homes &MORE
28 • COMMUNITY ADVOCATE • Friday, March 19, 2021
HOMES This is a paid advertisement
This is a paid advertisement
more
The challenges of moving with children By Michelle Gillespie
this active real estate market, many families are looking to move to a larger home or relocate to Inanother community. This brings many challenges while buying or selling a home but I can help.
Michelle Gillespie, REALTOR® MEGA AGENT Direct Line: 508-934-9818 michelle@michellegillespie.com www.michellegillespie.com
Moving into a new home brings with it a lot of emotions, particularly for families moving with children. Excitement and enthusiasm are coupled with anxiety and apprehension as to whether children will take to the new home and neighborhood. Carefully preparing children for the move, both practically and psychologically, will help ease the transition and make the process smoother and more enjoyable for the entire family. For over 15 years I have
been helping families move and offer the following advice on how to make sure children of all ages cope with the home buying process and the big move. Here are a few recommendations that I share with my clients when it comes to moving with children.
FINDING A NEW HOME 10 MAIN STREET, Communicate - MainNORTHBOROUGH tain an open dialogue with children about the decision to move to a new house. Engaging them at the beginning of the process will give them time to get used to the idea and ultimately accept the change. Explain Windows, Siding, Roofing, the reasons behind the move, and answer questions Additions, Decks, Kitchen & truthfully. However, early discussion does not mean it Bathroom Remodels is necessary to bring them to every single home being considered, especially very young children. Once the choices have been narrowed down to perhaps two or three, bring them to the homes so they can begin to feel familiar with new sur781-899-6353 www.three-sons.net roundings. Listen - Listening to Susan@threesonswindow.com what children are saying about the move is just as important as talking to them about it. By paying close attention to their statements and reactions, parents can alleviate any fears. This is especially important for school-age Theresa K. Capobianco, Esq. children and teenagers who 88 Main Street, Suite C may be reluctant to leave Northborough, MA 01532 their friends and classmates. Theresa K. Capobianco, Esq. 508-653-1770 (t) Avoid being dismissive 88 Main Street, Suite C 508-650-1869 (f) Northborough, MA 01532 of their social concerns; 508-653-1770 (t) theresa@capolawfirm.com acknowledge them and 508-650-1869 (f) remind them about the new theresa@capolawfirm.com Estate planning, probate law, probate litigation, trust & fiduciary law, opportunities that await probate law, probate & fiduciary law, real Estate estateplanning, law (purchases, sales,litigation, leases,trust landlord/tenant), them. Focusing on the real estate law (purchases, sales, leases, landlord/tenant), positives of the move may real estatereal litigation, civil litigation, small business representation estate litigation, civil litigation, small business representation help settle down anxious children. MICHELLE GILLESPIE REALTORS
Explore - After deciding on a new home, I can help your family discover their new neighborhood by showing you the playgrounds, community centers, recreation areas and other areas important to the children that help make the environment seem more familiar. MOVING IN
Comfort - Pack up the children’s rooms last to minimize disruption. The longer they feel secure in their own rooms, the easier the transition will be. Then, set up their new bedrooms first so they feel like they’re back in familiar surroundings. And do not completely redecorate the children’s rooms in the new home; maintain continuity so the children feel secure. It is very important to return to normal routines as quickly as possible, so set up the kitchen second. Try to serve meals at the same times as before, so there is not too much change all at once. Engage - Show the children all the other rooms in the new home and let them participate to a degree in decorating decision-making. By accepting input on decoration, parents will make their children feel like they are part of the process. Surprise - Arrange for special treats to be waiting for everyone at the new house. New games or new cuddly friends will keep the children busy during unpacking and make the first memory of the new house a pleasant one to remember.
OUR CURRENT MARKET
The spring market is here with many buyers looking to purchase a home. With record low interest rates and the limited inventory, I am expecting a robust spring market. I received many calls from buyers and buyers agents looking for homes for sale in Northborough, Westborough, Marlborough, Shrewsbury and Southborough. If you are considering selling your home this year, please give me a call for a free market analysis. You will be pleasantly surprised at the value of your home as they have appreciated significantly over this past year. LET ME HELP YOU I have many years of experience working with families to sell and buy a new home. This past year, during the COVID19 pandemic, I sold many homes and moved many families successfully and safely into their new homes. I have a family of my own, so I understand the unique challenges involved with moving families. In addition, we have many safety protocols in place when selling a home to give the sellers peace of mind. If you are thinking of selling this year, please give me a call. I would love to talk with you about selling your home. You can reach me at 508-934-9818 or email me at michelle@ michellegillespie.com. V isit my website at www.michellegillespie.com to request a free market analysis. I look forward to hearing from you. Each office is independently owned and operated.
