Home buying is usually a long drawn out process that comprises multiple stages. While most advice you’ll receive is pretty consistent, there are some aspects that tend to get left. One such aspect is taking into account what your kids want in a home. This might seem like a frivolous dalliance at first – after all, how can children’s opinions be taken seriously?
The point we’re trying to make is that you should ideally factor in your kids’ needs. Here are some reasons why:
- Legal heirs:
Unless you have other plans with your property, the home would pass on to your kids once you’ve moved on. Given this, the home should either be one that your kids want to hold on to or it should bring them adequate returns if they choose to sell it. - The formative years:
If you have young children, you know better than anyone else that they grow up very quickly. Chances are that your child will spend his or her formative years in the home you choose. Wouldn’t you want your child to have a safe and healthy upbringing? For instance, if the home you’re considering is on a busy street and your child finds it too loud, it is worth reconsidering.
- Changing needs:
As kids grow up, their needs change. From being tiny babies who only need a crib to being boisterous young teenagers who need their own room and privacy, you need to take a moment to think of your children’s needs in the home as he or she grows. Would your child need a swimming pool to practice for competitions? Does he or she need a space in the house dedicated to practicing music or painting? Are they little bookworms who would appreciate a home library? - Easier transition:
Moving children from one home to another can be quite upsetting. Some children adapt quickly to their new surroundings while others need more time. In order to make the transition easier, you could involve the child in house hunting, furnishing and decorating.
Children these days have very clear and emphatic preferences. Chances are that they would love to be considered in the process of buying and setting up a home as well. Apart from making them feel involved, it is more important to understand your children’s needs so that the new home is comfortable for them. After all, one can’t really buy and sell homes like commodities if it doesn’t suit the family.