Real Estate Adventures with Little Ones: Tips for Buying or Selling a Home with Kids

So, you’re ready to embark on the wild adventure of buying or selling a home – but there’s a twist. You’ve got little ones in tow. Fear not, fellow parent! Navigating the real estate journey with kids in tow may seem daunting, but with a few strategic and proactive tips, you can tackle the process with ease and maybe even have a bit of fun along the way. When we went through this process in 2021, it was A LOT. We had an 18-month old and two dogs, in the middle of summer, that we needed to get out of the house during showings. From messing with the car seat, making sure our son and dogs had snacks and water, to hiding all of the baby stuff, we learned some things along the way! Here are some things to consider when you’re looking to buy or sell a home with little kids:

1. Start the Purge:

As soon as you decide to buy or sell, it’s time to start purging the unused toys, clothes, and clutter that have accumulated over the years. Get the kids involved and make it a game to see who can donate the most items to families in need. For the families that are fans of the show, Bluey, watch the “Mr. Monkeyjocks” episode for inspiration 🙂

2. Make it Easy to Break Down Baby Items:

For last-minute showings, make sure baby gear like playpens, high chairs, and strollers are easy to break down and store away quickly. Having a designated spot to stash these items will make it easier to keep your home show-ready at a moment’s notice. When we went through this process a couple years ago it was a life-saver having a “get the house ready” plan. We stashed things behind the couch, out in the garage and under beds! 

3. Call in Reinforcements:

Enlist the help of your support circle – whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors – to lend a hand with the kids or pets during showings. Having a trusted babysitter on standby can make all the difference when you need to focus on showcasing your home. I also know that not everyone has a support circle to turn to, keep reading for tips on what to do with the doggos and kids when you have to bring them along! 

4. Explore Local Parks and Take Walks:

When you have showings scheduled, take the opportunity to explore local parks or go for family walks to pass the time. Not only will it keep the kids entertained, but it’s also a great way to discover new areas and get a feel for the neighborhood.

5. Be Prepared for Showings:

Keep in mind that the average showing lasts about an hour, so plan accordingly. Have a go-bag packed with snacks, toys, and activities to keep the kids entertained during showings. Consider making it a game to see who can keep the house cleanest before each showing – a little friendly competition never hurts! If you have dogs that you’ll be taking with you, have their leashes, water bowls, jugs of water and treats packed in the car so you can all take a ride together. 

6. Plan to Be Away for Open Houses:

For open houses, plan to be away for the day to give potential buyers free rein to explore your home without feeling like they’re intruding on your space. Take the opportunity to enjoy a family outing or visit friends and family while your home is being showcased. 

7. Scope Out Neighborhoods Together:

Take family drives to scope out neighborhoods you love and keep a running list of your favorite areas to share with your realtor. Get the kids involved by turning it into a scavenger hunt to spot parks, schools, and other amenities in each neighborhood.

Navigating the real estate journey with little ones in tow may have its challenges, but with a bit of planning, creativity, and a supportive team by your side, you can successfully buy or sell a home while keeping the chaos to a minimum. So, buckle up, embrace the adventure, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories along the way!

If you would like to chat about more tips, advice and how to get the process of buying/selling started, I’d welcome the connection! From one parent to another, you’ve got this and I can help.