Raising kids can be one of the most exciting times of our lives! We often dream for years of having little ones run around that we can love and care for as we watch them grow into adulthood. However, it can also be very scary, as we become responsible for lives other than our own. Those of us who are parents know that the journey is worth it.
In order for your family to grow, you need to have the space to do so. Searching for a home that will fit your growing family’s needs is useful in being prepared for parenthood. Here are a few things to consider ahead of time when right-sizing your home for this exciting adventure.
Square footage
A lot of this comes down to personal preference. Will your family need a lot of space to spread out? Or do you like to cozy up and be close to everyone? For a family of four, you might consider a house in the 2,400 to 2,800 square foot range. Again, much of this depends on what you believe your family needs. When the kids are in the baby/toddler stage, space is much less of an issue than it is when they are teens. Think about the amount of high traffic areas versus bedrooms, and what percentage of the total square footage you would like each of those rooms to take up.
Bedroom/Bathroom Count
This can be crucial when it comes to right-sizing your home. If you are planning to have a certain number of kids, then it is smart to plan on one bedroom per child. However, maybe you grew up sharing a room with a sibling and you loved it, so you want a different ratio. If you already have kids that are a little older when you are in the process of finding a home, ask them what they would look for when it comes to bedrooms. You are, after all, buying this new house for your family.
Bathrooms can become a really touchy subject among families. Everyone needs time in the morning and at night, and conflicts will inevitably arise. Keep this in mind as you think about how many bathrooms are necessary, and almost as importantly, where they are in the house. It’s never fun having to walk downstairs in the middle of the night for a bathroom trip.
Outdoor space
Kids need to be outside. Fresh air, vitamin D, and the chance to run around and expel some energy are important for growing children. Before finding a new home, talk with your family about what you would like the outdoors to be used for. Will you want space for a pool or swing set? Do you want trees for privacy and shade, or a wide open yard with room for playing games? Maybe a fence would help with keeping an eye on younger children. There are many things to consider about your outdoor space, so be sure to discuss ideas for it ahead of time. Make sure it is a space that your kids, at whatever age, can grow into.
Location, location, location!
This should be a major determining factor in your search. You probably want a neighborhood that is safe and close to convenient shopping. There are so many great areas in Central New York where raising a family becomes easier because of proximity to everything that you may need. Fun locations for families are everywhere, such as Green Lakes State Park, Destiny USA mall, and the nationally recognized Beak & Skiff apple orchard.
Your childrens’ education is another aspect of finding a home, as you will want to research potential school districts. This is where a local realtor can be helpful, telling you about the pros and cons of each local school and the options that will be available to you when you decide to move.
I can help you find your family’s home
If you are looking to right-size for your growing family, I would love to listen to what your needs and desires are for your future home. Contact me today, and let’s begin the process of finding your perfect home!