5 Questions for parents to ask before moving house

By Kathy Schmidt, Broker/Owner, Schmidt Realty Group Inc.

5 Questions for parents to ask before moving house

If you’re planning a move this summer, you’re not alone. On any given month, thousands of people are moving to new homes, and this time of year is especially busy! Many families like to move in July and August to get settled before the new school year begins.

For parents, planning a move can often be a bit overwhelming. So, before you start hunting for a new home ask yourself these 5 questions. The answers will help you figure out the kind of neighbourhood that might suit you as well as the type of home that suit your whole family best.

1. What’s our lifestyle?

Does your family like to spend your downtime relaxing indoors watching a movie or playing board games inside? Or are most evenings and weekends taken up with commitments like sports practice and competitions? Do you all love getting your hands dirty in the garden or would you rather be an indoor pool cooling off away from the heat? There are so many lifestyle factors to consider, and these are just a few. Having a big yard is great if you truly enjoy working in your vegetable garden, but it’s important to be realistic as well. How much yard is enough? What facilities would we really use if they were nearby? And if you don’t want to spend hours in your car every week driving to after-school and weekend events, then living closer to some of your more frequent locations might be important.

2. What Do We Needvs. What Do We Want?

Needs and wants are two very different things. Your current home is a good place to start when thinking about what you truly need in your next home. Hint: What drives you crazy about where you live? And what do you absolutely love about your current home that you don’t want to give up in your new home?

Grab a piece of paper and make a list that includes both your wants and your needs. How many bedrooms do you need? Do you absolutely need a double detached garage, or would you consider parking one car outside to get a home in your dream location? You might really miss having a fireplace if you’ve always had one, but is it an absolute need in your home right away? Keeping your options open and considering what you can add later will ensure you don’t miss out on a property that could have everything else on your list! Keeping an open mind is key!

Now that you have a list, prioritize the items with needs at the top and wants towards the bottom. Bring this list with you when you meet with your REALTOR®. It will help us understand what type of home we should be looking for and will also allow us to ask helpful follow-up questions. For example, would you be willing to forgo the granite countertops on your “want list” if it has the south back yard you were hoping for?

3. What Schools Are in Our Desired Neighbourhoods?

Education is important to every parent, so it’s imperative to consider the schools that are in the areas you’d like to live. Maybe what’s most important to you is having a school within walking distance. Or perhaps one of your children has a special interest such as learning a second language. Edmonton has a variety of charter schools focused on various areas of study.  Learn more here! 

Our REALTORS® are great at helping you find the answers you need. Whether you have a question about schools in the area, proximity to greenspace, or the time it’ll take to drive to your job during rush hour, we’ll help you figure it out.

4. Will this home fit your lifestyle 5 or 10 years from now?

Where you live really impacts how you live. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, you’ll want to think about how your next home will fit your lifestyle in the coming years. With just one child you’ll be fine in that charming two-bedroom character bungalow, but will the same home work for you when you have that second child you’re planning? Maybe you have a teenager just about to finish high school who’ll be heading out of the city for university. Would you still make use of all the space you’ve needed up to this point? Or perhaps you work from home and have your heart set on a larger, sunnier space to spend your working hours. Keep your family life and your work life in mind as you choose that next home!

5. How can you involve your kids in the process?

A move is difficult enough for most of us, but it can be quite traumatic for kids. Leaving behind friends, moving to a new school and a new neighborhood can be hard. Getting them involved and making the search for your new home a bit of a game can help ease the tensions.

 

Once you’ve thought about these 5 questions, now it’s time for the fun to begin! Head over to the ABOUT US page to find the right fit for you and your family. Happy house hunting!