can be. However, not having in-built storage doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. You can purchase drawers, cabinets, and shelves to compensate for shortfalls.
There’s more to choosing a home than finding one within your budget. You must also consider whether it’s safe for your children. Compare these features to the next house you visit to potentially improve the chances of finding the most appropriate home for your family’s needs.
