8 Things to Check Before Buying your House

Check. Good school district? Check. Home buyers with kids 

(or who hope to have kids soon) Room for a nursery? know to look for properties with certain kid-friendly characteristics ... but do you know all the things you should check?

Buying a home that you thought would be perfect for your family, but once moved in, realized it was missing certain things that could have made life there a whole lot easier.

So just to be safe, check out this list of features that parents should factor into their house hunt, but often miss. Make sure they're on your radar, so you don't buy a place you regret!

1. Bedroom placement

When house hunting, all that mattered in the nursery was that it had enough room for a rocker, changing table, and crib. Yet what I didn't ponder seriously was the fact that our master suite was on the main floor, and the nursery one flight up. That meant running up and down those stairs nonstop, prompting me to grumble (often), 'In our next home, all bedrooms will be upstairs!'

 

While parents know to find a house with ample bedrooms for their kids, what they sometimes fail to factor in is where those bedrooms are. Many parents prefer a layout where their kids' bedrooms are fairly close to their own, since it keeps their kids within earshot at night. However, bedrooms on separate floors can work for parents who prefer a bit more privacy.

2. Sidewalks

Many parents are wary of buying homes on busy streets, lest their little tykes end up chasing baseballs into oncoming traffic. For this reason, the best option is a cul-de-sac.

 

But here's what's often overlooked: sidewalks. They offer an extra layer of safety, since they provide a buffer between cars and kids at play, and are crucial during the stroller/trike/wagon phase. But that’s not all. “Sidewalks invite you to go for a family walk. They're the perfect place to set up a lemonade stand, and they make an ideal canvas to show off your mad art skills with sidewalk chalk.” 

3. An open floor plan

While bonus rooms and basements are nice for corralling rambunctious kids, they’re not so great for toddlers who have to be constantly supervised. This is why the “great room” concept, with the kitchen, dining, and family room all opening onto one another, still rules for families, says Rose.

“When your kids are young, they need to be in clear sight while you are working or preparing dinner. 'So make certain the home has enough space on the main floor for kids to play, where you can still go about your chores.'

4. Easy sightlines to the backyard

All parents know the importance of having a yard, but unless you plan to go outside every time they do, you'll also want to check how viewable that yard is from indoors. Are the kitchen windows situated so you can cook and clean while the kids play Wiffle Ball out back? Or if you work from home, does your desk have a clear view of your kids' sandbox or swing set? Trust us, a backyard won't give you much peace of mind if you can't keep an eye on your kids.

5. A flat lot

You’d be amazed at how many baseballs you’ll lose with even the gentlest of slopes. But add an extreme hill, and that can put a serious crimp in any bike riding or skateboarding your kids want to do. According to dad, “A 9- and 13-year-old children don't ride their bikes much, because the hills on our street and surrounding area are just too steep.'

6. Hot spots

How a home is heated can present certain problems, too. A 1942 house had a type of heater that consists of a large metal grate on the floor, where the heat wafts out. One winter day, her son stood on top of the grate and ended up with second-degree burns on the bottoms of his feet. “The next week, we took out a loan and had central heating installed.

Radiators can also get piping hot—and if you have a gas fireplace? Yes, they are cozy, but also dangerous. Within three minutes, the glass doors can become hot enough to cause third-degree burns, and it takes about 45 minutes for the glass to cool down sufficiently, says the Consumer Safety Product Commission. (When my kids were little, I put duct tape over the “on” switch so a sitter wouldn’t inadvertently turn it on.)

7. Amenities within walking distance

While most people love the option of being within walking distance of stores and restaurants, this desire is particularly heightened for families with young children, who quickly realize how burdensome it gets to pack up the car with strollers and bags. So check the surrounding area to see what's walkable—a coffee shop? Playground? Day care? It'll make a huge difference.

8. The neighbors

Find and explore the best Salt Lake City, UT neighborhoods with Livability Scores and neighborhood map boundaries.

Now is the Time to Sell or Buy, We have a wealth of information and 18 years of experience to help you get started. Visit us at WWW.PrecisionReal-T.com or if you prefer a more personal touch Call us today at 801 809-9866. 

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