Finding A Great Real Estate Agent

Posted on: 22 February 2017

Some child experts believe that taking children along to open houses is a good way to help them accept a move to a new home. However, touring homes with children can be challenging. If you are planning to take your children along, here are some tips for making the experience easier for everyone.  

Ask Your Children to Help With the Search

Before heading to any open houses, ask your children to help you with searching for a new home. Involving the children in the process lets them know their opinions and happiness are important to you. There are several ways you can get your children involved and still tour homes in which you are interested.  

For instance, you could ask the children to create a list of must-haves and wants for the new home. Older children could also search listings online for homes that your family could potentially tour. Help your children understand how to use the search tools to keep the homes within the ideal parameters.  

While touring the home, you could ask your children to help take pictures or keep track of a checklist of must-haves and wants.  

Set Realistic Expectations

Involving your children in the search process might lead to some confusion. They could believe that they have the final say on a home and that could make for an uncomfortable moment while touring a home.  

Although it is important to consider your children's opinions, the decision of which home you select is ultimately up to you. Before touring a home, stress this point to your children. Taking the time to set the expectations for making the decision can help avoid a tantrum or other outburst if you decide against buying a certain home.  

Tour Homes at the Right Time

Touring a home during the time of day that your children are most likely to be cranky and tired can make for a bad experience. The more agitated the children are, the less patience they will have for walking through a home.  

To prevent this, make sure you schedule tours of homes during the time of day that your children are most likely to be in a good mood. For instance, toddlers are more affable in the morning after a good night's rest.  

Talk to your real estate agent before heading out for a tour. He or she can provide you with information on any special challenges that could make touring a particular home with the children difficult.