As summer winds down and the school year begins, many families are thinking about routines, schedules, and the spaces that will help make everyday life run smoothly. As a real estate professional, I examine homes with a trained eye, considering location, layout, structure, potential issues, and market value. But being a mom gives me a different perspective—one that helps my clients think beyond aesthetics and consider how a home will really work for their family now and as they grow.
Here are five things I’m noticing while you’re taking it all in….⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Flow & Functionality
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As a parent, I pay attention to how your family might use the home.
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- Is there a drop area near the garage?
- Does the kitchen connect naturally to the main living space for keeping an eye on kids?
- Do you want kids all on the same level as the parents?
- Is there a logical place for homework within earshot of the kitchen?
- If kids are sharing a bathroom, does the space and storage work for morning/night routines?
- Are surfaces easily cleaned?
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- Storage & Organization
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Kids mean toys, gear, and laundry, and it’s always expanding.
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- Is there enough closed storage in the kitchen?
- Is there a dedicated pantry?
- Where will you fold and process laundry?
- Are the bedroom closets large enough to contain clothes once the kids are older?
- Does the garage have space for cars + all bikes, strollers, and gear?
- Are there built-ins or storage in the rooms the kids will play in?
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- Safety & Practical Details
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From window locks to exterior access, little things matter.
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- Are there whole-house monitoring systems?
- Do any of the bedrooms have direct access to the outside?
- Is there egress in the basement?
- Is there radon mitigation installed?
- Are there water alarms?
- Smoke/CO detectors installed?
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- Outdoor Spaces & Walkability
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We live outside, and our neighborhoods and yards are a reflection of that.
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- Are there parks nearby
- How is the traffic on the street, safe for biking?
- Is the yard fully fenced
- Is there enough space to play on grass or pavement?
- Room for playhouses or basketball hoops?
- Deck or patio areas to dine and enjoy family dinners?
- Easy access to the garage from the yard?
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- Flexibility for Growth
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Families change over time.
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- Room to park cars for adult children?
- Will bedrooms accommodate larger beds?
- Enough room for kids to spread out and have friends over?
- Is there room to care for aging parents, if needed?
Being both a mom and a realtor allows me to guide clients in a unique way. I combine market knowledge with real-life family experience so buyers not only find a beautiful home, but one that truly works for their lifestyle. These same tips apply to homeowners who are considering the sale of their home. Make sure to highlight the flow and family functionality through staging, and photo/video if that is a something that helps your home shine.
If you're in the market to buy/sell a home or know someone who is, let’s connect! I'm happy to share market resources, strategy, vendor referrals, or anything else that would be helpful in your journey.
Michelle Fitzgerald
Real Estate Broker, Realtor®
phone: 970.215.8455
email: michelle@michellesellsdenver.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_sellsdenver/