Buying a home is an undeniably big step in any person’s life, but for families with children, it’s a huge one. However, many parents struggle with one pertinent question when they’re trying to decide where to live: should their kids’ opinion matter when it comes to where they decide to live? For many parents, the choice is simple: if their kids aren’t the ones making the mortgage payments, they’re not the ones who get to make decisions about the family’s living situation, either. However, for another group, finding out where their little ones would like to live is essential before making a home purchase. In fact, a recent article in the New York Times highlighted a group of New York parents whose children played an essential part of the family’s home buying process. So, before you let your toddler pick out a mansion or decide that your teen’s opinions shouldn’t be considered at all, take these questions into consideration.
Should Your Kids’ Opinions Matter
When Buying A New Home?
Will the home your kids love tap out your budget?
For most families, budget is the single largest consideration when considering where they’ll buy a home. However, when it comes to raising kids in a new space, it’s often difficult to find a place to live that will accommodate the whole family while leaving you with extra discretionary income at the end of the month. Just because your kids love a home that will push your budget into precarious territory doesn’t mean you should opt to live paycheck-to-paycheck to afford it, however. In fact, doing so may be an undue source of stress on you and your children alike. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, Americans cite their finances as the single greatest source of stress in their lives.
What kind of amenities does it offer?
If you’re looking for a home the whole family will love, that often means looking for one full of family-friendly amenities, too. While suburban homes may offer the space necessary for a game room or workout space by re-purposing an attic, basement, or spare bedroom, in urban areas, it’s essential to find a building that has those amenity spaces available, or you’ll find yourself spending precious hours every day to tote your kids from place to place in order to keep them amused. Fortunately, luxury buildings are increasingly working to cater to families and keep the children under their roof entertained with their menu of amenities. For instance, at Una Residences in Miami, kids can enjoy a dip in the pool, some fun on the pool deck, or on the rare rainy Miami day, enjoy playing in the playroom, which offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay.
What are the local educational opportunities like?
While you may have found a neighborhood that seems to have everything you could possibly want, it may not be worth it if you find yourselves disenchanted by the schools in the area. In fact, if you’re trying to take your kids’ happiness into account when buying a new home, it’s well worth it to explore the local schools before you buy. The good news? Many developers are now building condos with families in mind, opting for locations close to wonderful schools that parents and kids alike will enjoy. For example, The Greenwich Lane in Manhattan, an amenity-packed luxury building, is within walking distance of some of the city’s best schools, including Grace Church, Friends Seminary, and the NYC Lab School.
What will your commutes to work and school be like?
Convenience is of the utmost importance when choosing a place for your family to live. For families in urban areas, a safe commute for their kids can mean independence for the whole family early on, especially if your children can safely walk to school, instead of requiring a trip on the school bus or mom or dad to drop them off. The good news? There are plenty of family-friendly homes in incredibly walkable locations, like Brooklyn Point, offering kids and parents alike a bit more freedom than your average suburban cul-de-sac. In addition to amenities like a playroom, pool, and private forest adventure play space, the building is conveniently located in Downtown Brooklyn, a walkable neighborhood that’s also a transit hub, making it easy for both parents and kids to get where they need to go quickly and easily.
Are there things to do in your new neighborhood that both you and your kids will enjoy?
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a new home is whether or not the neighborhood will grow with you and your family in the long run. Proximity to parks, family-friendly restaurants, activities for kids, and plenty of date night spots, too, will all serve your family well in the long run.
Buying a new home is rarely a decision anyone takes lightly, and for parents with children, it may actually be the biggest choice they ever make as a family. While it may seem inadvisable to let your kids take the wheel when it comes to making such a life-changing decision, that doesn’t mean their opinions should be ignored, either. Before you purchase a new home, consulting your kids can help make a huge difference in how happy your whole family is in the space for years to come.
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