Searching for a home is difficult enough with the busy schedules and the hustle & bustle of life. Add kids into the mix and the logistics of planning to go out and view homes can be daunting. The easiest way to avoid the distraction of taking your children along for the ride would be to leave them at home with a babysitter but that’s easier said then done! Below are some ideas for when the kids come along for the search or for staying home at home with a trusted adult.

Take them along and make it fun!

  • Ask them to track how long it takes to travel from one home to the next
  • Ask them to pick their favourite feature of the home
  • Have them choose their own bedroom
  • See if they can point out the positives or negatives of the home
  • Ask them what colour they want to paint the walls

 

Tips for viewing homes while kids in tow

  • Ask them to remove their shoes when entering the home
  • Remind them it’s not their home and to limit touching and not sit on any furniture
  • Don’t leave the kids unattended especially if they are younger. You don’t want them to fall down the stairs or find something hazardous.

Leave them at home with these activities

  • A colouring book of homes
  • Build a pretend new home with Lego
  • If they are the creative type they can design their own room

Perhaps your kids are older and don’t want to tag along? You can ask them to do some research on the area if it’s a new neighbourhood you are looking in. Find the most popular parks, restaurants, schools and transit options. Do a live video call when you are at the house so they can view the home and provide their input.

Once you do find your new home, get your kids involved by asking them to help pack boxes. It’s a great time to purge and find items you can donate to a local charity. Take them to

Finding the right home for you and your family starts by picking the right neighbourhood. Read our neighbourhood guides here to find the right community for your family!

Questions to ask when looking for a home for you and your family

  1. Does the layout work for the family?
  2. Are all the bedrooms on the same floor?
  3. Are there enough bedrooms for everyone or will the kids be in a bunk bed?
  4. Does the home have a separate living room or recreation room?
  5. How big is the backyard?
  6. Does the property have a fence?
  7. How are the schools in the catchment area?
  8. How safe is the neighbourhood?
  9. Are there other families living on the street or neighbourhood?
  10. Who are the neighbours ?
  11. Is the area safe?
  12. What is the walkscore?
  13. Are there amenities in the area? (i.e parks, libraries, splash pads, playgrounds, soccer pitch, baseball diamonds, skating rinks, pools etc…)

Looking for a home and have kids, or perhaps planning on having children in the future. Feel free to reach out to us to ask any questions. Book a consultation with us here or call us directly at (416) 319-6893