I primarily deal with families in the North Atlanta area. Many are relocating and some are just moving to a different part of the metro.

For the families with young children, I encourage the parents to try and have a sitter or family member to watch the kids while they are out looking for a home.

Now I know what you're thinking - that I'm doing this for my own benefit of not wanting the deal with kids. The truth of the matter is, I love kids. I have three of my own and really enjoy them very much. Sometimes the kids that are dragged along with adults while house hunting, are more delightful than the parents.

Seriously, I think it's easier on the buyers to be without the kids. Here are some reasons:

1. Time- With kids in tow, it usually means two cars. With two cars or one, with young kids, it always takes longer to move from house to house. You'll see many more homes without young children.

2. Distractions - When the father and mother are trying to discuss what they liked about a certain home, there are always the distractions from the children. It's just a matter of being able to focus.

3. Boredom- the truth is, most kids don't get a kick out of going from house to house. After about 3 or 4, they're ready to do something else.

4. Meal Times- Many buyers (adults) are usually on a very tight time frame. They want to cover as much ground as possible and sometimes don't want to stop for lunch. If we do stop, it's usually drive through or something quick. When you have kids, lunch is just about mandatory.

5. Bathroom breaks- Adults can usually wait until we get to the next home. Sometimes children can't and require stopping along the way.

6. Naps- many times as we get to a home, we find that the child(ren) have fallen asleeo in their car seat. This requires that either you wake up a sleepy child, or one parent stays in the car or you leave the child in the car. None of these are good ideas. (especially the last one)

As potential buyers, you want to have the focus to select the very best home available. Do yourself a favor and hire a sitter or leave them with a frind or relative. I think you'll be glad that you did.