Sound Off: How do children affect buying a home?

A: Yes, indeed children do play a big role in a client’s homebuying decisions.

They put more weight on the neighborhood (Is it safe? Are there good parks and recreational facilities nearby?), the local schools and the layout of the home when shopping for the right property. An important part of my expertise is my extensive knowledge of the schools, neighborhoods, and local amenities.

These things also influence future appreciation of a property, so it behooves a home buyer to consider them.

According to a recent “Moving with Kids” report produced by the National Association of Realtors, buyers put more weight on the neighborhood, local schools and size of the home.

According the report, 49% of buyers choose the neighborhood based on the quality of the school and they tend to buy a larger home at 2,100 square feet with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

A: Nothing brings more of a sparkle into a realtor’s eyes as a pregnant woman walking into a house for sale. Someone has a deadline.

Realtors know that whether children are already part of the household or are anticipated, parents place additional value on such items as the bedroom count and their distribution within the home, proximity to playgrounds and nearby children.

Not to mention whether there is space for storing that stroller, tricycle or car seat. It is amazing how many things a little person comes with.

However, of all parental considerations by far the the most important is the quality of the public education. That is why, for example, a house in Piedmont or Albany, both known for their superb kindergarten through high schools, will always sell for more.

So yes, the little people count, and they count for a lot.

A: When clients have children, it is expected that their purchase decisions are heavily weighted on the safety, wellbeing and happiness of their kids in their new home.

Many parents/guardians only look for homes in locations that boast the familyfriendly features that are most desirable.

Those features include a strong public school system (or close proximity to a private school), all bedrooms on one level of the home, easy access to public parks/ hiking/biking paths and flat yard space that is easily accessible from the kitchen/family room.

Parents obviously want a home that resonates with their own style, but they will also walk away from a home if it doesn’t fit the lifestyle they know will make their children happy. I have seen parents view a home that they really like with their kids in tow, and if the kids say they don’t like it, they turn around and walk right out the door.