What Every Expecting Home Buyer Should Know

When I was pregnant with my first child, I vividly remember watching a couple on HGTV’s House Hunters searching for the perfect home for their expanding family. The mother was adamant about needing a bathtub large enough for all four of her kids. At the time, I thought that was utterly ridiculous. Fast forward to now, and as a mom of three, I completely understand—mandatory group baths will definitely be a thing in our home for the foreseeable future. After all, time is sanity, folks.

Having navigated two homes and the chaos of three kids, here are a few nuggets of wisdom for those expectant home buyers out there.

Open Floor Plans

Expecting Home Buyer: I need open sight lines. I must be able to see the kids at all times.
Advice: While it’s great to have visibility on your little ones, remember that those clear lines of sight work both ways. There won’t be much room for stealth when you’re sneaking that last Double Stuf Oreo into your mouth!

Dining Room Layout

Expecting Home Buyer: Wait, the bathroom is right off the dining room? That’s awkward.
Advice: Disregarding the obvious downsides of this floor plan, you’ll find that the short distance from dining area to bathroom becomes invaluable once you’re a parent. Think solid food introductions, potty training, and the inevitable spaghetti night where somehow, everything ends up on the dog’s head. Plus, this setup allows you to keep an eye on one kid in the tub while ensuring another isn’t choking at the table. Talk about multitasking superhero powers!

Bedroom Locations

Expecting Home Buyer: All bedrooms should ideally be on the same floor.
Advice: Keep in mind that those adorable toddlers will eventually transform into teenagers. The best arrangement might be to have the kids’ rooms upstairs and the master suite on the first floor. This way, your teens will have to think twice before sneaking out—either jump out of a window or risk walking past your room. The planning involved will make them smarter, more resourceful adults. Perfect material for those college essays.

Gourmet Kitchens

Expecting Home Buyer: I must have an all-white kitchen with stainless steel appliances and dark wood floors.
Advice: Trust me, just don’t. As someone who isn’t exactly a cleaning whiz, white cabinets and stainless steel in a home with kids will soon turn even the happiest of maids into a frazzled mess. And for the love of all that’s good, choose flooring that can handle your pet’s fur!

Happy house hunting! And if you’re curious about home insemination, you might want to check out this informative guide for additional insights. Also, for those interested in tools for self insemination, Make a Mom offers great options. Lastly, for pregnancy-related resources, the NIH covers everything you need to know.

Summary

As an expectant home buyer, consider practical features that will make parenting easier, like open layouts for visibility, strategic bathroom placements, and kid-friendly kitchen designs. Don’t overlook the long-term implications of room placements, especially as your toddlers transition to teens. Always prioritize functionality over aesthetics to create a nurturing environment for your growing family.