Perhaps the most important consideration when starting a family is finding the right home and environment to raise your kids. After all, the home is the center of family life, serving as the backdrop to family events – from celebrating key milestones like first steps and words to playing backyard cricket with the kids in their teens. The following tips can help you determine what to look for in your search for an ideal family home.
The first rule of thumb is to decide on a budget. It is always tempting to justify high prices on your dream home but if this additional spend cuts into other important savings like your kids’ college funds or retirement savings, it might be wiser to stay patient and look for a more moderately priced home. While it can be materially pleasing to live in that dream home, the stress on your finances may be too much to bear.
Once you have fleshed out a range of acceptable prices then the fun part begins – brainstorming and researching your ideal neighborhood. Living in a safe, friendly and prospering neighborhood is just as important as the actual home itself. So look for a home in an area that suits your needs – inside a great school district for the kids, close to shops and restaurants and if you can afford it and get lucky enough close to the beach!
Once your kids grow from toddlers to active and hyper youngsters you will want a decent yard to kick a ball around, for the dog to roam, and one where your privacy is protected. If that sounds out of your budget, then actively search out a townhouse or apartment that is walking distance to parks, fields, reserves or beaches that in effect act as your own backyard and playground.
Then there’s the actual house itself – first thing’s first, make sure that your home is livable upon move-in and that you won’t have to fork out big money to keep it from falling apart or leaking. Keep in mind too, that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Consider the size of your family, or the size you’re planning for, and settle on a number of rooms that you need.
Wherever and however life moves you, Conroy is here to support you as you move ahead to greener pastures!