When you plan to have a child or fall pregnant, you start to look at your home in a whole new light. The home that once felt just the right size for you suddenly feels too small. Little features that didn’t bother you now seem impractical or even unsafe for a small child.
So, you consider moving, but of course, making a big move right before or after having a baby sounds stressful, so which should it be? The truth is, everyone has different circumstances that can change the right answer, but we’ll do our best to guide you through to the right answer for you in this article.
What do I need to consider when buying a house and having a baby?
Here are some of the factors you need to consider:
- Are you already pregnant? The last thing you need to worry about when a baby is coming is whether or not you’re going to be in your new house or not, so consider how quickly you think you’ll be able to move and how many months pregnant you are. Most traditional market sales take 3-6 months to complete, so starting late in your pregnancy could leave you with a lot of stress right as the baby’s due, even if you have everyone you know doing all the heavy lifting (literally!) for you.
- Are you a first-time buyer? If so, and you’re not yet pregnant, it’s likely going to be a good idea to get a foot on the ladder now so you can feel settled before the baby comes. That said, there will be a whole host of new expenses with a new baby and a new home, so if you’re worried about the financial strain and you’ve got the room for your new baby, it may be best to stay put.
- Have you budgeted for both? Unless you’re planning to move to a house or area that will decrease your current mortgage payments, you need to consider if you can afford both a bigger mortgage and the expenses of a child easily. If not, it may be better to do one at a time.
- Where are you living now? If you’re not in a settled situation, then you may decide it’s worth the extra stress of trying to move quickly so you can be in your own home and space when the baby arrives. If you’re currently in a home you own or feel settled and safe in your rental home, or with family, you may decide it’s better to stay put for the first few months of the baby’s life until you feel ready to buy.
Will having a baby affect my ability to get a mortgage?
It can. In most cases, it’s only seriously going to affect your mortgage application if you’re actively on unpaid maternity/paternity leave, or if you plan to go from two incomes down to one, or if you plan to only work part-time after your baby is born. They’ll also consider the upcoming baby in your affordability.
If you can, it’s probably going to be easier (and less stressful) to secure your new mortgage pre-baby, but if your finances look good on paper, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, especially if you’ve been at the same company for many years or if you’ve had a reliable self-employed income.
Do I have to tell the mortgage company if I’m pregnant or planning to have a baby?
No – you’re under no obligation to do so and they are not allowed to discriminate against you due to your children, present or future. They’re not allowed to ask you about your family plans, either. All you need to do is prove that you’ve got a reliable income coming in that’s capable of covering your mortgage and other living costs.
I’m pregnant and want to buy a house – what should I do?
If you’re already pregnant and want to buy a house before the baby comes, here are some steps to get you moving as fast as possible (with the least amount of stress possible!):
- Get your finances in order: Whether you need a mortgage to buy your next home or are fortunate enough to be a cash buyer, make sure you have your finances in order. If you’re applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to prove your income and likely show a budget. Doing a budget with all the expenses you’re going to have with your new baby is also crucial to ensure your move is affordable.
- Sell your current home: If you already own a home and need to sell, it’s time to put it up for sale and try to sell it as fast as possible. Waiting around for a buyer is going to be the lengthiest part of this process, so if you have any doubts about how fast your home will sell, consider selling to a cash home buying company (like us – we buy homes in Massachusetts, you can find out more here) so you can get the cash you need to buy as soon as possible.
- Forget perfectionism: Do you have Pinterest boards complete with dream nurseries? They’re beautiful, but don’t get hung up on having the perfect fully-kitted-out nursery before the baby arrives. You do not need the stress of moving, having a baby, and decorating your new home. Babies need very little early in their lives, so get the essentials and leave the beautiful bedroom for later.
Sell Fast in Massachusetts
If you decide to move before you have a baby and your baby is (or needs to be) arriving sooner rather than later, you’ll need to sell your current home so you can move fast. If you live in Massachusetts, we’re here to help. We’re a cash home buying company and we make it possible for you to sell your home in as little as 2-3 weeks.
We won’t rush you to be out before you’re ready and we won’t put any repair conditions on our offer – we’ll buy your home as-is. To learn more about the process or to get your no-obligation cash offer, click here.