Many homebuyers with young kids face a major challenge as they attempt to balance the high cost of housing in a child-friendly neighborhood with the mounting expenses involved in child-rearing, says Eric Tyson, author of "Personal Finance for Dummies."

To avoid overstretching their budgets, Tyson, the father of three teenagers, says that parents must set their home-buying priorities carefully.

"The reality is that nearly all families have to compromise on the home features they can afford and sometimes on their neighborhood selection also," Tyson says.

He encourages dual-income parents to choose a neighborhood that's reasonably close to their jobs, even if that means accepting a smaller or older place than they could obtain for the same price in a distant suburb.

"Unless you absolutely have to drive a long way, you should try for a short commute to have more time with the family," Tyson says.

Here are a few pointers for buyers with young children:

-- Don't assume that schools with high test scores are your best bet.

It's a positive for parents that test scores are now widely available on the Internet so schools can be compared schools on that basis. But Tyson says test scores are just one way of assessing schools.

"Test scores are a fairly superficial measure," says Tyson, adding that school size and the availability of special programs, such as those in music, theater and art, are also important variables if you children are gifted in one of these areas.

William Bainbridge, president of the SchoolMatch Institute, which helps families find the best available schools, recommends that parents visit schools and meet with teachers and administrators. That way they'll get a feel for the culture of each school and whether it's welcoming to incoming students.

Bainbridge says some parents risk overspending on housing because they believe that schools in high-cost areas would necessarily be better for their kids. He contends that income levels don't always correlate with school quality, though parental involvement often does.

"In terms of the right atmosphere and extracurriculars for your kids, you could be surprised to find that a less expensive neighborhood is often a better choice than a pricey one," Bainbridge says.

-- Think through the need for a sizeable yard for your children.

It's obviously advantageous for children to live on a property large enough for a swing set or a spur-of-the-moment softball game. But as Tyson notes, children of the current generation are much more heavily scheduled than were their parents at the same age. They have many more programmed activities packed into their after-school, weekend and vacation hours.

Also, he says, neighborhoods with small yards are often friendlier than those with two-acre or larger lots.

"Where yards are smaller, kids are closer to their buddies and don't need to be driven around as much," Tyson says.

Houses in a neighborhood with small yards are usually less expensive than those in the same general area that are surrounded by elaborate landscaping.

If you can't afford a large yard, Tyson suggests you look for a house in a community with a major park or playground area. Alternatively, look for a place on a cul-de-sac with no through traffic.

-- Choose a floor plan that functions well for your family.

Dorcas Helfant, a former president of the National Association of Realtors (www.realtor.org), says it's more important for families to have a floor plan that encourages togetherness than a home with formal rooms.

"For most families, it doesn't much matter if they have a living room or a formal dining room. But it's a significant plus to have an eat-in kitchen that flows into a family room, so that while they're cooking, parents can keep an eye on the kids.

This combination room, Helfant notes, becomes the "nerve center" of the household, promoting togetherness between parents and kids during their scarce free hours.

-- Seek to buy as many bedrooms as you can afford.

Since the recession, architects and design specialists have speculated that American families would lose the desire to own large houses. But Helfant says that apart from formal living areas, people still want as much square footage as they can afford.

"Why would people who own a 60-inch television want a small family room? And who wants those tiny closets and bathrooms of our parents' generation? The answer is absolutely nobody," Helfant says.

She recommends that families on tight budgets who must make trade-offs place a priority on buying a home with enough bedrooms so that (ideally) each child can have one of their own and the parents will still have space for a home office.

"What's also wonderful is to have a guest room where the grandparents can stay when they come to visit," Helfant says.

-- Consider purchasing a two-story house.

Many baby boomers now seeking housing want a one-level property, seeking the increased convenience as they age.

But those with school-age children may wish to consider seriously the advantages of living on two levels, according to Helfant. That's because it's easier to contain the noise and mess of growing children if their bedrooms are separated from the common living space of the family.

With a two-story house, the parents of young children can entertain guests on the first floor while their children are playing with friends or sleeping upstairs.

"Remember that in a two-level home you get more space for the money because it takes up less land. And land prices have soared to premium levels in this country," Helfant says.

(To contact Ellen James Martin, email her at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com.)

Real estate agents say it's a common occurrence: A couple in their 60s or 70s sell their big family house and then set out to buy a smaller condo. But after rethinking their plans, they decide life in an apartment would be too big of an adjustment.

"All the condos they visit seem cloying and dark. They dislike the idea of smelling other people's cooking or hearing footsteps above or below their unit. And they don't like having to get in an elevator just to get to their car," says Mary Biathrow, an agent who's sold property to many seniors since entering the real estate field in 1992.

But if you're like many older homebuyers who loathe the idea of life in an apartment yet wish for fewer home upkeep chores, there are a number of other ways to achieve your goal, says Biathrow, who's affiliated with the Council of Residential Specialists (www.crs.com).

Tom Early, a past president of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (www.naeba.org), says the right housing choice for buyers over 60 depends on individual preferences.

"Obviously there's no single perfect answer for housing in your retirement years," Early says.

Here are a few pointers for purchasers:

-- Consider a one-level house for easy cleaning.

As Early notes, the demand for single-story houses is increasing rapidly, particularly among older people. And a detached, one-level house can have benefits over the classic condominium.

"People want a one-story house not only for lifestyle, but because they expect it to appreciate in a country with an aging population," he says.

Beyond their investment potential, one-level properties are easier to clean than two-story homes.

"To clean a single-story place you don't have to drag a vacuum cleaner up and down stairs. That eases the strain of keeping your home tidy," Early says.

-- Investigate the idea of acquiring a "patio home."

Most people think of a condominium as a unit in an apartment building that's owned by its occupants. While such is typically the case, homebuilders are increasingly bringing to market detached or semi-detached, one-level condos that are often called "patio homes."

These are essentially small houses in a community with some jointly owned property, such as a clubhouse. Patio homes afford their owners more privacy and autonomy than do condo-apartments. Also, outside maintenance is typically provided as well.

"If you hate apartment living, but also hate mowing grass and trimming bushes, a patio home could be the answer for you. When you travel, you just lock the door and you never have to worry about outside upkeep," Early says.

But Early reminds homebuyers that caution is in order when you're considering the purchase of any type of condo property.

"Make sure you find out if the homeowners' association has put money into an escrow account to keep up with such improvements as painting and parking lot-paving," Early says.

Also, before buying into any condo community, he recommends you look at the minutes of the condo association's meetings for the last two years.

"Within the minutes, you'll find clues about any lawsuits pending against the association or a former management company," he says.

-- Focus on finding a "cream puff" property.

Realtors use the term "cream puff" for a home that's been so babied by its owners that it's in excellent repair -- including all its appliances and major systems, such as plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning.

Acquiring a property sold by a meticulous owner can let its buyers coast for as long as five years without the need for any costly or time-consuming fixes.

"People who buy a cream puff get a home where nothing has been left undone, not even a tiny window crack or a shaky stair railing," Early says.

Those who baby their homes are usually also conscientious about their flower beds and pruning their trees. But Early warns against thinking that by buying a cream puff you'll have years to let your yard work slide.

"You've got to face the fact that well-kept grounds require your attention every year, either through your own labor or people you hire," he says.

-- Include brand-new houses in your search.

Not all new subdivisions are created equal. Some new homes give you years of maintenance-free living, while others mean headaches from the outset. However, as a general rule, a brand-new home will give you freedom from maintenance problems.

"You don't always get what you pay for. But many times, you do," Early says.

A dedicated real estate agent should be familiar with both new home and resale options in the area where you're looking.

Early believes that builders who add custom features to the homes they construct usually give buyers a better product than do those who mass-produce properties.

How can you find a builder with a quality edge?

"A reputable home inspector should know who's building solid homes rather than shoddy ones," he says.

-- Look at your options for a "nearly new" home if new ones are unavailable.

Early says those who purchase a brand-new home typically enjoy 10 or more years of freedom from worry about major repair or replacement issues. But if you aspire to live in a neighborhood where no new homes are available, he says your second-best option is to find a place less than five years old.

"In real estate, as with anything in life, there are no absolute guarantees. Still, older buyers can increase their odds of easy upkeep with the purchase of a place that's only a few years old," he says.

(To contact Ellen James Martin, email her at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com.)

In some popular neighborhoods, well-priced homes are now flying off the market. Indeed, some neighborhoods are plagued with a shortage of available properties. But there are many exceptions. And for some sellers, any time on the market -- however brief -- is very stressful.

"It's exhausting trying to keep your house immaculate as you wait for showings," says Ashley Richardson, a 20-year real estate agent.

Still, she says sellers can't afford to pass up appointments that could result in a sale.

The most serious buyers, including those relocating for a new job, are typically in a big hurry.

"Often, they fly in and have just one day to look at houses," Richardson says, stressing the importance of adhering to prospective buyers' schedules.

She tells the true story of a couple in their late 50s -- a school administrator married to a sales manager -- who are currently sabotaging their chances for a successful sale by limiting showings.

"From time to time, they go on strike, refusing to let their house be shown because their grown children are coming over or for any excuse whatsoever," Richardson says.

The upshot of the couple's resistance is that the property -- first listed in mid-2013 -- is still languishing unsold without a single offer pending.

"You simply can't turn down appointments or you'll lose prospects," Richardson says.

Here are a few pointers for home sellers:

-- Hit the market with your place in prime condition.

As a former real estate agent turned professional organizer, Vicki Norris knows how challenging it can be to keep a house in pristine showing condition. It's especially tough when the need to move is overlaid on another family issue, like a marital breakup.

"It's doubly hard for someone coping with a life crisis to keep a property looking good," says Norris, who heads her own consulting firm, Restoring Order (www.restoringorder.com).

To contain their upkeep tasks, Norris urges would-be sellers to streamline their belongings before opening their home to visitors. That means purging excess possessions and putting the rest in storage. It also means consolidating those items you'll want or need on a day-to-day basis.

"For example, designate a single space for all your CDs and DVDs. Also, reduce the number of toys your children have and place them neatly in a single, dedicated space," says Norris, author of "Restoring Order to Your Home."

For help with the culling and sorting process, it's tempting to call on friends and family members. But Norris says that professional organizers are typically less judgmental about what should be done with accumulations, an especially important factor if you're going through an involuntary move.

One source for referrals is the National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net).

-- Consider renting a storage unit on a temporary basis.

Most sellers are easily able to dispense with pairs of worn-out sneakers or old magazines. But most also have collections of favorite items they want to keep. These could include gourmet kitchen devices, sports trophies and memorabilia from their kids' early years.

"Leaving all this stuff out in view, or crowding your closets, will simply distract buyers and lead them to think your place is smaller than it is," says Sid Davis, a real estate broker and author of "Home Makeovers that Sell."

To streamline your property and reduce clutter, one option is to pack your prized collections into uniform-sized boxes, stacking these neatly in your garage. But according to Davis, you'd be better off keeping these boxes in a rented storage unit until your home sells.

-- Hire a top-quality cleaning service.

Have you done very little in-depth cleaning of your home recently? If so, you may wish to invest in what Davis calls "a super-duper cleaning."

"Before your house hits the market, you need to get rid of all those dust balls, cobwebs and dead insects. Plus you'll want your windows and chandeliers to receive all the careful attention they deserve. Either you do every bit of this work yourself or bring in a professional cleaning service," he says.

Though it could cost a couple hundred dollars, one day's worth of professional cleaning could spare you the need to repeat the process for another 60 to 90 days.

"Remember that even buyers who are slobs will only buy a clean house," Davis says.

-- Plan a family meeting to discuss upkeep issues.

No matter how brief their showing period, many sellers quickly tire of the process and lose focus. Dirty clothing is left in the laundry room, unpaid bills accumulate on a kitchen counter and bowls of half-eaten popcorn linger in the TV room.

Children and teens, especially, can quickly lose focus and revert to old habits, Richardson says. She tells the true story of one home-selling couple whose 17-year-old son stopped cooperating after the family home had been on the market for just a few days, making it extremely hard to show the property.

"He retreated into his room and refused to make his bed or pick up his school things or clothes. The floor was his closet," she says.

If you find your clan going off-track during the home marketing period, Richardson suggests you convene a family meeting to reframe the situation and offer incentives for sticking with the program. These could include a night out at your favorite pizza place or movie theater.

"When you're feeling down, just remember that hundreds of thousands of people have toughed it out until their homes were sold and you can do it, too," she says.

(To contact Ellen James Martin, email her at ellenjamesmartin@gmail.com.)