Guest Post by Amos Faulkner.
Amos Faulkner wants to help people “do money well.” Money is a constant in our lives. Yet, as a bank teller, Amos realized that many people don’t pay enough attention to how much they have or how much they need, now and in the future. Well, now, the buck stops with his site, domoneywell.com. From teaching your children how to manage their money to saving for your golden years, Amos will cover it all.
The modern housing market can be difficult for anyone to navigate, but that does double for parents trying to find a home that fits their autistic child’s needs. It’s never easy to budget but the following advice from Millenial Mom might help to streamline the house hunting and moving processes.
Finding Your Ideal Home
The most important step in house hunting should also be the first: assessing your financial health to establish your budget. The size of the mortgage you'll be able to get depends on your cash-on-hand, your debt-to-income ratio, and other potential factors depending on the financial institution. It’s also a great idea to research the local market so that you know what to expect.
It's necessary to be realistic with your expectations when searching for your new home. Prioritize your needs over your wants; a pre-installed pool is nice, but are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms to support your family? If you have pets, can they exist comfortably in this space? Are there any HOA guidelines preventing you from having them? There are many unexpected fees associated with buying a home, so try to meet all of your requirements without overspending.
Accommodating and Including the Kids
Remember that your children have very different requirements for their lives than you, especially if you have a child with autism. When looking for a home for an autistic child, it is important to consider the child's specific needs, such as sensory requirements, routines and other factors that can affect their wellbeing. Additionally, finding a home with good access to support services and community activities appropriate for those with special needs is essential.
Before committing to a neighborhood, research the school district. Online reviews can indicate if the district has a good reputation and is well-funded. Schools in many areas are funded by property taxes, so the higher your home value, the more resources educational facilities are likely to have.
Moving can be just as stressful for your children as it is for you. To keep them from being anxious and bored, include them in the process. Older kids can be trusted to pack up their old rooms and customize their new ones. Toddlers and small children can be given token tasks such as moving small boxes around to feel like they're a part of the transition. Make sure to take some time to rest and allow the other members of your family to pull their respective weights.
Moving Your Family and Business
Having to move isn't always a positive situation. If you find yourself, for whatever reason, moving to a new state without much money to support yourself, you may need to put the house hunt on hold. If you have friends or close relatives in the area, they may be able to take you in, provided they have the space for your other family members and pets, if any. Try to keep your visit as short as possible while you diligently arrange employment and housing in your new area.
If you have your own business, relocating it at the same time that you're changing homes is a challenge. To accomplish this as seamlessly as possible, organize your business assets in meticulously labeled containers to eliminate any guesswork regarding their destination, as well as keep them from being mixed in with containers bound for your house. Consider hiring reputable, insured, professional movers for the literal and figurative load of this doubled moving task.
Meeting New People
Moving can make it challenging to meet people and build relationships. However, there are several ways to make finding new friends easier. One great way is to join local clubs or organizations related to your interest - whether sports, music, or other hobbies - as this provides an opportunity both to meet like-minded people and have fun activities. You can also reach out on social media platforms such as Facebook or Meetup to find interest groups or activities in the area.
Additionally, if you’re relocating to your hometown, you can use search engines to find alumni from your high school. This can be effective if you can’t connect with people through social media.
Get Peace of Mind with a Home Warranty
A home warranty can provide peace of mind to homeowners by offering protection against unexpected repair costs for covered systems and appliances. With a home warranty, you can rest assured that if something breaks down or malfunctions, you can call the warranty provider to arrange a repair or replacement, without having to worry about paying a large sum of money. This can give you peace of mind and help you avoid the stress and financial burden of unexpected repairs. It’s important to find out more about home warranty cost and coverage before investing, though, to ensure you get a policy that reflects your needs.
Finding Your Balance
Keeping costs down while relocating your family and business is quite the balancing act. Keeping everyone organized, involved, and considered throughout the process will ensure the move goes as smoothly as possible, leaving you well prepared to acclimate to your new environment.
Are you looking for more great resources on family and finance-related matters? Then check out Millenial Mom!
