Cheaper by the Dozen: Homebuying Tips for Large Families

Having a large family can be a source of joy and pride for both you and your several children. However, it will require more space to house everyone comfortably and to meet their needs. First, examine your budget and the type of home you will need. Then, speak to an experienced licensed loan originator who can help you evaluate your financing options and learn how much home you can truly afford. If you currently own your home and need to make a change, your loan officer can help you review your options more thoroughly to fit your unique goals.

Getting a preapproval letter from a lender will allow you to know exactly how much home you can purchase, and streamline your home search because you won’t waste time looking at homes you can’t afford. Homes outside of your price range will be off grounds.

Once you have a better understanding of your financing options, follow the tips below in order to choose the most comfortable home option.

Choose a Home with a Finished Basement or Attic Space
As your kids get older, they are going to want their privacy and space to have their friends over. You will likely want and need places to entertain or for your friends and family members to sleep when they come over for the night or for a longer period of time. Choosing a house with a sizeable finished basement space or attic can help your home be versatile for situations like this. Such a space may also be ideal for older children who are living at home while attending college.

A Big Yard for a Big Family
A large yard enables the younger kids to play on the swings while the older children toss a football around or practice their golf swing at the same time. Large yards also enable you to have family gatherings or allow all of your kids to have friends over without getting in each other's way. Larger outdoor spaces also make it possible to provide dogs or other outdoor pets with the space they need to run, play and stay in good shape.

Look for Homes with at Least Four Bedrooms
At most, you want to have two children in each bedroom. Ideally, you will be able to assign bedrooms so that the younger kids share rooms while the older kids have bedrooms to themselves. For added convenience, at least one or two of the bedrooms should have access to a private half bath to make getting ready in the morning easier and a dignified experience for all involved.

Extra Large Garages or Multiple Driveways Are a Plus
Having a garage that can fit two or more cars at the same time enables both parents to keep their cars free from the elements and off the street. Large garages may also double as a play space at times. Having two driveways makes it easier for everyone to come and go even if everyone in the home is old enough to drive and has their own vehicle.