Should The Kids Attend Home Tours
As the father of four daughters, I'm sensitive to the needs of the home buying parent. When it's time for the home tour, should we get a babysitter or allow the little ones to tag along?
Some Possible Challenges With Bringing the Kids
1) Having the kids will slow our showing pace-- Regardless of how well behaved, just having more people to shuffle in and out of spaces takes time.
2) Young children means one adult is always distracted-- Yes, an infant may sleep soundly from start to finish, but not so much with a 3 year old. If a parent is busy minding the kid, what home details are they missing?
3) Possible liability issues-- Even with close supervision, children are naturally inquisitive. I had a child on tour one time throw a figurine at the house cat. Luckily his aim was worse than a third string quarterback and both feline and statue were intact.
4) Touring multiple properties will drain their batteries-- Believe it or not looking at multiple homes is not fun for the average 8 year old. After a couple of doors, they are usually done.
5) Touring multiple homes can be confusing-- Is this our new house? Why are we leaving our old home? What about our friends? Kids are a resilient bunch, but is this a conversation you want to have in another person's study?
Tips For Including Kids On Tour
1) Bring the kids to the final walk through
2) Show them video or online photos
3) For older children an iPad or other handheld electronic device makes a difference.
4) Bring plenty of liquids. Especially in the South it's easy to get dehydrated.
As parents we respect your right to decide. For Time sensitive tours or deadlines a babysitter can be a wonderful investment. Searching for a real estate agent that will guide your through the home buying process from start to finish? Call Doug Rogers (318) 613-1994 today!
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