As real estate agents, we try to make buying a home as low-stress as possible. We’ve found all kinds of tips and tricks to help the people we work with get through the process efficiently. But there’s one factor that always makes things a little bit more complicated: buying a family home with kids.

If you’re a parent, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Few things go perfectly according to plan when you have children. And when it comes to taking a step as major as finding and moving into a new home, life can get downright chaotic.

The good news? After years of helping families find their dream homes, we’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t. Read on to learn how you can reduce the stress of buying a family home with the little ones.

Focus on your finances

From daycare to school supplies, there are a whole lot of costs involved in raising kids. These expenses are bound to have an impact on how much house you can afford, which is why we can’t overstress the importance of budgeting.

To start creating your home-hunting budget, figure out what your family’s after-tax income is. Next, tally up your regular household expenses. Finally, look at how your monthly budget will change when you move. Will you be paying property taxes for the first time? Were you paying condo fees that can now come off of your list of expenses?

With these numbers (and the advice of a great real estate agent), you should be able to come up with the right price range when looking at buying a family home in the future.

Make a list of must-haves

Before starting a home search, we always tell clients to make a list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Knowing which features and amenities are negotiable (and which aren’t) can really simplify your search.

Unfortunately, identifying these “must-haves” can be a bit trickier when you have a family. It means anticipating everybody’s future needs. Are you planning to have another child? When your son is in daycare and your daughter is in kindergarten, how will everybody get where they need to go?

Take time to think these questions through. They’ll help you set essential criteria, like how many bedrooms you need and how much parking you require.

Narrow down your geographic location

Once you’ve decided on your “must-have” features, it’s time to select a location. In our experience, most families have one particular neighbourhood in mind. But the truth is, the area that sits at the very top of your list may not be the one that make the most sense for your lifestyle and budget.

Luckily, Toronto’s West End is full of vibrant communities. Start by setting a criteria to find yours. What kind of community do you want to be a part of? For many parents, living in a family-oriented neighbourhood is important. How much does your school district matter? What about your home’s proximity to a daycare centre or park? Then, of course, there’s the issue of affordability.

As agents, part of our job is making sure you find the right home in the right neighbourhood. But if you’re the hands-on type, you can get a jump on the process by doing some online research.

Find the right agent

It’s a good idea to interview the real estate professionals you’re thinking of working with. Learning about their credentials and experience will help you settle on a skilled representative. But if you have kids, you need more than just a good agent. You need an agent who understands the unique home-buying challenges you face. We’re talking about someone who truly cares about your family’s needs and shows a willingness to accommodate your hectic schedule. Here are a few questions you should keep in mind during an interview with an agent before buying a family home.

• Do they have experience working with families?
• How and when can you reach them?
• Will they preview homes for you?
• Do they listen attentively, and do they seem to understand your needs?

Prepare to sell—early!

If your family is like most, you’ll need to sell your existing home before you move. Do yourself a favour: don’t underestimate how long this process can take when there are kids involved! Our advice is to start your home preparations early. Families accumulate clutter, and storing or getting rid of it should be priority number one.

Once you’ve pared down your belongings, it’s time to think about home staging. The right real estate agent will go beyond optimizing your living room and kitchen to help you make your kid-friendly areas more universally appealing. This could mean organizing play areas so that parents can see how much space they contain. It might mean toning down some of the brightly-coloured decorations in your children’s bedrooms. It depends on who your most likely buyer is and what your home looks like now. To get things rolling, consult with an Realtor early on.

Make it a family affair

Doing things together can bring families closer—and moving into a new home is no exception. While parents are the decision-makers, children tend to adapt better to new environments when they feel like they’re part of the process.

Why not get your kids excited about their upcoming move? Try talking about aspects that might interest them—like a brand new bedroom. Finding ways to involve kids in the process can also encourage their cooperation. While you’re decluttering and getting organized, consider assigning them chores and (if appropriate) rewarding them for a job well done.

Buying a family home can be a major hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of careful planning, purchasing a home and moving your family into it can be a smooth process—and maybe even a fun one.

Are you thinking of buying a family home now or in the future? We know the ins and outs of the home-buying process—and what it’s like to move with a family. Get in touch, and we can help!

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