Home Buying for a Single Parent
Posted on: 13 March 2017
If you are looking for a new home as a single parent, then you may have some needs that differ from a two parent household. Here are some things you may want to consider as a single parent looking for a new home that's going to be a good fit for you and your children:
Consider whether you would rather have a home or a condominium
As a single parent, you may like the idea of not living in a house on its own property. There can be a nice sense of security that can come from living in a condo. You will know that you have plenty of neighbors nearby that will hear you if you ever really need help. You will also have access to things that can be fun for the whole family, such as a community pool and any activities the condo association may offer.
If you are a single parent who values your privacy, you have a lot of animals or you simply want a house that sits farther away from your neighbor's, then you want to stick with a traditional house. Look for a house in a kid-friendly neighborhood. A huge benefit to living in a regular house is you won't be under the restrictions that can come with living in a condo, such as not being able to paint the outside of your place or not being able to work on your car in your driveway.
Consider the amenities around the place you are thinking of buying
As a single parent, you know how busy your days can get and you can make your days a lot easier by moving somewhere that has many of the places you frequent close by. Try to get a home near your children's schools and/or daycare centers, near a grocery store you prefer, close to a 24 hour pharmacy, not too far from your doctors' offices, etc.
Consider your current and future needs
You want a home that will meet the needs of your family now. However, you also want to think about the near future. If your children are teenagers and will be going off to college soon, then you need to decide whether or not you are going to need everyone to have their own rooms, or if it makes more sense to have them share so you don't end up in a mortgage on a house that's going to be too big for you in a few years.
For more tips, talk to a real estate agent about your specific needs.
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