How to Buy a Home that Grows With Your Family

Crystal 

Walker

Content Writer

Dreaming about and finding your perfect home is one of life’s most exciting ventures, especially when you’re doing it with your growing family in mind. Perhaps you’ve just welcomed your first bundle of joy, or maybe your toddler isn’t so little anymore and you need more space (and a living room that doesn’t double as a playroom).

No matter what your situation is, purchasing a home isn’t just about what your current family looks like, it’s about planning for the future as well. Let’s be real, moving with kids is hardly anyone’s idea of a good time, so planning as much as you can now can save you some headaches later. With that in mind, what can you do to ensure your purchase today will still work years down the road?

Envision the Space in Multiple Scenarios

When you’re house hunting, you have to think ahead…way ahead. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of today, but you must picture your life in the house with multiple kids, multiple pets, and other changing family dynamics. Will you still love the home when the toys are replaced by textbooks and cribs turn into bunk beds?

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Is there enough space if you have one, two, or more children?
• If caring for aging parents or other family members could be a possibility, would you be able to accommodate them?
• What is the potential for the rooms? Can the home office become a nursery?
• Is there potential to do additions later on?

You want to look for layouts that offer the most flexibility, even if it means passing up the most Pinterest worthy space. Additional rooms and the ability to expand should be at the top of your list.

Safety First

With little ones, safety is of the utmost concern. Before falling head over heels for a home, it’s important to take an inventory of features such as:

• Stairs (can a baby gate be installed?)
• Pool access and safety features
• Proximity of street traffic
• Driveway/sidewalk conditions

It’s easy to overlook these when touring homes, but they indeed require a close inspection and plan for how you’ll adapt them safely.

Don’t Ignore Outdoor Living

Not everyone places much importance on their outdoor living space, but when your goals include expanding your crew, you have to consider how you, and they, will want to spend time outside. Do your dreams of parenthood involve kicking a soccer ball around the yard? You’ll need ample space for that. Or are you more drawn to a low maintenance patio and prefer to use community amenities? Having a plan now will make all the difference later.

The More Storage, the Better

Families accumulate more and more belongings as the years go by, and this is particularly true with each new welcome addition. From the day they are born, kids come with a lot of stuff. The early years are full of strollers, toys, and all sorts of gadgets. Then, as the years go by, you’ll rack up an assortment of sentimental artwork, writing, and awards that you wouldn’t dare part with. 

Closets are probably the first thought you have here, but it would do you well to think bigger. Mudrooms, garages with shelving, attics, and basements all come in clutch when looking for storage solutions. The more spots you have to stash things, the more organized and safe your home will feel.

The Community Matters

Spend some time imagining the type of neighborhood you want to raise your family in. Do you want an area full of other kids for yours to play with? Parks within walking distance? A neighborhood with frequent community events? These are the questions you need to sit with in order to determine what’s best for your family.

School Districts Matter Too

School zones may not be at the forefront of your thoughts if you haven’t had children yet, or if they’re still in diapers. As we all know too well, time flies, and you’ll be faced with schooling before you know it. Not only do you want the best education possible for your kids, but homes in reputable school districts tend to hold their value much better. Even if you plan to go the private or homeschool route, living in a great school district adds resale appeal.

Budget for the Future

It’s tempting to spare no expenses when looking for and creating your forever home, but remember, children come with a lot of unexpected costs. Childcare, braces, sports fees, and medical bills all add up. Leave a cushion in your budget so you can enjoy your home, but also be more prepared for life with kids. A beautiful, perfect home isn’t quite so enjoyable when you’re stressing over mounting bills. 

Get Excited and Prepare for What’s Ahead

Purchasing a home that will grow with you is about finding a balance between your current needs and your future goals. Aiming for something safe, flexible, and in the right community helps you invest in the right foundation for your family’s life to unfold. While it’s impossible to predict every twist and turn along the way, planning thoughtfully now will make the journey that much easier.