Whether you’re expecting your first or are planning for the future, one of the biggest steps you’ll take in growing your family is finding a new home. Just like welcoming a new member into your family, buying a house (especially if it’s your first) is also a big step forward – one that goes with a lot of important considerations and responsibilities. As a local South Etobicoke real estate agent who has been helping families find their perfect home for more than two decades, I’m here to help. In this blog, I’ll share my best tips on how to buy a house when you’re expecting kids.
Child or House – Which Comes First?
If you’re looking to find the perfect place to lay down roots and raise little ones, timing will be important. This is especially true if you’re already expecting or are planning on having a child in the near future.
Welcoming your first child is an incredibly exciting time, but it also requires all kinds of planning and hard work. So does buying a home. This asks the question: Should you buy a house before or after your child is born?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. Instead, you’ll want to think about your current needs, financial resources, and plans for the future to decide what’s right for you. If you’re really not sure, try reaching out to a local real estate agent – ideally one who specializes in working with first-time buyers and families. They can be a helpful sounding board, offering personalized advice based on your personal circumstances.
Thinking about buying a home in South Etobicoke? Check out these related blogs!
- What to Know When Moving From a Condo to a House in South Etobicoke
- Why You Should Consider Buying a Home in South Etobicoke
- Why Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent Matters
Building a Budget
What else do having a baby and buying a home have in common? They both require very careful budgeting. As with any major lifestyle transition, you’ll have a lot on your plate – the last thing you want to deal with is financial hurdles.
As a future parent, you’ll want to save for all kinds of baby-related expenses. This includes everyday items like clothing, diapers, and food, but also long-term costs related to child care, education, and healthcare.
You’ll also be on the hook for a number of major expenses when you buy a house. Beyond just the down payment and mortgage, other costs like insurance, land transfer taxes, property taxes, and utilities can all add up in a hurry.
What to Look For in a Family Home
You might already have an idea of what you’re looking for in your future home. However, it’s also important to look out for a handful of kid-friendly features to ensure it meets everyone’s needs.
A Safe Space
Safety should be a top priority for any family, but especially those with little ones. While no home is totally hazard-free, certain features in particular aren’t so great when your kids are in their first years. For instance, steep staircases, balconies or raised decks, or sharp corners could be accidents waiting to happen.
Easy to Clean
Any parent will tell you that kids are messy. A great family home will feel spacious and easy to keep tidy. For starters, take a look at the floors. Hardwood flooring or tiles can be a lot easier to sweep or vacuum compared to carpet. You’ll also want a place with lots of storage space – you really can’t have too much storage!
A Great Neighbourhood
Hands down, one of the most important qualities in a family home is the neighbourhood. On top of having a safe, kid-friendly atmosphere, a great community will also have top-ranked schools, lots of parks and green spaces, easy access to everyday essentials and amenities, and a close-knit community feel among neighbours.
Luckily, you’ll find lots of neighbourhoods like this in South Etobicoke. For instance, Alderwood, Long Branch, Mimico, and Sunnylea are all popular with families.
Here’s a tip: Being flexible about which neighbourhoods you’re open to living in is an easy way to make the most of your budget as a first-time home buyer. Your real estate agent can match you with homes in family-friendly neighbourhoods you may have never even considered.
Looking to buy a house soon? Check out these blogs for more advice!
- Insider Tips For Buying a Home in South Etobicoke
- How to Buy a Home After You’ve Already Sold the One You Live In
- Should You Buy a Tear-Down Home in South Etobicoke?
Understanding School Cachements
It goes without saying that school plays a big role in a child’s development. As a parent, you’ll want to make sure your little ones get the best education possible.
In Toronto, kids are assigned a school based on their home address. This is called cachement. So, if you’re interested in a particular home, you’ll want to look up the local school catchment. This will tell you where your kids would attend school if you lived there. Once you know which schools’ boundaries the home falls under, you can do some research to learn more about them.
This is another area where your Realtor’s local knowledge can come in handy. They can fill you in on which schools have a solid reputation, and which ones don’t quite hit the mark.
Don’t Forget – You’re Looking For a Starter Home
One last thing to remember as you’re searching for your first home is that you’re not looking for your forever home. Your first home should be comfortable and suited to your family, but it might not check every last box on your wish list – and that’s okay. As you build equity in the coming years, you can use your starter home to upsize once your kids are older and you need more space.
Ready to Buy?
Looking to buy a great home for your family? I can help! As a local real estate agent, I know South Etobicoke’s homes, communities, and schools better than anyone. After getting to know you and your family, we’ll work together to find a starter home that fits your needs, budget, and goals for the future.
Looking for a great family home? I can help! Call or text me at 647-239-7587 or email melissa@southetobicoke.com to get started.
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