Buying a new home can be exciting or anxiety-inducing and overwhelming, usually more of the latter when you have kids. There are just so many things to consider as a parent that the home-buying process becomes even more complex. But it will be far more manageable if you know what to consider and what to look for. To help you out, then, here are the 5 things to consider when buying a house as a parent in Atlanta.
1. Location
Location is almost always the paramount consideration in real estate, but especially when you’re buying a house as a parent in Atlanta.
As a parent, you should, for example, look for a house located near the schools your children will attend. And you’d likely want a house situated on the right kind of street, say, a quiet side road or a cul-de-sac, which would be much safer for your kids without the raucous through traffic.
Location isn’t only about the street, though. It also has to do with the surrounding community. As a parent, you want to consider buying a house in a small town rather than in a big city. Although the cultural opportunities will be less, the closer-knit community, the lower crime rate, and the easy access to nature may more than make up for it.
Location is such an important aspect of buying a house that your best course is to work closely with a Atlanta agent. A good local agent can help you find the right location to meet your needs. To consult an agent, call (404) 977-5054.
2. Quality of Local Schools
Certainly, the quality of the local schools will be an important consideration in buying a house as a parent. Without a doubt, parents want their children to attend quality, high-ranking schools that offer the best education options possible. There’s more to it than that, though . . .
Homes located in high-quality school districts are worth more and sell faster. And this means that your home investment will increase in value in a good school district. And if you ever want to sell you can sell for more.
You can use one of the many online tools such as greatschools.org or niche.com to find out about school districts. Or you can consult a Atlanta agent at (404) 977-5054.
3. Size and Layout of the House
Also, be sure to carefully consider the size and layout when buying a house when you have kids. After all, kids will grow, and the size of your family may grow as well. So you’ll need plenty of room to accommodate everyone and all their belongings.
The layout/floor plan of the house is also important because it needs to meet your family’s needs and fit your lifestyle. Consider, for example, whether you can sleep close to your infant. Are there enough bathrooms? Are the kitchen, dining, and living areas large enough? Will your kids share bedrooms, or do you want each to have his/her own bedroom?
4. Safety of the Home
And certainly, safety is an important consideration when buying a house as a parent in Atlanta, especially if you have small children.
For example, a home with stairs may not be the best option if you have toddlers. Open staircases always present a danger of falls. Is there a pool in the backyard or creek or pond nearby that can present dangers? Is the yard fenced in to keep kids from wandering off?
5. Easy View of the Backyard
Similarly, since you can’t always be outside with your kids, buying a house that affords an easy and direct line of sight to the yard where kids will be playing is best. Typically, this means a kitchen window situated such that you can watch kids playing outside while you’re cooking and washing dishes. It may also mean a clear view of your kids’ outdoor play area from your homework area. The peace of mind you’ll get from this is worth the extra effort.
Use a Atlanta Agent When Buying a House
It should be pretty plain, then, that there’s more to consider when buying a house as a parent. So it pays to work closely with an experienced Atlanta agent to help you find just the right house for you and your kids. And we have the agents with the knowledge and experience to provide the assistance you’ll need. If you’re a parent and are considering buying a house, contact us today at (404) 977-5054.