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Health & Fitness

Kids Move Too!

Recently I spent a couple of days showing homes to a family with 2 children.  Moving across town or across a border, this appointment needed to take on a different look!  After several telephone and online conversations about our “week-end shopping trip”, we were totally prepared for what turned out pleasant for everyone.  Planning helps!!

Research. Online information definitely helps!  Start with a list of everything you’re looking for in a home and screen out any houses that don’t fit your needs.  10 steps to house huntingVERY IMPORTANT.

Take your time. My plan, show no more than 7 homes the first time out!  This is a good number to help everyone stay focused on the task at hand………finding your next residence!

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Plan the day. Have a contingency plan in the case of a meltdown? Can you take turns viewing the home with your spouse and compare notes in the car?

Bring provisions.  Had a cooler with snacks, drinks, and wipes. Portable DVD player, iPad, and handheld video games work wonders but only with the permission of the parents.  The promise of some technology time can serve as a reward for good behavior between each showing.
Set ground rules. Lay out expectations for your kids’ behavior before embarking on the tour. Outlining things they must not do while they are “guests” in someone else’s home.  It is my job as an agent to make sure parents/children understand running, touching and wondering off will not be tolerated!
Take breaks.  Making a stop at a park in one of the neighborhoods gave the kids an opportunity to play while we compared the homes already viewed!

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Streamline. Asking permission to take photos during the showing appointment made it easy to revisit details of each property later on when  parents were free from distractions.
Prioritize. View the homes of most interest early in the schedule. If there are homes that would be “nice to see,” but not compelling, save them until the end of the time together and only visit them if the family is holding together well.

Buying a new home is one of the most important decisions you can make. It’s imperative to make a sound choice that will assure your happiness down the road. Including your kids in your home search doesn’t have to be difficult if you plan your search with them in mind. You might find that they have questions about a property that you haven’t thought of – and their additional perspective could prove useful when you finally make your decision.

Yes, the family purchased a home and the kids still like me

Carol Murphy

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West ~ Carol Murphy Team

Avon Lake Homes For Sale


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