How To Make Buying A Home A Family Affair
ShareWhether you've outgrown your present home, you're having to move out of town, or for whatever other reason, moving to a new home often brings mixed emotions for your family. On one hand, it's exciting to be looking forward to new adventures. However, on the other hand, it may be sad to leave friends, family and familiar places behind. If you've decided to involve your children in the selection of your new home to make the move more appealing to them, here are some suggestions that might help.
- Have A Family Meeting - If your children are old enough to engage in a family discussion, then they're probably old enough for you to discuss finances with them. While young minds might visualize buying the most luxurious house available, help them to see that there's a limit to how much can be spent, including the fact that utilities will be a lot more expensive in a massive home. However, cost may not play a large part in the type of house you and your children would like to live in. It would be fun for you to show them pictures of different style houses.
- Go For A Drive - Another idea for deciding on what type of house your family wants is to take a drive in a neighborhood that closely mirrors the kind of neighborhood you'll be living in when you move. By doing this, each family member can point out houses he or she likes, and the reason the house is appealing. Think about taking pictures that you can look at later. Perhaps one person could take notes of things that can be added to any house you select.
- Talk About Compromise - Before the time comes to actually talk to a realtor, it will be helpful for your children to understand that they may have to compromise so that everybody can be happy. For example, perhaps one of the children wanted a swimming pool really badly, while another child fell in love with a house that had space for a large playscape. When you talk to the realtor, express the desire for finding a house in a community that has a children's play area that includes a swimming pool. That will make both of the children happy.
Of course, in the end, it's the parents who have to make the final decision. This is the time to reassure your children that it's the family that makes the house a wonderful place to live. If you're looking for homes for sale, visit Sell 4 Free Real Estate Welsh Realty Corp.