Welcoming a baby to the family is filled with a plethora of emotions and a number of changes. This is the time when your priorities completely shift, and meeting your newborn’s needs becomes the number one thing on your list.
This is especially evident in the changes you’re going to make in order to accommodate your little bundle of joy. After all, you’re preparing to start a new life, and you’ll need to find a place that fits all the different needs you’re going to have as a growing family. Knowing what to look for in your first home is vital, so if you’re first-time expecting parents, here are a few tips to help you out on your first home-buying journey.
The right size of the home
To be able to properly accommodate your growing family, you’ll need a home with the right amount of square footage. What’s considered the “right amount” can be difficult to tell, especially if you’re not certain about how many children you plan on having. In that case, it’s better to go for a home that’s a bit larger and has a couple of spare rooms. Even if you go for a smaller home, you can always add extra space with an expansion. Just make sure to get your home ready before the baby comes, though.
As for the layout, look for abodes with an open-floor plan. This is a particularly practical feature since the whole family can spend time together while enjoying different activities. It’s also easier for new parents to keep an eye on their little ones, especially when they become more active.
Must-haves and nice-to-haves
There’s a big difference between a need and a want, and you want to discuss this with your partner. While an outdoor area for your kids to play in is vital, things such as outdoor pools and large gardens are a bonus and should be considered nice-to-haves.
Of course, every family has their own idea of important home features. Still, we can all agree that communal areas such as the bathroom should be practical and functional. Even if a home you like has a bathroom that isn’t exactly the definition of “practical”, there’s nothing that a professional bathroom remodel can’t make better and more functional. The same goes for areas such as the kitchen. These spaces are central to your day-to-day living, and they ought to be designed with practicality in mind.
Safe and child-friendly features
As a first-time parent, it is important that you look for a home that will check all the boxes when it comes to your little one’s safety. If you’re purchasing a furnished home, consider how child-friendly the furniture is. Rounded edges and hues/materials that are easy to clean and maintain are a big plus in every parent’s book. Aside from looking for kid-friendly furnishings, you’ll also need to identify and child-proof any features that could pose a safety hazard, including swimming pools and stairs.
To help keep your new home organized, be sure to look for a home that offers plenty of storage options. Babies come with a lot of stuff, and all the strollers, car seats, toys, and clothing can pile up pretty quickly. Naturally, you’ll need a lot of space to store everything away when it’s not used and keep your living spaces clutter-free.
Location, location, location
Last but not least, you want to look for a home with a good location. This is a place where your children will be growing up in, so you want to make sure that it’s located in an area that’s safe. Once you’re certain about a home you want to get, drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day. This will give you an insight into its dynamics and help you decide if the neighborhood is safe. While you’re at it, look for child-friendly amenities in the area such as parks and playgrounds.
Take into account the proximity to schools as well, and do some research regarding local school ratings. You also want to have access to essential facilities such as pharmacies and hospitals, so keep that in mind as well when searching for your new home.
A new home means a new beginning
Whether you’re preparing to welcome a new member or planning to expand your family soon, there’s no doubt that you need a home that will accommodate everyone in it. While finding one may seem like a daunting task, it’s simply a matter of knowing what to look for. Keep these tips in mind as you embark on your home-buying journey, and you’ll be well on your way to finding that ideal place to start a new life in.
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