Rêve Moms Talk About Parent and Kid-Friendly Home Amenities

In honor of Mother’s Day 2021, we asked moms at Rêve Realtors for some insight. As parents, what do they appreciate most about their own homes, or the homes they see and show around town? Read on for their take on which amenities benefit parents and kids alike.

Mirell Gallo

Rêve agent Mirell Gallo took on a major renovation of an 1867 Italianate home in the Lower Garden District and is still at it. She had this to say about the importance of a functioning kitchen and time-saving appliances: “Considering I was mid-renovation and without a real kitchen when I found out I was pregnant, a finished kitchen (with dishwasher, whoa) has been amazing!”

Caitlin Brewster

Rêve agent Caitlin Brewster has been around the block when it comes to looking at properties through a parent’s eyes. When she has buyer clients with children, she says she looks for things like “an eat-in kitchen with enough space to sit down and eat with a knife and fork, but also be a part of the kitchen cooking conversation.” She’s a fan of built-in shelves for organization in childrens’ bedrooms and a flex space for sleepovers and kid movie-watching. (See her listing at 429 Betz Place that has a great extra den for the kiddos.) Caitlin also loves a gated yard space for playing with pets and a front or back porch for spending quality time outside.

Jamie Hughes

Rêve agent Jamie Hughes likes the idea of an outdoor “bar” — making it a perfect spot for Mom and Dad to get away without ever leaving home.  In fact, Jamie and her husband renovated a shed at their last home, turning it into an awesome hang-out spot with a bar. More recently, they renovated the garage at their new home into an outdoor party space, complete with bar and pool table. These kinds of spaces can be lots of fun for both kids and adults, Jamie notes. “For years, my husband and I have had ‘date nights’ at home, hanging out at our own bar! And I think it will be more and more fun for our son as he gets older and better at playing pool ;-)”

Jamie also appreciates a kitchen that overlooks or opens up to the backyard, so that parents can be cooking and still keep an eye on kids playing in the backyard. (See her listing at 189 W. Oakridge, featuring a beautiful kitchen with big windows overlooking the backyard.)

Whether it’s an extra space for the kids, a great backyard, or living near a park, there are lots of amenities to keep in mind when you’re a parent who is house-hunting. Get in touch with a Rêve agent to help you find your dream home.