Do you plan to move in 2024? Finding the right home can take work, especially when you’re moving out of state or cross country. Good parenting means ensuring you have a safe home for your kids. Here are things to consider when house hunting.
1. Get Adequate Insurance
As a homeowner, you need several types of insurance for your home and possessions. First, consider the location, as it may be susceptible to floods or other inclement weather. Luckily, flood zones are constantly updated, but 25% of flood damage doesn’t happen in high-risk areas. While homeowners’ insurance is a requirement of any mortgage, you should also get flood insurance for additional protection to cover any gaps.
You should also have liability insurance that covers personal possessions. In the event of theft or damage, you could ensure items such as electronics or other items are insured. As a result, if something were to happen to items belonging to you and your family, you would have to spend less money replacing them. By being mindful of the area regarding weather or crime, you would less likely have to worry about replacing items from weather or theft.
2. Consider Neighborhood Support
When you move to a new home, think about more than the structure itself. After all, there are other homes in the neighborhood and people you’ll be around. Did you know that over 40 million American homes are part of HOA communities? Being in such a community is a good way to protect your property value and ensure you’re in a well-kept neighborhood. HOAs often have specific rules for residents to follow and dues they must pay to keep the property grounds clean and maintained. There may also be community events and meetings for neighbors to express their concerns. You may also have online message boards in which neighbors can alert each other about crime or anything suspicious in the area.
3. Check School Zones
Parenting involves maintaining your child’s education, so one of the main things you should look for is quality school zones. Unfortunately, all school districts aren’t created equally. If you want to ensure that your child has a quality education and a chance to prosper into adulthood, find an area that can provide the education needed. If you’re interested in private or charter schools, do your due diligence before buying a home. After all, you must consider your child’s commute to school and how far you would have to go if you drop them off or pick them up.
4. Inquire About Mold
Mold is the last thing you want in a home. It can reduce a home’s value and endanger your family’s respiratory health. The average American spends 90% of their life inside, according to the American Lung Association. If the home you’re buying has mold issues, get proof that the mold has been handled. You should also be aware of the issues that may have caused mold in the first place so you don’t end up having it if you decide to move in.
You should also check the type of HVAC unit the home has already. It’ll be easier if a quality central air or mini split unit is installed. That way, you have a better chance that your home will have adequate heating and cooling. With an updated modern system, your family can always be comfortable and breathe filtered air that won’t cause them health problems.
When parenting, you want to keep your family safe at all times, and that starts with moving into the right home. If one of your priorities in 2024 is finding a new abode, research the right neighborhood, insurance policies, school zones, and more. Have fun finding a new home that you and your family can thrive in for years to come.
