Checklists for Families while House-Hunting

Working with an agent that is ACTIVE in their community and understands your needs, because they too have been in your shoes, is so incredibly important. You need an agent that can answer the questions of more than just affordability and price, but the question of “can we call this home?”. An agent that understands your schedule and values your time, because as a mom I understand that your time is precious and you’ve got things to do!

Purchasing a home is a battle of give and take. Even if you’re a current homeowner looking to trade up, or a first time buyer just trying to get started, there are choices and deal breakers you will have to battle.

My top 5 topics I took into consideration when my husband and I were house hunting….

1. Target

I know what you may be thinking…Really? Target? But having young children with ever changing nap schedules, daycare germs, potty training, busy weeknight dinners with the ONE missing ingredient and then knowing your problems can all quickly be solved with a BEEP BEEP curbside pick-up HERE I COME! All the chaos stays buckled into their carseats and mom gets to call it a win! Game changer!

2. Great School District

While as a Realtor, I cannot guide you in one way or another to what schools or districts are better than another, I can tell you as a mom that I heavily researched for my own family where our girls would go to school. My girl’s education is incredibly important to me, but I also wanted a school that felt like home. I wanted to feel good that the teachers were not only educating my little learners, but nurturing them through some of the most vital years of their lives. I encourage all my clients to do their own research, schedule tours and speak to the district staff directly to find the school that suit them best.

3. Parks

When my husband and I were first time home buyers, a condo was the only suitable living space that fit our budget at that time. We sacrificed a yard but had an incredible park within walking distance from our front door.Some of my greatest mom friends were made by hanging at that park and letting our littles get their wiggles out while we sipped coffee one the benches. Sounds dreamy, right? Our families have now created life long friendships and I am forever grateful for the memories we created.

4. Location

Having three kids means I am constantly trying to tire them out so I can accomplish the never ending laundry list of “to-dos”. If I can’t open my front door and run them ragged on their scooters through our neighborhood, I DON’T WANT IT. I encourage all of my clients to drive around the neighborhoods of the places they have chosen to buy in, and feel it out for themselves. Take a drive during school drop off hours, what is the traffic like? Take a walk around a neighborhood you’ve had your eye on, how does it feel? Maybe you don’t mind living on a busy street if the price is within your budget, and the yard has ample space in the back.

5. HOA

My husband and I owned a home that had an HOA, and while it was an added expense each month we didn’t quite understand at the time, we grew to learn the purpose it served and at times it added a great deal of security for us as first time home buyers. Ideally we weren’t looking to budget for that added dollar amount each month, but it allowed us to live in a community that offered a pool, a well kept landscaped area, security at night and a sense of community. For my buyer’s that choose to purchase a home with an HOA, I encourage them to attend meetings and get involved in the capacity that they can, because I truly feel this allows them to have a first hand knowledge of what is going on behind the scenes of their development.

Working with an agent that is ACTIVE in their community and understands your needs, because they too have been in your shoes, is so incredibly important. You need an agent that can answer the questions of more than just affordability and price, but the question of “can we call this home?”. An agent that understands your schedule and values your time, because as a mom I understand that your time is precious and you’ve got things to do!