While starting a family is an undeniably exciting life milestone, it does come with a fair share of needs and necessities. More often than not, one of these needs is a bigger home. 

It’s not uncommon for couples to buy their first home with the specific goal of raising a family in it. In fact, many first-time home buyers in Toronto are well into the process of family planning when they head to the market. 

In our decade and a half of experience working with buyers in Toronto West, we’ve developed a knack for helping new families find their perfect homes. 

If you’re looking to buy a home that can meet your needs, and the needs of your current or future children, here are a few factors to look out for as you begin house-hunting.  

Want to talk with a leading Toronto real estate agent about finding your dream home? Click here to book your Buyer’s Meeting. 

Space and Storage 

Starting a family means you’re going to need space and lots of it. In addition to having enough bedrooms for your children, a family home should also have ample room for play and leisure. For families with young children, open-concept floor plans make supervision much easier.

In addition to space, a great family home also has plenty of built-in options for storage. Features such as closets, crawl spaces, basement rooms, garden sheds, and garages can all come in handy when you’re raising children. 

As a first-time home buyer, the idea of finding a spacious home can seem like a daunting task – especially in Toronto. However, by working with the right buying agent, you can find a home that fits your needs and budget. 

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Check out these buyer-focused resources from our blog to learn more about the financial steps of preparing for a home purchase.  

• 7 Steps to Optimize Your Credit Score
• Buying a Home? Here Are 5 Things Not To Do
• 10 Important Tips For Buying a Home

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Access to Outdoor Spaces

While today’s generation of children certainly have different ways of passing time than when we did when we were young, outdoor playtime is by no means a thing of the past. As a parent, ensuring your children have access to safe outdoor spaces can have a big impact on their development. 

Reliable access to outdoor spaces could mean a having private yard, or simply being nearby a park, playground, or other outdoor amenities. Despite Toronto’s reputation as an urban jungle, there are still plenty of homes that check this box. 

Creating a well-defined budget is an important step in the process of buying your first home. To get a better understanding of what you can afford, click here to use our Home Buyer Calculators. 

A Great Neighbourhood 

If you’re planning on raising a family, choosing the right neighbourhood is without a doubt one of the most important decisions that will come with your home purchase. Your children will not just grow up between your home’s four walls, but also in the community around it.

Toronto has plenty of amazing neighbourhoods, and the right one for your family will ultimately depend on your unique needs. That being said, some of the best family-oriented communities in the city share a few commonalities.

First and foremost, a good family neighbourhood has direct and easy access to everyday essentials. From grocery stores to health care and everything in between, having day-to-day necessities nearby is a huge perk for parents. 

An ideal family neighbourhood also has reputable schools that cater to a wide range of ages and grades. Not only will this factor impact the quality of education your children receive, but it will also play a role in how easily they can get to and from school. As your children get older, being within walking distance is a big plus. 

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Want to learn about some of the most popular home-buying destinations for families in Toronto West? Explore these neighbourhood guides. 

• Community Guide: Little Italy
• Community Guide: Dovercourt – Wallace Emerson
• Community Guide: Keelesdale

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Room to Grow

Finally, you’ll want to ensure your home is flexible enough to accommodate your family as it grows and evolves. Regardless of your current family structure, it’s important to think about the future. Your home should be able to meet your needs today and down the line. 

Consider your plans or goals for the coming years. If you’re thinking about expanding your family and welcoming more children, it helps to be proactive. Rather than go through the hassle of selling your home in a few years in order to find more space, considering your future needs will help you purchase a great home the first time around. 

Ready to find your perfect family home in Toronto West? Our award-winning team can help! Send us an email or call 647.330.5279 to get started.