House Hunting with Kids

House Hunting with Kids
Part 2 of Moving with Kids

Every American has a dream of home ownership. It is something we have grown up dreaming about. We plan for it, save for it, pray for it. Then comes that wonderful day that we have always looked forward to, when we can walk into the home of our dreams and say "I'll take it!"
There is a lot that goes on before and after you get to that grand moment when you know a home is right for you and your family. I am currently going through it. There is a house that is perfect and then all the things I have to do to actually buy it.
Here are some of the things that I have found out while going through this process.

1. Make a reasonable wish-list

Despite what all the house hunter show's want you to think, not every home on the market has granite counter tops and hard wood floors. And can you afford them anyway? Sad to say it, but some of the things on most people's wish lists are out of their budget.
My wish-list for my future home was for a 4 bedroom, at least 2 baths, open floor plan, 2 car garage with two garage doors, large yard, quiet and safe neighbor hood, and only a few years old. While not totally unrealistic, a new build was not in our budget. I was willing to adjust and got everything that my family really needed in a new home. It is a great place!

2. What is your budget

What ever your budget is it is important to stick with it. Going over means a larger monthly payment, which may mean more time at the office, therefore less time in you new house. Don't you love how it always goes in a circle like that? Pick a home that you find comfortable and affordable so you can actually enjoy time in it.

3. What do your kids want in a house

As you go looking for a house, especially if you have older kids, find out what matters to them. For my children there were 3 things that they had to have in a new house.
         A. 2 bathrooms - both of their Grandparents have 2 bathrooms and that means a house is fancy.
         B. Stairs - a house is very fancy if it had stairs.
         C. A big back yard - meaning a yard that is big enough for them and a puppy.
Their wish list isn't extensive or unreasonable so I did all I could to make them come true. What are your children's dreams?

4. Pick the right agent

The agent you choose can make or break your house buying experience. They are your link between you and the seller. They help with all the paper work that is needed to buy a house. (And there is more paper work than you think!)
We met several real estate agents as we looked at houses. One was showing us houses with all the high end finishes at the top of our price range. While these houses were nice, none of them were large enough for you family. One was even smaller than our current apartment! This agent didn't listen to our needs so we went with someone who did. Choose some one who listens to what you want.

5. It will be a long day 

Unlike all the great house hunting shows you will look at more than 3 houses and it will take a while. Plan for it with plenty of snacks, potty breaks, and even a few episodes of your child's favorite show. They will need a little down time during the day.
If you happen to visit a house with lots of breakables, a grandma house as my husband calls it, it may be better to take turns going inside. We visited a house like that. While our oldest daughter was fine to go inside, the younger ones would have been much less fine. Taking turns worked out fine for us and then we talked about how we liked the house later.

6. Don't feel pressured

On my recent house hunting experience I felt so stressed about getting a home that day. We had traveled 10 hours to get to this new town just to find a home and we only had the one day to do it in.
We had all of our kids with us. At each house they asked if this was the house we were buying. No matter how many times I said we were just looking they would still decide which bedroom they wanted.
Needless to say that my husband and I felt a lot of pressure to get a house right then. We did choose one but as the process of buying it began we didn't feel good about it. Thankfully we got out of it and are now buying the perfect house for our family, but please learn from my mistake and don't be pressured!

6. Make it a matter of prayer

I feel God want's to be involved in all matters of our lives, great and small. Buying a house is a pretty big deal! Make it a matter of family prayer. Guidance and peace will come when you do. It certainly did for my family.

I truly hope that you enjoy looking for a house with your kids. It was such a bonding experience for us. I really came to understand what they needed to feel secure in their future home. They were even willing to share some of their dreams they had for our new town. (My daughter is hoping to make a best friend who only lives a few houses away so they can play together every day. Precious!) Best of luck as you go looking for your new home!