Searching for a new home when you’ve got a baby on the way can feel overwhelming, however, with the right planning and support system in place, it doesn’t have to. In fact, it’s quite common for families to kick off their house-hunting journey when they’re expecting.
However, most parts of everyday life look different when you’re pregnant – and buying a home is no exception. So, there are a few special factors to be mindful of as you start looking for homes and when the time comes to actually move.
As a full-service real estate team, we directly specialize in helping families who have a lot on their plate and as a result, have plenty of tips to help you on your journey. Let’s dive in.
What Makes a Great Family Home?
Before you start looking ahead to moving day, it’s best to focus your energy on finding the right home for you and your family. If you’ve bought a home before, you’ll likely remember how intricate the process can be. You need to think about how a home will meet your needs today, but also into the future. Add a baby to the mix and your list of must-haves in a home will grow even longer.
Here are some essential features to look for when you hit the market.
An Open Layout
Layout is key for a family home. Look for a place that has an open atmosphere – this will ensure things feel a little less cramped when you start to accumulate more stuff. Many parents also appreciate a home where every bedroom is on the same floor.
To get even more specific, look for a kitchen that’s close to living and play areas. As a parent, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You’ll want to ensure you have an open vantage of the home (or as much of it as possible) from your kitchen.
Storage
Storage is a big one. Families have a lot of stuff, which can make tidying up a challenge. With that in mind, the more storage a home has, the better. If a house has built-in cabinets, shelves, or other storage solutions, consider it a prime feature!
Safety Features
A family home is a safe home. There will be lots of baby-proofing to do once you move in, however, it’s good to look for existing features like fenced yards, non-slip flooring, and minimal stairs which can make the home safer for everyone.
Proximity to Good Schools
Even if your little one won’t be starting school for a few years, it’s a good idea to think ahead when buying a home. Toronto is home to a wide range of schools and districts, so how can you tell where the good schools are?
The Fraser Institute’s School Ranker is a reliable and up-to-date platform that makes it easy to find the best schools in your preferred neighbourhoods.
Have questions about buying a home? You may find an answer in these advice-packed blog posts.
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying
- Your Moving Day Checklist
- Joint Tenants Vs. Tenants In Common – What Should You Know?
Planning For Showings & Open Houses
Attending showings and open houses is a big part of buying a home. That said, they can involve a lot of walking, climbing stairs, talking, and other things that take energy. Consider narrowing down your options before going out and only visiting homes that genuinely interest you.
If you’re touring multiple houses in a day, schedule breaks in between to rest, grab a snack and stay hydrated. Dress comfortably – your real estate agent won’t mind.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Home While Pregnant?
The answer is going to be different for everyone. There are many benefits to buying before the baby arrives, but equally, they exist for waiting to purchase when your baby is a little older and they truly understand the demands of their new family.
Your home search will most likely have you seeing a handful of homes before finding the one that meets all your criteria. Remember, your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, so don’t settle because of timing. If you start your home search early in your pregnancy, you can avoid having to choose a home that compromises some of your requirements just because you’re getting too close to your due date.
Whatever your thoughts, trust your gut. If you think waiting until after the baby arrives works better, then do that. If you are eager to get into a house before the baby is born, we recommend trying to time your closing date 90 days before delivery. This allows you to get the nursery ready without rushing.
Thinking about buying a home soon? Check out these other pages and resources on our site.
Managing Moving Day
Moving involves a lot of lifting and physical work, which can be challenging during pregnancy.
If it’s within your budget, hire professional movers to handle heavy lifting. Besides making your move much less stressful, it’s a worthwhile investment for your health and safety. Don’t be shy about accepting help from friends and family either. Many people are happy to lend a hand, and it can make the process easier and faster.
Avoid carrying anything heavy and leave that part to others. If you really want to help, stick to low-risk activities like organizing, labelling boxes, and arranging items.
Welcoming a child soon? We can help you find the perfect home for your family. Call us at 416-903-3695 or send us an email at team@mutchpropertygroup.com.
