Guest Post: To Move or Not to Move?

To Move or Not to Move?

That certainly is the question for most young and growing families. How much space is enough? What are the major differences in prospective school districts? Do we move before the baby comes or wait until the kids are older? For most of us, these are but some of the questions we ask when considering a move for our young families.

In my real estate practice, I have had the opportunity to work with many families that pondered these same questions. I’ve had many families opt to move and a few who have decided to stay put. Many of my discussions with families have brought to light useful information – so let’s take a look at some of the  motivating factors.

To Move...

We asked a few simple questions to previous clients about what made them make the move.

What was the biggest factor in choosing your new home?
For nearly every family, more space was the most common answer given with better school districts a close second. One buyer, Wendy from Harleysville, said, "We felt very strongly about being in a neighborhood (preferably a cul-de-sac) ... we felt this would be more kid-friendly".

Did you talk to your child/children about the move? How was it taken and how was it conveyed?
With the exception of newborns and toddlers, every family found a way to include their child in the process and had great ideas to make the move smoother for the kids. Some ideas included letting a child pick his/her bedroom, new toys to celebrate the move, keeping paint colors the same as current bedrooms or living spaces and making sure to schedule play dates with friends from old neighborhoods. Most parents said they sat their children down at some point to say that they were buying a new house. Those conversations focused on the positives; new house, new school, bigger bedroom, finished basement, bigger backyard, etc.

If children were not in the equation, would you have moved?

If so, how would your decision-making process be different? This question brought a wide range of responses. Most parents dreamed of the days before kids and all of the free time they once wasted away. When the daydreams ended, a majority of buyers said they still would have moved. The couples that would have moved with or without having kids mostly said they would have focused on different things. A few were very forthcoming in stating they probably would have stretched more financially to get everything they wanted in a home.

Not to Move...

You already have children or are expecting, why did you stay put?
Nearly every couple came to the same conclusion here, finances. Some didn't want to extend themselves with a new baby or one on the way. Others wanted to really grow capital and wait until their children were closer to school age.

Now that the new baby is here are you happy you chose to stay put?

Most families mentioned they are very happy but acknowledged they will soon need more space.

Have you decided to use money you saved for a down payment for something other than purchasing a home?

Some from this group said yes. Because they had considered moving and were saving, some families used those funds to keep one parent home with the kids for a longer period of time. One family made a lot of improvements to their home instead. Most stated they continued saving to have more flexibility when it comes time to move.


Most of you have probably considered making a move or will need to as your family grows. It would be great to hear some input from others that have crossed that bridge and what factors led to your decisions. Feel free to provide comments or feedback about your experiences. We (North Penn Under Ten and I) would also like to know what other topics you may be interested in hearing about.

Bob Kelley is a licensed Realtor and has been serving the North Penn area for eight years. If you are interested in his services or a consultation, please contact Bob directly at BKelley@Century21.com or 215-855-8424 x139. You can always view updated listings at www.NorthPennListings.com.