Buying a Family Home: Things to Consider
If the time has come to buy the perfect home for your family, whether it’s new or simply growing, there are some important factors to consider before putting in an offer on a property. Here are our top tips for families looking for their next home.
Budget
While we know that budgeting for a home is hard, it’s important to consider all of the other things you need to budget for. Budget for your actual move. Moving vans can be expensive, whether you’re paying for weight or distance. Are you going to need new furniture when you move? That can add up and it’s important to budget that in before you make an offer on your dream property. If your home is a bit of a fixer upper, it’s also important to factor in your budget for renovations.
Size
If your family is growing, it’s important to consider how much space this home has. Will it allow your family to grow, or is it only perfect for right now? If you know your family will continue to grow, buy a house that will allow you to expand.
Does it have the backyard you’re wanting for the size of family you have? If you like to entertain, be sure to factor in how big the kitchen, dining room, or living room needs to be.
Neighborhood
It’s important to take note of the neighborhoods that you’re looking in. Is it new or old? They both have advantages. New neighborhoods typically see younger families moving in, but older neighborhoods they’re typically more established with more mature trees and parks. The con of older neighborhoods is that the houses may be older and require more work. With younger or newer areas, they may take time to grow trees, and build parks.
Take note of the neighborhood amenities. There may be trail systems, parks, shops or restaurants nearby. These are great things that can really improve the quality of a home. It’s also a good idea to note if there are busy roads close to the property. Does the neighborhood have good sidewalks and safe crosswalks? Take a look at these factors, as they’re easy to overlook when you fall in love with a property.
Location
What schools are closest to the new property? You may want to consider what school system you want to be in, and the house you buy could determine that. Another factor that some might forget to consider, is how close the property is to other amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. If you want to be close to your place of work, know which neighborhoods you’re looking in and ask your Bend Oregon realtor to help you find a property that fits your needs.
