Sellers take these as tips to possibly implement in your home to appeal to more families. You could just take this advice to make your home more kid-friendly for your own family. Buyers may want to chime in and add any I forget or add these attributes to your criteria and pay attention to these items as you tour homes.
1. Paint that shows less dirt or fingerprints
Flat paint is NOT the answer. If you never need to wash the surface or plan on it getting dirty, you can use flat paint. Flat paint shows everything and does not resist grease or stains. Eggshell is a bit better and can be washed through some rigorous scrubbing. Satin paint washes even better than eggshell, but you can not scrub it like eggshell. While semi-gloss is one of the more expensive paints, it’s great for rooms getting lots of use. It resists dirt and grime and washes and holds up very well. High gloss works well near sinks, toilets, etc. You can even get “Kid Room Paint” for rooms where children play.
2. Backyard playing fields
Most families want a backyard conducive for playing, with some size to it. If a backyard is small but backs up to a common area, maybe a fence is not best before you sell. On the other hand, you will want to make sure potentially dangerous areas (hills that drop off) are creatively managed so it does not pose a threat. Landscaping in the back is great, but in a such a way that it only adds to the experience without causing threats.
3. Community amenities
Communities with amenities like a playground, park, walking trails, and a pool are all big hits with families looking to move. Plenty of newer communities have these amenities and even more, so ask your Realtor which ones have your preferences. As a buyer, drive around neighborhoods to see how many children you see out and about.
4. Sidewalks
As a seller, you can’t do much about this or the community amenities, but you’d be surprised that they aren’t in every neighborhood. Actually, they are a bit more rare than they are available. Things like Google’s Street View will help you determine if the neighborhoods you like have sidewalks.
5. Parking
Neighborhoods where parking on the street is common presents blindspots for playing children. Many homeowner associations will prohibit this in many suburbs, but some do not. Others do not have HOA covenants and restrictions. It is obviously more common to see parking on the street in more urban areas. It may not be a deal breaker, but you might at least investigate it. When considering a neighborhood, you might have your Realtor get you a copy of the Covenants and Restrictions, if they exist.
6. Bonus rooms
While plenty of homes do not have designated bonus rooms, having a separate space for toys and play is important for most families whether it’s a bonus or not. That might be a screened porch, an extra bedroom, a basement, or a second family room like a den or living room. If you’re looking to market your home and you do not have a separate bonus, make sure you stage the space you have so people can easily see spaces for play and family areas.
7. Toilets?
Some of the lower grade toilets can present challenges with small children. One small toy down one of those things and it’s trouble. Not that foreign objects are not bad in general, but higher grade toilets can be a little more forgiving.
8. Storage is king
Storage is something that can always be improved if not enough of it exists. Built-in bookcases, shelves in closets, bench seating with storage underneath…these are all ways storage can be added to a home. If you’re looking to sell you home, remove 2/3 of the items in your closets so they appear larger. No one wants to walk in a walk-in closet (if that’s what it is) and feel like the clothes and other items are attacking them…they’ll think it’s too small for their stuff.
So what else is important? What have you done to make adjustments to any shortcomings?
