How Seriously Should Parents Take Kids’ Opinions When Searching for a Home?

In choosing a new home, Camille McClain's kids have a single demand: a backyard.

McClain's little ones aren't the only kids who have an opinion when it comes to housing, and in many cases, youngsters' views weigh heavily on parents' real estate decisions, according to a 2018 Harris Poll survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults.

While more families buck an older-generation proclivity to leave kids in the dark about real estate decisions, realty agents and psychologists have mixed views about the financial, personal and long-term effects kids' opinions may have.

The idea of involving children in a big decision is a great idea because it can help them feel a sense of control and ownership in what can be an overwhelming process, said Ryan Hooper, a clinical psychologist in Chicago.

“ Children may face serious difficulties in coping with significant moves, especially if it removes them from their current school or support system,” he said.

Greg Jaroszewski, a real estate broker with Gagliardo Realty Associates, said he's not convinced that kids should be involved in selecting a home——but their opinions should be considered in regards to proximity to friends and social activities, if possible.

Younger children should feel like they're choosing their home without——actually getting a choice in the matter, said Adam Bailey, a real estate attorney based in New York.

Asking them questions about what they like about the backyard of a potential home will make them feel like they're being included in the decision-making process, Bailey said.

Many of the aspects of homebuying aren't a consideration for children, said Tracey Hampson, a real estate agent based in Santa Clarita, Calif. And placing too much emphasis on their opinions can ruin a fantastic home purchase.

“Speaking with your children before you make a real estate decision is wise, but I wouldn't base the purchasing decision solely on their opinions.” Hampson said.

The other issue is that many children——especially older ones——may base their real estate knowledge on HGTV shows, said Aaron Norris of The Norris Group in Riverside Calif.

“They love Chip and Joanna Gaines just as much as the rest of us,” he said.“HGTV has seriously changed how people view real estate. It's not shelter, it's a lifestyle. With that mindset change come some serious money consequences.

Kids tend to get stuck in the features and the immediate benefits to them personally, Norris said.

Parents need to remind their children that their needs and desires may change over time, said Julie Gurner, a real estate analyst with FitSmallBusiness.com.

“ Their opinions can change tomorrow," Gurner said. “ Harsh as it may be to say, that decision should likely not be made contingent on a child's opinions, but rather made for them with great consideration into what home can meet their needs best——and give them an opportunity to customize it a bit and make it their own.”

This advice is more relevant now than ever before, even as more parents want to embrace the ideas of their children, despite the current housing crunch.