Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make, and when you have a family, the stakes are even higher. The cozy bungalow that's perfect for a toddler might not be the ideal space for a teenager who needs privacy and a place to study. To make a smart investment that will serve your family for years to come, it's essential to think beyond your current needs and consider how your family's lifestyle will evolve.

Here's a guide to help you find the perfect family home, with tips on what to consider from the first walk-through to the final move-in day.

Location, Location, Location: More Than Just a Mantra

The old real estate adage is true, but for families, "location" means more than just a good address. It's about finding a community that supports your family's day-to-day life and future.

• School Catchment Areas: This is a top priority for many families. Before you even fall in love with a house, do your homework on the local schools. Most school districts have a "school locator" tool on their website where you can type in an address to see which schools a property is zoned for. Look at school ratings, read parent reviews, and check for any special programs or choice schools that might be a good fit for your children.

• Proximity to Parks and Amenities: A good neighborhood for kids is one with places to play. Are there parks, playgrounds, or green spaces within walking distance? How far is it to the local library, community center, or sports fields? A house near these amenities can be a lifesaver for busy parents and a hub for social activity for kids.

• The Neighborhood Vibe: Is the neighborhood family-friendly? The best way to find out is to become a local for a day. Visit the area on a weekend and take a walk around. Do you see other children playing outside? Are there bikes and toys in driveways? This can be a great indicator of the community's demographics.

The House Itself: A Home for All Ages

While a house's aesthetic appeal is important, its layout and features are what will truly determine its long-term suitability for your family.

• Layout and Flexibility: An open-concept floor plan is fantastic for keeping an eye on young children while you're in the kitchen, but it may not be ideal for a teenager who wants a quiet space to do homework. Consider a home with multiple living areas or a finished basement that can serve as a playroom for little ones and a hangout spot for older kids.

• Bedrooms and Bathrooms: As your family grows, so does the need for personal space. A house with enough bedrooms for each child (and an extra for a guest room or home office) is a significant long-term plus. And don't underestimate the value of having more than one bathroom, especially as kids get older and their morning routines get more complicated.

• Storage, Storage, Storage: Kids come with a lot of stuff—toys, books, sports equipment, and school projects. Look for a home with ample closet space, a large mudroom, or a basement that can be organized to keep clutter at bay.

• Safety and Accessibility: For families with toddlers, features like stairs without handrails or sharp corners might be a concern. When your children are grown, you might be thinking about aging parents or your own future mobility. A home with a ground-floor bedroom or the potential to add accessibility features could be a smart move.

The Backyard and Beyond: Your Private Retreat

The outdoor space is just as important as the indoor space, and for families, a backyard is often the heart of the home.

• Privacy and Greenspace: A private backyard offers a safe haven for kids to play and for the whole family to relax. Does the yard back onto a busy street or a public park? Does it back onto a greenspace or a quiet neighbor's yard? Consider how easily a fence could be added for privacy and security.

• Noise Levels: To get a true sense of a home's environment, visit the property at different times of the day and week. A quiet street on a Tuesday morning might be a different story on a Friday night. Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, or other sounds that could impact your family's peace and quiet.

Finding the perfect family home is a journey of balancing your current needs with your future aspirations. By taking the time to research the neighborhood, think about long-term functionality, and visit the property at different times, you can make a confident choice that will serve your family well for many years to come.

As both a real estate professional and a father of three, I know firsthand how important it is to find a home that adapts to a family’s changing needs. If you’re looking for a place that can grow with you, I’d be glad to help guide the process.

Life rarely unfolds in a straight line, and my career path is a testament to that! It all started with a Hospitality and Management degree, fueled by dreams of creating memorable guest experiences. My first step was as an Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, a role that quickly taught me the vibrant energy (and demanding pace!) of the industry.

However, a key realization dawned: truly climbing the hospitality ladder often meant leaving the familiar comfort of my small town. This led me to pivot, taking on management roles in the fast-paced world of fast food. From there, I transitioned to a Field Inspector for a franchise, gaining invaluable insights into operations and consistency.

Then came a chapter that many might see as a blast from the past – owning and operating my own video store for over a decade! Yes, I was that person, holding the fort as the last video store in the Comox Valley. It was an incredible experience, connecting with people over their movie choices and being a hub in the community.

Looking back, the golden thread that wove through every single one of these roles was customer service. Whether it was ensuring a perfect dining experience, leading a team in a busy restaurant, or recommending the perfect movie for a Friday night, I discovered a genuine joy in connecting with people. I truly care about understanding their needs and, surprisingly, people have always felt comfortable sharing their stories with me.

And then there's the backdrop of my life – the moves that shaped me, from Port Alberni to Parksville, Nanaimo, and finally settling in the beautiful Comox Valley. With each move came a deeper appreciation for the concept of "home" and the significance of finding the right place.

Now, as my own kids are navigating the sometimes-stressful process of thinking about their future careers, I often share my own winding path with them. The truth is, it doesn't really matter what you decide to do right now, because that can and likely will change as you grow and evolve. The most important thing is to make a decision and get started. Every experience, even the unexpected ones, offers valuable lessons and can open doors you never imagined.

That brings me to today. After over ten years as a Realtor in the Comox Valley, I can honestly say that I still love this job as much as I did on day one. Every single day brings something different and engaging. Whether it's the joy of helping new clients find their perfect home, reconnecting with previous clients for their next chapter, or the satisfying challenge of problem-solving the unique situations that arise, this career continues to inspire me.

Combining this lifelong interest in real estate with the business acumen honed over years of entrepreneurship, the practical know-how and wisdom passed down from my father, and that ever-present passion for helping people, being a Realtor here in the Comox Valley remains an incredibly rewarding journey – albeit one with a few interesting detours along the way!

My journey might look unconventional, but each step has equipped me with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of people and business. So, if you're looking for a Realtor who genuinely cares, brings a wealth of diverse experience to the table, and understands the importance of finding not just a house, but a home in this incredible valley, I'd love to connect!

Selling a home when you have pets comes with a unique set of challenges. While your furry friends are beloved family members, not all potential buyers feel the same way—some may be allergic, fearful, or simply turned off by signs of animals in the home. Taking the right steps can help your home appeal to the widest audience possible.

1. Communicate Clearly About Cats

If you have cats, determine whether they are indoor-only or allowed outside. If your cat must stay indoors, let your real estate agent know so they can alert other agents and buyers. Posting a polite sign near the door (“Please don’t let the cat out”) is also helpful.

Before each showing, clean and deodorize the litter box. Use a low-scent or unscented litter to minimize smell, and avoid heavy sprays or air fresheners. Strong or artificial scents may deter sensitive buyers and give the impression you’re masking something unpleasant.

2. Handle Dogs With Care

Even the friendliest dog can make a buyer uncomfortable—or become stressed themselves during showings. Ideally, take your dog off-site during showings. If that’s not possible, consider crating them in a quiet, low-traffic area like the garage (if temperature-controlled and safe), but only if they are crate-trained and calm in that environment.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and other organizations recommend removing pets from the home during showings whenever possible to reduce stress and eliminate risk for both animals and buyers. [Source: ASPCA.org]

3. Focus on Cleanliness and Odor Control

Pet odors are one of the top turn-offs for homebuyers. What you no longer notice could be very obvious to visitors. Use baking soda to deodorize carpets and upholstery—sprinkle it, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly.

Wash pet bedding regularly and consider professional cleaning for carpets and furniture before listing. Keep toys, food bowls, and scratching posts out of sight during photos and showings.

In Summary:
A little extra effort can make a big difference. Keeping your home clean, fresh, and free of pet distractions will help it show at its best—and sell faster. Your pets may not love the process, but with good planning, they’ll be settled in your new home before you know it.