So, you’re a new parent — congratulations! Not only that, but you’ve also decided to upgrade your living situation by moving to a new city.
But, as all new parents know, having a baby in tow can make things a bit more complex in finding the time to research the perfect city and neighborhood in popular locales like Los Angeles County, Maricopa County, and Harris County.
Thankfully, there are many ways to take the stress out of this situation. In the end, it all comes down to making decisions about what you really want and need from your new city — and finding the best real estate agent to do the hard work for you.
Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent
Being a new parent is hard enough without adding the stress of finding a great realtor. Indeed, you might very well be asking yourself, “What are some of the best neighborhoods near me?” If that’s the case, know there are some great online tools out there that will match you to the top real estate agents, no effort required.
To get the ball rolling, you’ll be asked questions on Agent Pronto about your lifestyle, as well as your budget and ideal location, before being matched with the best realtor to assist you in the home-buying process. You’ll barely have to lift a finger. When you have a baby to think about, these kinds of tools are worth their weight in gold.
Check Out the Local Schools
Even if your child is a newborn or infant, they will, of course, be school-age soon. In that vein, you’ll want to start thinking about different options for nearby elementary schools in your new city.
Whether it’s bustling Los Angeles or New York City or the quiet suburbs of Minneapolis, Des Moines, or Omaha, there are many options for schooling across the country, from public to private.
No need to worry. The best real estate agents will take your needs and requests regarding area schools into account when recommending properties. You can also do your research before deciding where you plan to settle.
See Which Neighborhoods Offer the Best Fit
New parents often have different priorities compared to other demographics, so make a list of what you’re looking for in a new home.
Case in point: It may be access to green space, so your kids have somewhere easy and fun to play, especially if you’re looking at condo or apartment living. Or it could be access to baby-friendly amenities, such as classes and baby-friendly cafes and restaurants.
A top realtor will know different neighborhoods inside out, whether they’re based in San Francisco, Dallas, or Boston. Get them to do the hard work for you in finding the best neighborhood fit, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Find Family-Friendly Communities
Any parent will tell you it takes a village to raise a child, so you’re going to want to pick that village carefully. While you don’t necessarily have a say in who your neighbors are, you can work with an agent to find the best family-friendly communities in the hopes of connecting with other new parents who share similar values.
Ultimately, the top realtors will know what different communities are like in the areas of town they tend to represent, from residential demographics to what it’s truly like to live in a neighborhood. Use their knowledge to your advantage.
Consider Your Budget
If you work remotely, then you’ll have the pick of the litter when it comes to choosing different cities to potentially relocate to — and where your money can stretch the farthest. Even if you’re location-bound, there are neighborhoods out there that are more affordable than others (and sometimes you don’t even have to move that far).
Real estate agents who make the effort to truly understand your budget are important to find. Because let’s face it — the amount of money you have and choose to spend is likely the biggest consideration when it comes to moving. Finding the right realtor can make all the difference in reducing any stress.
Relocating Doesn’t Have to be Difficult
Moving cities and into new homes doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you have the right tools at your disposal. Knowing what you want is the first step, and finding a great realtor who understands those needs, and your budget constraints is the second. Then, all you need to concentrate on is getting excited about your impending move!