Are you a parent buying a home in Ventura County? Home shoppers without children usually have a different set of concerns when home shopping than parents do. Instead of concentrating only on square footage, features, and nearby shopping and entertainment, parents are usually more concerned about their children’s safety and well being. So if you’re a parent looking for a new home, read on to discover the 6 things parents should consider before buying a home in Ventura County.
1. Placement of Bedrooms
Many parents just want a home to have enough bedrooms for them and their children. But bedroom placement should also be an important consideration for parents buying a home in Ventura County.
Where the kids’ bedrooms are is just as important as the fact that they are. You wouldn’t, for example, want to have the master bedroom on the first floor and the nursery on the second floor. That would mean endless trips up and down the stairs – many of them in the middle of the night when you’re barely awake.
The best bedroom layout involves having the kids’ bedrooms close (or at least fairly close) to yours. Kids get scared at night and also get sick, so you want their bedrooms within earshot of yours. Your local real estate agent can help you search for homes with the best bedroom placement. To discover more, just call 805-232-8503.
2. Line of Sight to theBackyard
Another important consideration for parents buying a home in Ventura County should be a clear line of sight to the backyard. When the kids are outside, you’ll want to be able to easily keep an eye on them from all the most used areas in the house – unless, of course, you want to have to go outside with them every time.
Before buying a home in Ventura County, then, make sure you can see the kids in the backyard from all those rooms and areas in the house where you’ll spend the most time. Can you view the backyard from the kitchen window? Do you have an unobstructed view of the backyard from your home office?
Making sure of these things will provide a great deal of peace of mind. So make sure you inform you agent about this consideration.
3. Existence of Sidewalks
And, of course, you don’t want your kids playing too close to or running into the street. Good sidewalks can help prevent these occurrences, even with busy streets.
Sidewalks offer a sort of safety buffer between your yard and the street, a kind of boundary that helps keep kids out of danger. In addition, sidewalks provide the opportunity for families to take walks and outings in the neighborhood.
4. Size and Cost
Another of the important considerations for parents involves making sure they don’t succumb to the temptation to buy too much home. Operating on the assumption that their family will grow, parents often choose a home that is too big (and too expensive) for their current circumstances.
For parents buying a home in Ventura County, experts recommend keeping in mind that “you never know what your family might look like in the future” and so “buying something smaller, building equity and then moving when you know more about what you may need could be a better suit for most people.”
5. Quality of Schools
And, of course, there are the schools – always a primary consideration for parents. Good schools are not only good for your kids, but also for the value of your property.
When it comes to schools, here’s what experts recommend when buying a home in Ventura County: “If you plan to send your children to public school, then you’ll want to do your research on local school districts. While school ratings are one factor to consider, don’t let the school’s ranking alone be the deciding factor. Take time to visit the area schools in person. What is your impression of the administration, facility and student-to-teacher ratio? What extracurricular activities are offered? What do other parents in the neighborhood have to say about the school? Sometimes getting into your preferred school district may mean moving to a home in a different neighborhood than your first pick.”
6. Parks/Playgrounds and Low Crime Rates
Your children also need somewhere to run around and play – in safety. So be sure to check for nearby parks and playgrounds when looking into buying a home in Ventura County. “Parks provide a place for neighbors to get to know each other and children to socialize, play and burn off energy. Even if it’s small, a neighborhood park with a play structure is a definite plus when you’re shopping for your next neighborhood. . . . Every neighborhood has something different to offer, so be sure to check out the options when you’re scoping out a potential spot for your new home.”
But your kids won’t be able to enjoy those parks and playgrounds if crime rates in the area aren’t low. You can use online tools such as CrimeMapping.com or CommunityCrimeMap.com to check out local crime rates. Even better, check with your agent and local police departments.
Get Your Agent’s Input
Parents buying a home in Ventura County have a different set of priorities and considerations than other home buyers. If you’re a parent, don’t jeopardize your children’s future. Let our agents help you find the right Ventura County home. Send us a message or give us a call today at 805-232-8503!