How to Choose the Perfect Family Home
We all need a place to call home, so it is worth spending time and energy sourcing the right property when the time comes to start looking. It can often take ages to find a suitable place, even if you have an experienced realtor helping you, but if there are kids to think about too, the process can be even more difficult.
Kids make life more complicated on a number of different levels. It’s easy when you only have yourself to think about: top of your wish list might be a walk-in closet or kitchen large enough to hold dinner parties for friends. All of these things are easy enough to find, but with kids to think about, there are many more boxes to tick when searching for the ideal family home. So if you are currently looking at Montreal condos with a view to creating a family home, here are a few tips to help you on your journey.
Room for an Expanding Family
When one baby comes along, you might think “enough already!” Or you might decide to keep going and add to your brood. Big families are great, but they take up more room, so the more kids you plan on having, the larger your home needs to be to accommodate a growing family. Look for the largest property you can afford, with plenty of room for expansion if necessary. That way you won’t have to move in a couple of years.
Local Schools and Nurseries
Sooner or later kids have to get an education, and this normally means going to a local school. With this in mind, it makes sense to look at properties with good schools nearby. Often prices are higher in areas where the local schools have a great reputation, but if your child’s education is important to you, it is worth paying a premium so they can attend a better school.
Close to Friends and Family
New parents often need all the support they can get, which means calling on friends and family during times of stress. When your nearest and dearest live in another state, or even another country, this is tough on everyone, so look for a family home within easy reach of your support system where possible. And if this is impossible because of your job, at least choose a home close to an airport so friends and loved ones can visit more easily.
A Safe Neighbourhood
We can’t always choose where we live and budget often dictates the neighbourhood we can afford to buy a home in, but if you are raising a family, it is sensible to try and buy a home in the best possible area. If you don’t know the locale, ask your realtor for advice, but even with their advice, make sure you visit the area at all times of the day and evening so ensure it isn’t unsafe for your family.
Don’t rush the process of buying a family home. All being well, this will be your home for many years to come, so take your time.
