Buying the Right Home for Your Family
By: Jessie Tucker Mitchell
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| Buying a home is a life-altering decision—even more so when it's the place you plan to raise your children. Many parents find their priorities change tremendously when kids come along; couples who once refused to live without a whirlpool tub or other luxury will find that a playroom and substantial back yard are suddenly much more essential. For those of you in search of a home, the first step in this exciting process is to determine your family's long-term needs. | ||
| Though some buyers enter the process with their eyes shut, others swear by "the lists": one for needs, and one for wants. The needs list should include features you feel are necessary for comfortable living: the number of bedrooms and baths, the size of the garage, total square footage, and more. The wish list, though not as important, will probably be longer, full of features you would like to have. This list, which can include anything from a gas or wood fireplace to a swimming pool, can be used down the road to help you evaluate and prioritize the final houses in your search. | ||
| Ron Yaudes, the relocation director for Century 21 Ripley Realty in Austin, Texas, hears many requests for several features in particular: "People are looking for upgraded kitchens and walk-in closets with plenty of space," he said.
Scarlett Gordon, a realtor with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta, has seen a recent growing interest in floor plans. "Many relocating families are looking for a kitchen open to the family room because moms like to know what's going on," she said. | ||
| Affordability Of course, before perusing a booklet of real estate listings, you must determine what you can afford—if for no other reason than to avoid the disappointment of finding a home that is perfect, but simply too expensive. When going through the numbers, remember to think about your down payment, mortgage payments, utility bills, and taxes. You might also want to factor in closing costs, which many sellers now expect the buyers to pay. | ||
| Old vs. New Once the search begins, many people find themselves torn between whether they want a new house or an older one. Newer houses usually have less maintenance costs and are located in newer neighborhoods with younger families—a bonus when you start arranging play dates. An older house, on the other hand, is usually located in a more established neighborhood with older families, and is generally less expensive than a comparable newer home. On this issue, opinions vary widely. Patricia Wheeler, a broker with Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate in Florence, Oregon, finds many potential homebuyers ask to see the newer homes first. "They want a neighborhood where there are other families with children," she said. | ||
| Neighborhood Indeed, the type of neighborhood becomes a major determining factor when deciding on a home—and buyers should do their research. After all, when you purchase a home, you purchase part of the neighborhood as well. Some people look for neighborhoods with sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. However, to others, these features are of secondary importance. "Walkable neighborhoods are certainly preferred," said Susan Harding, a broker with RE/MAX Greater Atlanta, "but neighborhoods that offer (swimming and tennis) and plenty of cul de sac lots are the most popular." She adds that the location of a neighborhood is also important: many families enjoy having access to nearby stores and services that meet their routine needs, such as a grocery store, coffee shop, or hair salon. Finally, a home with "curb appeal" (a well-maintained and attractive appearance) automatically increases its inherent value—not only because you may need to resell, but also because these homes have established landscaping, which means less work for you. | ||
| Proximity to Work Proximity to work is another main priority when searching for a neighborhood. With congested highways and longer commuting time, living as close as possible to your place of employment will save time and aggravation—and may increase the value of your home. According to a May 28, 2001 article in U. S. News and World Report, a Chicago home located within a quarter mile of public transportation costs $36,000 more than a home located further away. With Atlanta now encompassing 13 counties, Gordon finds that one of a relocating family's primary concerns is commuting time. "People will actually drive from the house to where they work before making a decision," she said. "They are very family-oriented and do not want to spend four hours a day in a car." | ||
| Schools, Schools, Schools Finally, no home-buying research would be complete without first learning as much as possible about surrounding schools. Gordon has found that "many times a family's sole motivation for moving is to find a better school system for the children." Walt Fitzgerald, a broker with Century 21 Minuteman Realty in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, claims that specific school-related requests help narrow the search: "They're looking for what types of sports programs are available, what's offered around town. These are limiting factors if you are looking for something specific." | ||
| When it comes to education, you may have a multitude of questions, and the best way to answer most of them is by visiting local schools. Talk to principals and teachers, as well as other parents whose children attend the school. You may even want to attend a school function, such as a concert or presentation, to examine the relationships between students and staff. Class size has gained attention over the past several years, with opinions varying widely; large classes can be effective, of course, depending on the teacher's approach and training, while small classes guarantee individual attention from staff yet sometimes limit quality peer interaction. Because most schools have large class sizes, teachers are assigned classroom aides—and these assistants can make a huge difference. | ||
| You may find it helpful to learn what curriculum the school uses, and how the school ensures that each student meets the curriculum standards. Just as important is the school's code of behavior and how it is enforced; some parents believe that leaving behavior standards to each individual teacher's discretion can confuse children and cause more problems in the long run. | ||
| Many schools are eager for parent volunteers, while others offer few opportunities for active participation. If you plan to play an active role not only in your child's education but in her school environment as well, you may want to find out beforehand if the school welcomes volunteers. On the other hand, some schools require parent involvement, and if these requirements do not fit into your busy schedule, you may want to look for another school. | ||
| Finally, rely on your instincts. While you cannot find a perfect school, you can choose one that seems best for your child. | ||
| The house-buying process can be long and agonizing—but it can also be full of fun and excitement. After all, this is the place where you will raise your family and spend the best years of your life. Enjoy it! | ||
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