Moving is a big decision, especially with a family to think about. Here are five tips to help you sell your house when you have kids.
1. Tell Them Early
It’s tempting to keep the sale a secret from your children until they have to start packing. The anticipation can make your kids antsy, over-excited or depressed.
While moving is stressful for you, it is more so for your children.
Most kids do just fine after getting established in their new home, but it can be hard to leave the things they’re so familiar with, especially when they don’t yet understand the complex reasoning that can come with the decision to move.
For some, it is the only home they have ever known.
Tell your children as soon as you know you are selling your home. Explain why you are moving in a way they can understand.
Expect their emotions to evolve during the process, but always assure them that expressing those feelings in healthy ways is alright.
If you don’t tell them before the selling process begins, they’ll likely figure out something is happening before you can explain.
The longer you keep it from them, the more likely they’ll resent you. Moving could be a decision that is life-changing for them, even if you are not leaving town.
That’s a pretty big secret to keep, especially if they’re old enough to understand everything moving will bring.
Getting your kids involved is the best way to make a move fun and exciting for all.
Let them go to open houses with you, introduce them to your real estate agent, allow them to design their new room and come up with a plan together that lets them call, video chat or play online games with the friends they won’t see in person.
Encouraging your kids to express their opinions and being open with them from day one can strengthen your trust and help them make decisions that make the moving process positive.
2. Do a Toy Rotation for Showings
If you have little kids, you might have a lot of toys.
Every family is different and a little clutter doesn’t hurt. However, it’s worth clearing out some toys to make the most of showing your house to potential buyers.
When you have even small amounts of clutter in your house, it can distract buyers from focusing on what’s important to them, such as the condition of your home, its unique features and the space they can use.
A cluttered room can look much smaller than it is, giving the buyers a partial perspective of what their new home could look like.
Implementing a toy rotation is an easy way to keep your kids’ bedrooms or playrooms neat and tidy. Always keep comfort items out and accessible for your kids.
Then, let them choose what toys they want to keep out that week. Work with them to select a handful of toys that sit comfortably on shelves or in drawers. You can switch out the toys every week.
Doing this rotation can ensure your kids stay entertained during the weeks or months of showings.
It can also help you identify which toys they still enjoy playing with and what might be easier to donate with your kids before you pack them to move.
3. Find Trustworthy Babysitters
Selling a house can get busy, especially when you need to meet with your lender or attorney.
While keeping your kids involved in the selling process is essential, you don’t have to bore them by taking them to every meeting.
Finding one or two trustworthy and reliable babysitters can be game-changing when trying to manage everyday life by buying and selling homes.
Whether they are family, friends or an experienced nanny, having an extra set of hands to pick your kids up from school, play with them on the weekends and cook dinner is a sanity-saver for many families.
If you don’t know anyone, browse reputable websites to find babysitters for hire in your area. Many allow you to view background checks and reviews from other local families.
You can also ask your child’s school if they have any recommendations.
4. Choose a Flexible Agent
When you have kids, plans can change at a moment’s notice. Someone gets sick, a practice lasts longer than expected or you need to bake cookies for tomorrow’s bake sale you just found out about.
It’s important to keep your kids’ lives as normal as possible during selling. Having an agent who can be flexible and understanding is vital to having a positive experience.
Your real estate agent will likely have other clients to attend to and might need help to accommodate every adjustment you need. However, if they are a parent or have experience with kids, they’ll likely work with you instead of getting frustrated.
Try to make every appointment but rearrange if you need to. Remember, your agent works for you and you can call the shots.
5. Inform their School
As we mentioned, your kids will likely go through many different emotions when preparing for a move.
You inform the school about the move to unenroll them but talk to their teacher about possible mood and behavior changes they might notice.
When your child’s teachers know about the move, they can prepare the whole class for the transition and help your child ease into the idea of leaving their school for another one.
At the very least, they can plan how to close out your child’s grades and ensure they don’t leave mid-assignment.
Helping your kids process significant life events is often a multi-purpose job. If you have any concerns, speak with their school counselor about ways to make selling your home easier for them.
Selling a House When You Have Kids
Moving is stressful before kids come along, but selling your house when you have children is doable.
Having open and honest communication, staying as calm as possible and getting help can make the process smooth and enjoyable for all.