The Quick Guide to Buying Your First Family Home

So, you have been renting your family home for a while now, saving to buy one of your own. Now that you can afford to be a homeowner, how do you find the perfect property for you and your family? In many ways, it's easier than buying a home before you have kids. You know what your needs are, and you aren't just guessing at future needs. However, it can also be more difficult. I know it would be difficult to find a property that fulfilled every one of my family's needs and was within our budget. There are many essential factors to consider, including the ones below.

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What Type of Property to Buy---

The first thing you need to consider is what sort of property you want and need. Many families are more comfortable living in a house, but you might prefer to consider apartments. Where you want to live will influence the homes you look at. For example, if you want to live in an inner-city area, you're more likely to be looking at apartments. If you're considering somewhere more rural, houses will be more affordable and available. You might even be looking for a multi-generational home. Perhaps you need somewhere with a separate apartment where your parents can live.

The Location---

The location of your home is important for other things too. If you have children, one of the things you need to think about is access to schools. You might want to keep your kids in their current school and avoid them having a long journey every morning. If they aren't yet at school or you're willing for them to switch, you need to pick a school you like. Other factors come into play too, such as stores. Can you walk two minutes down the street for a loaf of bread or do you have to get in the car and drive ten minutes away? And, of course, there's how long it will take you to get to work.

Think Practically---

It can be so tempting to be taken in by the beauty of a property. It looks like your dream home, with everything you could wish for. But then you move in and it isn't practical at all. You've already been living as a family in rented properties, so you know what everyone needs. Write down everything your home requires so you can ensure your new property has them. It could be anything, large or small. Perhaps you need it to be on a safe and quiet street. Or maybe you need to be able to see into the backyard from the kitchen.

Think About the Layout---

The layout of your home, both inside and outside, is important. The floorplan can make a difference to how you can use your home. For example, you might want to be able to see what your toddler is doing while you're in the kitchen. You can't do that if the kitchen is a separate room, with no view into any other rooms. You should consider how easy it is to access and use the backyard, too.

There's a lot to think about when you buy your first family home. Consider your requirements carefully so you can get the property for you.