Steps To Take Before Buying A Home As A Single Parent With One Child
If you are a single parent with a child, it is likely that your household has the same needs as two-parent households. Many single parents purchase homes by themselves in order to set down roots for their family. If you are interested in purchasing a home for yourself and your child, the good news is, you only have one other person to make plans for and with. Here are some steps to take before signing on the dotted line for a new home for yourself and your child.
Be realistic about your five-year plan
If you are buying a home, you are entering into a long-term commitment. Sit down and jot down your five-year plan to determine just how much house is affordable and what lifestyle you want to live. If you have plans to quit your job and open a new business, you may want to scale down the amount of the home that you decide to purchase. If you will be close to retirement, you might want to get a home that will allow you a 10- or 15-year mortgage term.
Consider city living
While two-parent homes with children or those who have several children often look at suburbs, you easily have the option of the city. Finding a loft or a two-bedroom swanky condo for you and your kid can be a nice living space, plus put you in the city. This will make it easier for you to commute and for your child to get to activities. It also means nightlife and possible dating options are accessible for you.
Determine your routes
If you are a single parent and making all of the pick-ups and drop-offs on your own, it will be important to make your house accessible. Be sure that your child is in the school district that you prefer and has activities available near your neighborhood of choice. Having a commute mapped out that you can deal with easily will provide you and your child with more free time to spend together. Keep location in mind as you look at houses for sale.
Come up with contingency plans
As a single parent, will be up to you to make plans for your child and household in the event of major circumstances changing. If you are buying a home, consider raising the amount of your life insurance so that the home mortgage can be paid off, plus your child can be provided for in the event that something happens to you. You will also need to make a plan for who will have custody of your child in the event that you are debilitated and who will come to help raise your child should you experience major illness. Have these together before buying a home so that there are no worries when you get your new keys.