There is no rule against bringing your kids to a home viewing or property listings. You can go with your kids, but you also need to prepare for some challenges if you do so. Here are a few tips to help you navigate home viewings with your kids.
Bring Help
If you have to bring the kids, then you should at least bring some help with you. An adult, older sibling, or a baby sitter can help keep the kids calm and busy as you inspect the house. That way, you will have ample time to talk with the agent or owner and scrutinize every inch of the house. The distractions may be too much if you arrive with the kids alone.
Not the Only Showing
It is also a good idea not to bring along the kids to the only showing. If you have to bring the kids, then either bring them to the first showing and come alone the second time or come alone the first time and bring them along the second time. This may be helpful, say if your kids are a bit older and you want their opinion on the house.
Age Matters
The age of the kids also matters. Young babies and older teenagers may not be a problem. You can just carry the baby as you would carry them elsewhere, and the older kids may not be too bothersome. However, kids in between might be too problematic to bring along.
Behavior Matters
Kids are not all the same. Some are energetic and can't help but touch everything and must always be on the move. Such kids might be troublesome during the showing. Some kids also behave almost as if they are young adults. You know your kids best; be honest with yourself and judge whether they will be a bother or not.
Budget for Adequate Time
Most likely, the showing and the discussions will take longer with the kids than without them. You might have to stop and control them, feed them, or stop their bothersome antics. Make sure you have ample time so that you don't come back without doing what actually took you there.
Mind the Condition of the House
Lastly, it might not be safe to take kids to a depilated house. If you are in the market for a fixer-upper, it's likely that some of the houses you will be viewing will not be in safe conditions. Torn tiles, leaking roof, leaking plumbing fixtures, and such like things may be more dangerous to kids than adults.
