Articles and Advice
Buying a House for a Blended Family
When the step-siblings of The Brady Bunch made their TV debut in 1969, the concept of a blended family was something of a novelty. Today, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 75 percent of divorced people remarry and 65 percent of those remarriages include children. In addition, a study by Pew Research Center indicates that 16 percent of kids under the age of 18 are living in blended families.
By definition, a blended family increases the number of household members, making it unlikely that either of the current homes is suitable options. If you're buying a house for a blended family, start off on the right note with these helpful tips.
- Get Professional Financial Advice
In first marriages, couples are generally building a financial profile together. Couples who come together later in life have already established careers, credit histories, and tolerance for risk. Consult a financial advisor who can help create mutually compatible goals and budgets. - Be Realistic about Space Considerations
What seems doable in theory often turns out to be impractical in reality. How many kids can reasonably share a bedroom? Will everyone have to stand in line to shower in a single bathroom? Give your blended family room to breathe as they become accustomed to their new living situation. - Choose Location Strategically
If real estate is all about "location, location, location," that applies double to buying a house for a blended family. Instead of having only one side relocate, you may decide on a "neutral" neighborhood to put everyone on equal footing. Proximity to kids' other parents is also a vital factor in shared custody arrangements. - Involve the Kids
When partners in a new relationship have children, kids may often feel they are along for the ride. They may find themselves in the middle of changes completely out of their control. Bring kids along as you view houses and solicit their input to emphasize that it's their home also. Once you've made the move, assign each child a designing "project" to put their own stamp on the new home. - Plan Timing Carefully
Coordinating the process of buying a house with the sale of your existing home can be tricky enough. When you add in the sale of a second home, it becomes a real juggling act. Prepare a backup plan, such as renting out one of the homes or moving into a short-term rental, in case the timing hits a snag.
The definition of family continues expanding to include previously non-traditional forms, but the idea of home as the center of family life remains constant. Buying a house that accommodates the needs of a blended family is the first step toward creating happy memories together.
or selling a home? I can help make the process easy, click here to get in touch today!
- Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
- Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
- How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
- Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
- How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs
- Home Happiness 101: Small Upgrades That Can Make Every Day Feel Better
- Fall Cleaning Tips For Decluttering Before the Holidays
- How to Create a Cozy Fall Retreat in Your Backyard
- Why Fall is Prime Time for Window Replacement
- Tips for Transitioning Your Closet From Summer to Fall
- What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
- What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
- How to Research Crime and Safety
- What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties
- Browsing for Homes Online? Follow These Shopping Tips
- How to Look Past Bad Staging
- What Happens If Interest Rates Change After You Buy?
- How to Compare Two Homes You Love
- Post-Holiday Finances: How to Reset Your Budget for Home Buying
- New Year, New Home: How to Set Smart Home-Buying Goals for the Year Ahead
- What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
- How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence
- Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
- The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy
- What's the Difference Between Listing a Home and Marketing It?
- How to Respond to Buyer Feedback Without Panicking
- Transparency Builds Trust: Why Honesty Sells Homes Faster
- Winter Selling Myths That Shouldn't Keep You From Listing
- The Value of Local Market Knowledge When Selling Your Home
- Selling in Snowy Conditions: Safety, Access, and Presentation Tips
C.B. Prime Properties, Inc. fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
Homestead Funding Corp. Company NMLS# 3232. Equal Housing Lender. State Licensing Information
Coldwell Banker®. All rights reserved. The Coldwell Banker System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
Privacy Policy / DMCA Notice / ADA Accessibility
