Are you a family and looking to move? Are you wondering how you are going to tackle house hunting and attending open houses with kids in tow? Not only is house hunting emotional enough on its own. Add kids to the mix — snack requests, boredom, sibling arguments, and “Is this our house?!” every five minutes — and it can feel overwhelming fast. But it doesn’t have to be.
As a mom of 2 and a real estate agent here in Maine, I’ve learned that house hunting with kids can actually be meaningful (and even fun) when you approach it with the right mindset.
Here are some ways to keep the process smooth and your sanity still intact.
1. Set Expectations Before You Walk In
Before you step into the first showing or open house, have a quick family talk:
- We are looking, not deciding today.
- We take our shoes off.
- We use walking feet and inside voices.
- We stay with a grownup at all times.
- We don’t open drawers or closets unless invited.
- Everyone gets to share one thing they liked.
When kids have boundaries and set expectations they like to stick to them. Keep it simple and positive.
2. Give Them a Job
Kids LOVE having something to do. It makes them feel important and part of the task at hand.
Try:
- “Bedroom checker” (does the house meet the min. requirement?)
- “Backyard inspector”
- “Closet space reporter”
- “Mudroom tester” (very important in Maine winters!)
3. Limit the Number of Showings
Let’s think realistically. I know for myself I don’t want to spend all day looking at house after house. Your kids probably (no they DON’T) want to either. Make a plan about the maximum number of showings before and also remember that you may need to be flexible and miss the last open house or cancel a showing. Your agent will understand and you and your kids will thank you.
Here are a few things to try:
- Narrow options online first
- Schedule 2–4 homes max
- Take breaks in between
4. Pack Snacks (Always)
This sounds obvious, but hunger is the fastest way to derail a showing. I know if I personally host your open house, there will be snacks available for attendees. But don’t count on that always. They also may not be snacks that your kids will want to eat.
Easy, low-mess options:
- Granola bars
- Applesauce pouches
- Pretzels
- Water bottles
Keep it simple and contained. If possible, have the kids sit in a set space so they are not walking all around the house with food and drink.
5. Make It a Game
Turn the day into something memorable, maybe you can go out to eat after and discuss things like::
- Rate each house 1–10
- Vote on “Best Kitchen”
- Choose “Favorite Backyard”
- Spot fun features (built-ins, window seats, reading nooks)
6. In the end the choice is yours as an adult.
While it’s wonderful to include kids, the final decision belongs to the adults.
It’s okay to say something like:
“We’re listening to your thoughts, and we understand where you are coming from, but Mom and Dad will make the final choice.”
Kids feel secure when parents lead confidently.
7. Focus on Lifestyle, Not Just Layout
Instead of questions about the house itself such as:
- “Do you like this house?”
- “Do you like the color?”
- “Is the carpet ok?”
Think about questions that will turn the house into a home:
- “Can you picture us baking cookies in this kitchen?”
- “Would you ride bikes on this street?”
- “Where would we put the Christmas tree?”
- “Can you see us with the dog in the backyard?”
It shifts the conversation from being stressful and only thinking about needs of the house instead of what a house is about. It is about a cozy place including everyone and making new memories while keeping old ones alive.
8. Know When to Leave Them Home
If you’re touring a high-end property, a quick 15-minute showing, or a competitive situation — sometimes it’s easier to preview without kids first. Maybe you and your partner need to split up, one view the home and then the other one does at a later time. Do a Facetime call. Ask your agent to video a showing for you. There’s no rule that says every showing must be a full family event.
9. Remember: They’re Feeling It Too
Moving can feel exciting for adults — but very uncertain for children.
They are going to worry about many different things than adults do. They are more worried with how it will affect them right in the NOW.
- Changing schools
- Leaving friends
- A new bedroom
Keep talking about what stays the same:
- Family routines
- Traditions
- Friday pizza night
- Sourdough Saturdays
Home is more than a house.
Final Thoughts
House hunting with kids isn’t about perfection. House hunting in general isn’t about perfection. It’s about keeping perspective and staying focused. Sometimes a showing will be chaotic and you will never want to do it again. Sometimes a showing will be surprisingly sweet. Remember the end goal, one day, you’ll look back and remember the excitement of finding the one — sticky hands, tears, tantrums, and all.
And when you finally unlock that front door for the first time as homeowners, those little voices saying, “This is our house, I’m going to go find my room!!!!!” make it all worth it.
If you’re house hunting in Southern Maine and want someone who understands both the logistics and the mom life side of things — I’d love to help guide you through it.
Because finding the right home should feel hopeful, not hectic.
