Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Is Your New Home Kid-Friendly?

New homes are big commitments. Real estate professionals only recommend buying a house if you plan to be there for at least three years; before you sign your name on the dotted line, it's important to think through all the stages of life you will experience in those three (or more) years.

Having children is often one of the most life-changing events that homeowners experience. If you plan on having kids while living in your new house at the Lake of the Ozarks (or know that it could be even a remote possibility) it's important to factor that into the process of selecting your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your kid-friendly home.


Busy Roads
It's no secret that little kids don't know (or don't remember) to always check for oncoming traffic before crossing the street. Busy roads can be a major stressor for parents of young children. You can prevent a great deal of headaches by looking for homes that are on quiet streets without a lot of traffic.

Big Backyard
Any parent can tell you that kids have a lot of energy - and they usually need a lot of space to spend it! You might go crazy if you have to keep your little ones cooped up inside the house with you all day long, so having plenty of yard space for them to play in can be a lifesaver.

Nearby Parks & Playgrounds
If a big backyard is good, having access to nearby parks or playgrounds is even better! Being able to take your kids to the park every day (or send them on their own once they are old enough) will be a great way to help them burn off some energy without having to sacrifice your own backyard in the process. With a park close by, you won't have to install swing sets or playgrounds in the backyard!

Hunting
Nearby parks and playgrounds aren't the only things you should be on the lookout for. Hunting is a big sport at the Lake, so it's important to look critically at the woods surrounding your potential properties and at the number of hunters who may find their way back there. It's a terrible thing to think about, but it's important to keep your eyes open to all the possibilities when you're buying a home with kids.

Future Child-Proofing Measures
You may not have little kids right now, but if you're planning on it being a possibility while living in your new home, it's important to consider how easily you will be able to childproof your home. Are there steep stairs? If so, does it look like you will be able to easily install a baby gate at the top? Are there sharp corners on the counter tops? Looking closely at all the little details will help you choose the perfect home for you and your family.

The Property Shop Can Help You Find Your New Family Home!
There are few things as exciting as buying the home you plan to raise your children in. There's a certain inexplicable joy that comes with the process, and our team of Lake of the Ozarks real estate agents would be thrilled to share in your excitement! Give us a call when you are ready to get started.

The Property Shop at the Lake
2086 Horseshoe Bend Parkway
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 693-1100
(573) 480-7760

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