First Home Considerations for New Parents

When you become a new parent, the thought of starting life in your first home is exciting. Instead of diving right into home ownership, you want to make sure the home is not too good to be true. To help you make the right decision, here are several things all new parents should consider when choosing their first home.

Budget

Remember, raising a child is expensive, so you want to avoid spending more than you can afford. It is important to set a budget that includes your monthly expenses, including groceries, formula, diapers, daycare, utilities and mortgage. This way, you can narrow down your search to what you can afford. Luckily, homes come in many sizes, styles and prices, so you are sure to find a few that catch your eye within your budget.

Location

You should always take the location into consideration, as this is where you are going to be raising your child. You may want a home that is close to the park, and of course you want to be close to their pediatrician and possible daycare. Is the neighborhood kid-friendly? Is it too close to a major highway? If you are planning to stay long-term, be sure to research the nearby school district.

Safety

Safety should be a top concern when buying a home for your family. Make the most of your open house visits by checking to see what may be dangerous for your little one. Exposed wiring or a staircase with a loose railing are safety hazards to an exploring toddler, and your family in general. While many hazards are fixable, you need to determine if the repairs are worth your time and money in the end.

Layout

A three bedroom home may seem like a dream come true, but you want to make sure the layout is right for your family. Do you really want a home where the master bedroom is not on the same floor as the nursery? Would you prefer an open layout so you can keep an eye on your little one? Can you watch your child play in the backyard from the kitchen window? Remember, your new home should work for everyone.

Amenities

You also want to consider the amenities, especially if your child is going to grow up in this house. For example, a shelf that is difficult to access may work for toddler-proofing the kitchen, but what happens when they are older and cannot reach it? Another example is the closet space, which you are going to need a lot of as your child grows. A house on a hill may be something you can deal with before children, but imagine trying to carry their car seat and diaper bag up and down the hill.

When buying your first home as a new parent, you need to take your time, consider your wants and needs and research every home that catches your eye. You want to make sure your new home is comfortable and safe for your whole family.