Buying a home is an enormous decision that’s going to impact your lives for years. That’s why it can seem a bit overwhelming to choose a home that fits your needs and that of your family. As you browse our listings, you may be wondering what’s really going to matter. Paint color and décor don’t matter. Especially for parents with children living at home, these six key aspects of a home can play a big role in your home-buying journey.

#1: The Layout of the Living Areas

As you view homes for sale in Naperville, Hinsdale, Oswego or any of our communities, take a look at how the living areas are laid out. Is it an open floor plan that allows you to see what’s happening in the family room from the kitchen? Perhaps each room is separate from each other, creating a bit more privacy but blocking children from view. Can you keep track of the kids while you cook or work in a home office? The ages of your children may affect how you think about the ideal layout for your new home. Many parents with young children want a floor plan that makes it easy to keep kids in view. Parents with teens may want a layout that offers more separation between generations. The question to ask is: Does the home’s layout meet the needs of you and family?

#2: Location of Bedrooms

Determine how close you want the bedrooms to be to each other. Parents of babies and toddlers often prefer a master bedroom located close to a child’s room. Parents with older children and teens may prefer more separation and privacy between Mom and Dad’s room and the kids. A safety point to consider is the location of bedrooms relative to fire escape routes.

#3: How the Home Is Heated

In many of Chicago’s western suburbs, you’ll find radiators along the walls, especially in some older homes. Other options include floor vents. Perhaps the most modern homes have radiant heated floors. That’s fantastic for those mornings when you don’t want to step on a cold tile floor. However the home is heated, you’ll want to be sure it’s safe for the kids. If the home has working fireplaces or wood stoves, you’ll want to put systems in place to keep little ones away from these heat sources.

#4: Backyard Views and Access

Looking out of the windows, what do you see? Check out the views from each room. Will you be able to see the kids playing in the backyard from the places you’ll likely spend most of your time? Is access to the backyard easy for little feet to navigate? Consider how exterior steps on decks and patios will affect your family.

#5: Neighborhood Amenities in Walking Distance

Some Naperville homes for sale are located in neighborhoods where walking to the park takes five minutes. What else is nearby? Can you walk to the grocer or a convenience store? Are there bike paths from the home that allow you to explore the area as much as desired? You’ll also want to consider what is in the community that may not be desirable, such as proximity to businesses and heavy traffic.

#6: Neighborhood Safety

When you fall in love with a home, be sure to also take a walk around the neighborhood. Take a few minutes to check out what’s nearby and how walkable and safe the area is. Look at the availability of sidewalks and crosswalks. Is the area well-lit and inviting? All are important things to consider as you determine if the neighborhood will be a fit for your family.

Chicago’s western suburbs are all so different. It’s important to fall in love with the way your home makes you feel. That means exploring the layout, the way it fits your family’s needs, and the location, with care. Our agents are local experts who can guide you to the home that works for you. Contact us today to get started.