Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 18, 2009
CHILDREN AND MOVES
When you have to make a housing move, it is important to engage your children in the process. Moving can create concern and anxiety for children that their parents may not be aware of right away. It usually means leaving favorite playmates, going to a new school, and feeling uncertain about what the new neighborhood will be like.
Include everyone in the discussions about the move, and invite the children to participate in house hunting trips. Work with a real estate agent who is comfortable with children and sensitive to their needs, and stay alert to dealing with their concerns.
Small children can be drawn into the process of showing the house by keeping their toys and clothes picked up. Teenagers may be especially sensitive about strangers invading their private space and may resist making their rooms “show well”. It is important that all of the family members are prepared to cooperate and contribute to a successful transaction.
