From storybooks to scavenger hunts, real estate pros are finding creative ways to involve customers’ children and reduce the stress for families during the house hunt.
CHICAGO – A young girl wandered into the kitchen while her parents walked through a home for sale. She helped herself to an apple from a fruit basket on the counter — not exactly ideal house-hunting etiquette, but it captures the reality of bringing kids along on home tours.
Ashley Willis, a real estate pro with CB&A, Realtors®, in Beaumont, Texas, understands that reality well. While she hasn’t had to deal with broken items (yet) during showings — just a kid’s pantry-picking moment — she understands the stress families feel. Shopping for homes is already overwhelming. Parents are juggling deadlines, busy schedules and big decisions — plus trying to keep kids quiet, engaged and out of trouble.
Willis, who has 19 years of experience, has guided countless families through the process and has seen the influence children can have on the house hunt.
“Parents always have the final say,” she says. “But I do see kids influencing the parents a lot. Their well-being is a top priority. When children are included in the process, it makes them feel like they can talk about their feelings. This is a big transition in their life.”