Finding the Right Multigenerational Home for Your Family

Multigenerational households come in all shapes and sizes. This means multigenerational homes can’t be squeezed into a one-size-fits-all home. Each person’s needs and how the home should function must be taken into consideration. There is so much more to finding the ideal home than simply thinking of the size of a home.  

Types of Multigenerational Households

According to The Harris Poll, 98% of Americans are living in one of these common types of multigenerational households. The harmony and success of these households is rooted in good family relationships and interactions as well as home design and supportive services.  

3 Generations: These households consist of working-age adults, children, and grandparents.

Grand-Families: This type of household includes grandparents (single or as a couple) who are raising grandchildren under the age of 18. There is a skip-generation missing from this household.

2 Adult Generations: This is when the parents move-in with their adult children.

4 Generations: These households consist of working-age adults, children, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Multiple Benefits Found in Multigenerational Living

While this style of living isn’t for everyone, those who experience this expressed the following key benefits:  

• Enhanced and stronger family bonds and relationships.
• Increased ease in providing personal care for those requiring childcare or adult senior care.
• Improved finances for at least one family member in the home. Additionally, if a new home is being purchased to accommodate the family, lenders may view the combined income and assets across the multiple generations more favorably.
• Increased positive impacts on personal mental and/or physical health.
• The opportunity to continue schooling or enrollment in job training.

Living Accommodations for Multiple Generations

When searching for a home to accommodate needs spanning generations, your real estate agent will talk about some of these key things to ensure everyone in the household will be best taken care of:  

• Are you looking for separate living areas or large spacious common areas?
• Will you require split utility bills?
• Will you want separate entrances?
• Are you seeking multiple kitchens, living rooms, etc.?
• Are you hoping for flexible living spaces which could be converted from living areas to workspace areas?
• Will the household include specific caregiving requirements beyond the immediate family? This could include safety railings in the bath, added handrails at any steps, or other similar assistance accessories to accommodate varying mobility needs.

As you can see, the home’s size is important but how the household will function is also very important. Because of these varying lifestyles, homebuilders have designed layout options to include extra suites, adding even more layers of comfort for everyone. Selecting a home with the right floorplan ensures a better balance between privacy and being together.

If you’re searching for a home to accommodate your multigenerational family, reach out. I’m happy to work with you to find a home where everyone can be comfortable and content. The Houston metroplex has a diverse offering of beautiful homes. I’d love to help you find your ideal home.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.