Should I Bring My Kids To Look At Homes?

Doug- you cracked me up with these!!!!  Maybe for a second viewing but how can you really see what you're buying with the kiddies in tow!!??

Great post, Doug. More often than not... kids get bored out of their minds in about a New York minute.

I tell buyers to bring them along on the 2nd showing.  that way they don't get confused

I work with a lot of relocating buyers who bring their kids when they're looking to purchase a home. I've never thought about advising buyers to leave their kids at home, that's their decision. (Plus when they're from out of town that becomes a little problematic anyway). I guess if ever there was a problem I might say something, but since it hasn't happened yet, I haven't needed to think about that. 

With a title like this, I had to read this post! This is so true.  And I'm sure us seasoned agents also have lots of stories when touring homes with kids!  So glad this has been featured!

I was always OK on this unless the children are two or under. I guess I lack patience.

I've never really had a problem with kids on showing, knock on wood.  But your advice here is very good Doug.  Best wishes to you.

Some kids are OK, some I get stuck watching them for safety's sake, and I admit to banning a mother-in-law once.

Good morning Doug Rogers ,

Excellent post on an important asdpect of looking at homes! Glad to see it featured!

Hello Doug - real life meets real estate. This is very much a real world situation and a good topic to discuss sooner than later.

Well behaved children are easily tolerated - not so much with the ones who run amok. It's up to the parents to make sure kids are in the first group!

Most parents bring devices to keep kids entertained during long days of showings so this helps. I've only had a handful of disordely kids in my 20 years fo RE. Personally I enjoy listening to the kids remarks about the house as we are finishing up. I make sure to always ask the kids what they thought about the home before leaving. It makes them feel included and invested in the process. 

Great post Doug Rogers. Important to consider whether bringing the children will work or not. Similar problem with open houses...

I'm generally calmer with them in vacant homes, but when homes aren't vacant keeping their curiosity (and yes, their boredom) under control is a daunting & very distracting challenge.

If reasonably possible, I too suggest to leave them home until final visits.

Thanks for sharing,
Bruce

I can think of two instances when bringing the kids along was terrible.

One was when the 2 year old tumbled down the stairs - in spite of being there with SIX adults who were supposed to be watching him. Luckily, it was winter and he was so bundled up that it was like he was encased in thick padding.

The other was a kid of about 8 who would not behave. I was trying to turn off lights and lock up as we left and he kept running back in to turn the lights on again. I finally picked him up and carried him outside with orders to STAY. His Mom said "See what happens when you aren't nice?"

In general, it's not a good idea.  

My opinion - bring the kids to see the houses once you've narrowed it down before you make an offer.

I've done it before.. we all slept good that night! Wears them out and yourself (: 

Had four of them and sure, bring them along. The kids learn about the house hunting process, they are part of the decision making. When the kids are excited about the rec room in this one, the lake frontage on that home, that helps make the parent sway and commit. You don't just want to show homes, you want buyers to purchase, to get some results in the match making. Just make sure plumbing if drained in colder climates is known before junior tries out the bathroom. Lots of kids on board can make it like herding cats. Or if you meet a buyer for a vacation property on a Saturday when you have your own kids, because you are on your way to say hike Mt Katahdin, it helps you have kids with you during the showing. They entertain themselves outside the lake cottage and within a half hour, you the agent or broker continue on to your recreation and the buyers think hey, that guy or gal is a family person too! 

I always like to say to myself only if the kids can behave. Keeping hands to themselves, dont touch, inside voice and such... I see many parents view homes and narrow it done to 2 or even 1 then bring the kids. I also see parents bring the kids who are jumping on furniture, in the fridge and dragging out the sellers kids toys

I personally never had issues with kids. It is not unusual to bring the whole family to see a property~ especially when buyers already have viewed detailed pictures and all information online and have a good idea what to expect.