The Crier Landing Page >>
TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS BUYING A FAMILY HOME
By: Kimberly Kadesh | September 9, 2021
When my husband and I bought our first home in Marin, we were newly engaged and the thought of children seemed so far away that we didn’t consider our future family’s needs. Now that we are contemplating baby #2, it may be time to move on from our starter home.
If you are looking to either expand into a larger home or purchase for the first time, here are a few tips to keep in mind when searching for your perfect home. Houses in Marin move quickly so having a good sense of what you’re looking for will allow you to act fast when your dream home pops up!
MAKE SURE THE FLOOR PLAN FITS YOUR FAMILY
Do you want to avoid having your children climb stairs to your room? Make sure all the bedrooms are on the same level. Do you have an energetic infant or toddler that loves to roam around the house? Opt for an open floor plan so you can keep your eyes on them.
FIND A SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD
Marin is a family-friendly place but consider the specific street you live on. Is there a lot of traffic during commute hours? Is the road flat for your children to ride bikes or walk around the block?
CONSIDER SCHOOL DISTRICT AND DISTANCE
You really can’t go wrong with the schools in Marin but research the schools in your district. Are they up to your standards? What is the proximity to your house? Can your children get to school safely on their own? If not, is dropping off and picking up your children from school convenient for your schedule?
LOOK FOR A FLAT YARD, OR CLOSE PROXIMITY TO PARKS
It’s helpful to have a safe outdoor environment close by for your children to expend their energy. When house-hunting, consider if the backyard is flat and safe for your children to play in. If you opt for a house on a hill, check to see how close the local parks are to your home.
STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE.
With children comes a lot of STUFF—strollers, toys, bikes, sporting equipment, you name it. Make sure your house has ample storage space for you to put away and take out things as needed to avoid clutter.
HAVE FUN!
Searching for a house can be competitive and overwhelming, but if you try to enjoy it and keep an open mind, it can be exciting and so much fun! Try to get the whole family involved as much as possible and be sure to work with a knowledgeable agent who you get along with!
Kim Kadesh is a local Marin realtor. She lives in Greenbrae with her husband, 10-month old daughter Victoria (Tori) and energetic puppy, Cooper. She loves all aspects of real estate, but especially helping families find their forever homes! Occasionally her daughter Tori makes a guest appearance as her assistant. Visit her website today!
More from this issue:
Why Can’t Moms Take Sick Days? Read >>
Should I Hire a Postpartum Doula? Read >>
Dinner at my House Read >>
Canal Alliance: Breaking the Poverty Cycle Read >>
Buglet Learns to Fly Read >>