Any time you are searching for a home on the real estate market to fit a family lifestyle with children, your search for the right place is a bit more complicated. However, if you have a teenager or two in the house that will be moving with you, your home search can be even more challenging. Certain types of floorplans, layouts, and home designs work best when you share your space with a teen. Here are some things to consider when searching for your new home.
Are bedrooms distanced to allow privacy?
Teens are more concerned about privacy than ever, and you may also want some space from an energetic teen that tends to stay up late, enjoy their music louder than most, and generally makes more noise. Ranch-style homes with bedrooms all crowded on one end, wall to wall, may not be the best option. The more space you can create between parent rooms and your child's bedroom, the more content all of you will be after the move.
Is there room for extra vehicles in the driveway?
Having a teen ready to start driving means they will need space to park their first vehicle, but it also means having other teens stopping in that also drive and will need a place to park. Therefore, having only parking at the curb or room for only one vehicle in the driveway is probably not going to do. Get your real estate agent's help with finding a house that has ample parking available.
Does the home have ample space for teens to hang out?
A game room, a large family room, a finished basement — all of these spaces are good spots for teens to hang out with their visiting friends. Without some of these spaces available, you can run into issues with being overcrowded when a lot of friends stop in. Outdoor space, whether it is a large backyard for catching some sun or a nice patio for entertaining a few guests, is also good for this reason.
Are the bedrooms versatile?
Having a teenager means it likely won't be long before that child leaves home. If you are planning on keeping their bedroom for them for the next decade in spite of whether they live at home full-time or not, it is fine to have a bedroom suited for that particular use. However, if you will be using the space for something else when the teen leaves home, make sure bedrooms will be easy enough to reinvent.