When we are in the process of buying a house as a parent, we can find ourselves juggling so many different duties. From toddler tantrums, school runs, and endless requests for snacks, all while trying to decode mortgage jargon and keep your sanity intact. Buying a home is supposed to be one of those exciting milestones, but with little ones in tow, it can feel quite overwhelming. So what is it we should know before we start this wild ride?
Know What to Expect Before Signing the Contract
Finding a dream home can be a hard bit, but what to expect before signing the contract is a whole new level of stress. There’s paperwork, legal terms, and last minute questions from solicitors, usually while your toddler’s trying to feed the dog crayons! It can be very tempting to rush this stage just to get it out of the way and think about the good life you’ll be having in a few months’ time, but you’ve got to double check every detail in the contract!
It may very well be tough and overwhelming, but you’ll only need to do it once. Look at the agreed price, moving dates, what’s included, and any conditions, and then ask your solicitor to explain anything confusing. There really is no such thing as a silly question when your family’s future is at stake, so get it right!
Navigating the Budget Black Hole
Everybody talks about saving for the deposit, but nobody mentions the extra costs. Whether this is solicitor fees, surveys, stamp duty, moving vans, and of course another trip to IKEA, can all add up! Budgeting for the process of buying a house is more than just the deposit, so make sure you remember this.
Make a list of every potential expense, and then add a buffer for the surprises, because believe it or not, there will be more than you think! And don’t forget, if you are moving to a whole new place, what about the things for the kids? Extra childcare, new school uniforms, and anything else that may result in a big change.
Location and Logistics
As a parent, choosing where to live is not just about the postcode, but about the school catchment area and nearest playground, and if you can get to the GP without having a meltdown in the car.
The best way to get a true appreciation of a place is not just to visit it once or twice, but be sure to visit at different times of day so you can get a real feel for what it is like to live there, right down to the traffic and whether the place feels safe when the sun goes down.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Nobody tells you how emotional this process is. You need to remember it’s okay to feel frazzled, because moving house is hard work, especially with kids. However, with a bit of planning and a lot of patience, you will get there. This is the tough bit!
Image source: Pixabay – CC0 Licence