Finding the Perfect Family Home When Your Child Has Autism

As the parent of a child with autism, finding the right home can feel impossible when it’s time to buy. But with the right strategy, you can close on a home where your child will be safe and feel at ease. These tips presented by Realtor Carol Gilles will help you make smart decisions through the house hunting process so that you can purchase the ideal property for your family.

Work With a Great Real Estate Agent

 You don’t need to tackle this process on your own – enlist a real estate agent for assistance! Auction recommends looking for a tech-savvy agent with a reputation for honesty. If you know other parents who have children with autism, ask them which agents they worked with to find their homes. Even before bringing on an agent, research your new home’s market and see what homes are going for and to see how “hot” it is.

Look For the Right Home Features

As you attend viewings scheduled by your agent, The Housson Center suggests looking for features that will serve your child well. A single-story home with an open floor plan can make it easier for everyone to get around the house and living in a quiet neighborhood is a better choice if your child is sensitive to loud noises.

Make a Moving Day Plan 

Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic! Check into local moving companies, and after checking out customer reviews and getting at least three estimates, hire them for help, and ask a loved one to lend a hand with childcare. Pack up your child’s items last and label the box so you can unpack them first. In addition, make sure to connect your utilities at your new home in advance to make your arrival more pleasant for you and your child.

Bring Cleaners on Board

Your child will feel more relaxed and experience lower stress levels in a clean home, so it’s important to unpack in a tidy fashion. However, you might notice that some of your belongings need more intensive cleaning. If you’ve tried using your typical cleaning products to remove furniture stains, yet they’re still visible, it’s time to call an upholstery cleaner by searching for nearby cleaning services. Check out companies in your new area online to browse their reviews before requesting price quotes. And before you make a final hiring decision, meet with potential cleaners to discuss your personal needs, and get referrals from other happy customers.

Organize Your Belongings

When you have a child with autism, you need to keep any items that might pose a risk to their safety in organized, secure places and keep your home clutter-free. This might involve placing locks on cabinets or the doors to certain rooms. It’s helpful to label shelves or boxes containing your child’s belongings after you’ve unpacked everything – this will make it easier for them to learn where all of their things are in your new home.

Get Ready for Modifications

Your home might not come with all of the features your child needs, but that’s okay. You can always make modifications. Experts recommend installing gas shut-off valves, appliances with special locks and safety features, and radio covers. You can also bolt large furniture to the floor and remove electric heaters or wood-burning fireplaces.

Home Warranties Can Be Lifesavers

Routines are often important to people with autism, especially children. And when something in your home breaks down, be it a washing machine or something related to plumbing, this can seriously throw everyone off. Home warranties can help you get things repaired as quickly as possible by covering the cost of these repairs. This way, you won’t have to wait until money becomes available for the entire bill. Home warranties may not seem very important, but they’ll be invaluable when something goes wrong. Spend time checking out reviews on home warranty companies to better understand what’s available.

You want your home to be an oasis for your child. If you’re feeling discouraged by your initial house-hunting attempts, don’t let it set you back for long. With support and guidance, you can get the keys to a home where your child can thrive!

Special thanks to Natalie Jones – Homeownerbliss.info

Looking for a house can be difficult, but South Bay Realtor Carol Gilles can help you easily and quickly navigate the market to find your dream home. Get in touch by calling 310-864-9738.