Multigenerational households are growing rapidly.

The popularity of multigenerational households, where parents, children, and grandparents all live together under one roof, is a growing trend in the United States. It's known as "Multigenerational Living," and it's not going away anytime soon. A study by PEW Research found that in 2018, 20 percent of the U.S. population (64 million people!) were living in multigenerational homes. This is a significant increase from the 26.8 million people who lived this way in the 1960s.

When Our REALTORS® speak to families looking for multigenerational homes for sale in Brighton, they cite a variety of reasons including the rising cost of healthcare, family finances, and children who have moved back home after college. No matter what the reason, multigenerational living can and does work, as long as you have the right attitude and the right type of house.

So how do you find a home that's suitable for a larger number of people and designed to make everyone happy? Start with these tips.

1. Understand Your Options
   When it comes to housing your multigenerational family, you have plenty of options. Your budget, the availability of properties, and your family dynamics will all influence which choice is best for you.
   
   In some cases, a remodel of your current home is all you need. More often, however, you'll need to find a new home that will better accommodate your new living arrangements. Many families are choosing duplexes or half-plexes, two-home lots, two-to-four unit residential properties, or tract homes with multiple master suites. Other families are having new homes custom-built to meet their unique specifications.

2. Address Privacy Needs
   Privacy is one of the biggest challenges in this type of living arrangement. Before you move forward, take an honest look at what will make each person the most comfortable.
   
   Some families prefer homes with completely separate kitchens and living rooms, while others use their bedrooms as private space and enjoy making the rest of the home a communal area. When making these decisions, think long-term to ensure you won't all feel frustrated after a couple of years. Discuss this right from the start and set boundaries to help everyone enjoy their privacy and retain their independence. 

3. Figure Out Your Finances
   Housing a larger number of people also comes with a cost. You'll need to discuss finances with everyone involved to determine who pays for the home purchase or renovation and what contributions are expected for the ongoing bills, taxes, and other expenses. If one or more family members will be selling a home, discuss the details of these transactions as well. 
   
   
4. Manage Expectations
   To keep the peace and ensure long-term happiness, it's smart to manage expectations right from the start. Determine whether this living arrangement is something permanent, or if it's just for a short time to help family members get back on their feet. This will greatly influence the type of housing option you choose.
   
   Remember, however, that circumstances do change. Make sure you're prepared for the possibility that the stay could extend beyond what you originally expected. 
   
   It's also a good idea to have a family meeting where you'll lay out exactly what's expected of everyone in terms of contributing to chores, groceries, and the overall upkeep of the home.

5. Work with a Great REALTOR®
   Working with a great REALTOR® like ours at Griffith Realty is smart any time you're buying a home, but when you're looking for a home that's suitable for multigenerational living, it's even more important. Since these homes are less common, you'll want the help of someone who can run detailed MLS searches and find out about homes for sale the moment they're listed. 

If you're in the market for a multigenerational home, we can help! Contact Griffith Realty today to discuss your needs and get started.