Houston is a very popular place for homebuyers, touting its diverse communities and extremely
family-friendly atmosphere. But finding your way through the housing market, even in a really
bustling city like Houston, can be a challenge.
These few things should be kept in perspective if one is contemplating buying a family home in
Houston to make the process less painful and better.
1. Identify Your Family’s Needs
Sit down with your family before you start the home search and discuss a particular set of
needs. Things to consider include the number of bedrooms required, proximity to schools,
commute times, and access to parks for recreational activities. With Houston offering such a
wide variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique lifestyle, it pays dividends to
know what your family finds most important.
Do you seek a quiet suburban residential area or an exciting walkable neighborhood? More
interestingly, do you need a big backyard where the children can play, or is there a need to be
closer to places of work and schools? Setting priorities will enable a person to narrow the
search and save time.
2. Explore the Neighborhoods of Houston
Each neighborhood in Houston has its own character and charm, so take the time to research
which area best fits the lifestyle of your family.
Some of the family-friendly neighborhoods around town include:
● The Woodlands: Great schools, parks, and family events are sure to make it a very fast-
rising community on any family’s list when seeking a non-threatening environment.
● Sugar Land: It also ranks in the largest suburbs of Houston. The suburb has good schools
and magnificent homes. Many parks and museums surround the area, making family
activities always ripe for picking.
● Katy: Besides offering an excellent school district, it has that blend of suburban and
rural living that will be just perfect for families needing more space with proximity to the
city.
● Memorial: Closer to the city, Memorial offers high-end homes with the best-ranked
schools and a quick drive into downtown Houston.
3. Create a Family Budget
Determine precisely how much your family can comfortably afford for a monthly home
mortgage payment and still have money left for utilities, groceries, and family activities. For
this, you will want to start by mapping out your household’s income versus expenses to get an
exact picture of what your financial situation is.
Also, in planning a budget, you have to take in other added costs such as closing costs, home
maintenance, and property taxes. It would be advisable for first-time buyers to discuss with a
mortgage lender who can advise about pre-approval in order to explain the options available to
them.
For mortgage options in and around Houston, you might want to try Arnaiz Mortgage where
you will have promising options detailed about home loans and options for refinancing. Getting
pre-approved for your loan will help you stay certain about how much you’ll be able to borrow
while sometimes making for an easier buying process when you go to make the purchase.
4. Consider Your Long-Term Needs
While buying a house for your family, you have to consider your future needs, too. Is your
family going to grow? Do you plan to live in this house for several years? Will you need more
bedrooms in the future, additional storage, or even space for home offices?
Buying a home is a long-term commitment, and as tempting as it is to focus on what your family
needs right this minute, planning for the future can save you a lot of heartache from
outgrowing a home too quickly. Look for homes with flexible space that can grow and adapt
along with your family: an extra bedroom that functions as a guest room or a playroom now
that can become a home office in a few years.
5. Find a Family-Friendly Community
When looking into a neighborhood, have a good sense of what the area has to offer for
families. Are there parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities nearby? Is the area walkable and
safe? Are there other families with children in the neighborhood?
Take some time to prospect in neighborhoods for their offerings. Try to attend local events or
visit community centers; neighbors can be approached to get an idea of the general community
atmosphere. It is those kinds of neighborhoods that really make a difference in the overall
happiness of a family.
6. Know What to Expect from Houston’s Housing Market
The Houston housing market can be pretty competitive, depending on exactly which desirable
neighborhoods you’re looking at since many of them have good schools and a lot of family-
friendly amenities. One should always be ready for a fast-moving market in which homes sell
rather quickly.
Be prepared, including pre-approval of your mortgage, and engage the services of a seasoned
real estate agent who is familiar with the local market. Make sure you find one who knows the
neighborhoods and can negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal on your dream family
home.
7. Remember the Little Things
While exciting it may be to pay more attention to the big picture, such as the size of the house
or the blueprint, remember not to slight some other little things that might mean a big
difference in your life. Consider practical features such as storage space, efficiency of energy,
and proximity to grocery stores, schools, and places of work. Be sure the selected home can
address all those small minute details that will make everyday living for your family more
comfortable and easier.
