If you have children, or are planning on having a family in the future, and you are looking for a new home, you need to think about the needs of your entire family, and a growing family. You need to have a home that is going to offer everything that a family needs, from being the right size to being in the right neighborhood, etc. Here are some tips to help you find a dream home that will be perfect for your entire family, and any future members of your family.

1. Safe Neighborhood – When searching for a new home, you will need to research various neighborhoods. Check out the statistics on local crime rates to find out how safe a neighborhood is before buying a home.

2. Schools – It is always a good idea to live in close proximity to schools when you are raising a family. Be sure to research area schools to find out which are closest to the homes you are looking at, and which schools are the best.

3. Neighbors – Kids need other kids to play with, so be sure to look for a home in a neighborhood where there are plenty of other kids around in the same age group. The best time to look at homes are in the late afternoon and on weekends when kids are not in school, so you can see them out playing.

4. Parks and Recreation – You should also consider recreation for your family. For instance, are there any parks or playgrounds nearby? Are there hiking trails, beaches, bike trails, etc. in the area? Are there any local swimming pools? Again, research neighborhoods to find out what is available.

5. Your Budget – While this may seem pretty obvious, a lot of people toss caution to the wind and end up going over budget on a new home. “While a higher mortgage may seem doable at the moment, you need to consider the rising costs of raising family. You need to be able to know that you can afford mortgage payments and take care of your family,” says an expert from Sky Five Properties

6. A Home that will Grow – If you are planning on adding to your family, you need a home that is going to grow with you. For example, you may want to look at homes that have one or two bedrooms more than what you currently need. You can always use them for other things until more kids come along

7. Storage – No matter how large or small your family is, it is always great to have lots of storage space. In fact, the more the better. Look for a home that has not only long-term storage space (basement, attic, etc.), but also storage that is easy to access, such as cabinets, drawers, and closets

8. Yard – Not everyone has the luxury of having a yard, but if you are moving to the suburbs, a yard is definitely something you need to consider. This is a place to relax, for the kids to play, etc. A home with a fenced-in yard is a great choice. Of course, this isn’t a prerequisite, and you can always build a fence on any property you end up buying

9. Commuting – Another thing to consider is your commute to work. With a growing family, it is optimal to find a home that is close to work. This is going to make your life a whole lot easier in the long run. You never know when you are going to have to rush home because one of your kids is sick, there is a plumbing leak, etc. Working close by allows you to get home quickly.