The Denver real estate market has so much to offer for homebuyers looking for new homes today. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to narrow down what you’d like in your next home. It can be even more overwhelming if you have other family members living with you who you’re trying to accommodate in your home search too. For example, if you’re a parent with children living with you (no matter the ages) or if you have elderly family members living with you, your home search may look different than if you were just looking for a home for you or for you and a spouse. While you, or you and your spouse, may be the final decision maker in your home search you may want to include them in your home search so they can feel involved. So how can you involve kids or other family members in your home search in some way?
1. Ask them what they’re looking for in a new home
The easiest way to include family members in your home search is to ask them what they’d like in their new home. If your kids are younger, they may have unrealistic desires such as a racetrack or a movie theater, but simply asking them what they’d like will help them feel involved as a family. Of course, a child or an elderly family member is not the final decision makers but just asking for their opinion will help them feel like they have a say in their next family home.
2. Consider their space
If you’re between 40-59, you’re likely part of the “sandwich generation” which implies that you may be taking care of both your children and your parents. If you are trying to accommodate for both a young child and an elderly parent, consider their actual space in the home. This includes ease of access from a bedroom to a bathroom, a space for a playroom and a family room that has enough space for you all to socialize together. Sometimes, just a bedroom is enough but planning what life actually looks like is the most realistic thing you can do. This goes for pets too; for example, if you have larger dogs you may want to make sure they have a fenced yard to run in.
3. Consider their safety and comfort
Going a step further, also consider the safety and comfort for all your family members; even the furry ones! For example, you may not want a home without a bedroom and bathroom on the first level if you have an elderly parent who is unable to go up and down the stairs. Likewise, if you have very young children then you may want to avoid a property next to a busy street without a fence. Consider the physical limitations of those who live with you. This step goes for pets as well. If you have dogs who like to run around then a patio home with no running space may not be a good place for your pet.
4. Show them which homes you’re interested in
If you’re moving from one neighborhood to another, involving a child in your home search may be as simple as driving them around their potential new neighborhood. Showing them parks and bike paths around the neighborhood may make them feel better about the upcoming changes in their life. Also, pointing out how far they are from friends, doctors or schools may help them feel involved and comfortable as well. And of course, taking them along with you to home showing appointments and open houses may be a good way to include them as well.
Ultimately, even if you’re the final decision maker in your home there are still ways to let others in your family feel involved in this choice.
Do you want to search for homes in Denver? Are you in the market to buy or sell your home? Call and text me at (720) 323-4176 or email me at [email protected]
